220+ HBCU Students Head to DC for UNCF Leadership Conference

For over 17 years, the UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC) has served as a vital platform, connecting HBCU students from around the world with Fortune 500 companies dedicated to providing career opportunities. The highly anticipated 17th annual conference is set to convene over 220 undergraduate students from across the US in Washington, DC, for a transformative, multi-day event. The conference aims to equip rising juniors and seniors with the skills and networks needed for success as interns and early career professionals.

UNCF Student leadership Conference 2026 SLC Flyer

Key Event Details

The 17th annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference will take place from May 27-30 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA. The conference brings together students from colleges and universities across the country, with a focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This multi-day convening provides participants with direct access to corporate partners committed to fortifying the pipeline of diverse leaders.

Professional Development and Corporate Access

The conference agenda features presentations and keynote addresses from corporate leaders focusing on professional development topics. Students will engage in an intense training simulation, receiving coaching from high-level business and nonprofit professionals. Participating organizations committed to this initiative include major companies such as Wells Fargo, The Walt Disney Company, National Geographic, Fidelity Investments, and Exelon.

The event operates under the theme

Leadership Beyond the Title: Voice, Influence, Impact.

Featured Leaders and UNCF’s Mission

The conference is spearheaded by Arnika D. Frazier-Jackson, Director of Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) at UNCF. As an HBCU graduate from Florida A&M University, Arnika Jackson is the visionary force behind the SLC, designing and leading high-impact initiatives that prepare HBCU students to successfully transition from college to career.

Also featured at the event is Jaylen Holmes, a Miles College graduate who previously attended the SLC and has since excelled during his career with The Walt Disney Company. Jaylen will be returning to provide upcoming students with insight on his journey and how UNCF helped shape his success.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education. Since 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion to support student access to higher education, providing scholarships and strengthening 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. UNCF’s widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®.

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