2026 'Be the Change'
Youth Training Program

The School-Based Health Alliance has a distinct training program just for youth at the National School-Based Health Care Conference, June 23-25, 2026. The ‘Be the Change’ Youth Training Program is designed to provide an opportunity for youth to connect with like-minded peers from around the country who are passionate leaders of change in their schools and communities. ‘Be the Change’ participants network with each other and school-based health care advocates at the conference and engage in various workshops pertaining to health, education, policy, and leadership.

Learn more about the previous ‘Be the Change’ conferences  here.

See you in Washington, D.C.!

Submit an Abstract

This category’s abstracts will explore youth-led and partnered strategies that inspire students to participate successfully and lead efforts in school-based health settings, such as health campaigns, program planning, outreach and promotion, policy and advocacy, and peer-led education and support groups. Abstracts must include young people as lead or co-lead presenters and have a youth audience in mind. NOTE: Workshops must be interactive and implement various learning strategies besides traditional lecture-discussion, such as learning games, live demonstrations, practice of new skills and techniques, small group exercises, role-playing, case scenarios, action planning, and sharing small group findings with larger groups.

'Be the Change’ Youth Training Program Scholarship Competition

There are a limited number of scholarships available for students. More information about scholarship coverage will be available soon.

Rules

Applicants must be registered for conference prior to submitting a scholarship application.
Applicants must be nominated by an adult involved with school-based health centers.
Applicants must be between 14 to 18 years of age at the time of the conference.
Applicants must get the permission of a parent and/or guardian to apply.
Applicants must submit their application, essay, transcript, and nominating form to School-Based Health Alliance by Friday, May 15, 2026.
Scholarship recipients must be able to attend the full conference from June 23-25, 2026.
Scholarship recipients must attend all ‘Be the Change’ workshops at the conference.

Scholarship decisions will be sent via email Friday, May 22, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship competition, please e-mail Harper Byers at hbyers@sbh4all.org or call 202-370-4390.

Visit https://www.youthhealthhub.org/be-the-change/ for more information about the ‘Be the Change’ Youth Training Program.

FAQ for chaperones

What are my responsibilities as a chaperone?
Chaperones are responsible for scheduling travel to and from the conference for the student(s) they are supervising. They are also charged with arranging their own room accommodation, food for student(s) during non-scheduled meals, and general supervision of the student(s) during non-conference hours. Chaperones are also responsible for ensuring that their student(s) follow the rules established in their consent form.

Is there a consent form I have to sign?
Yes, all consent forms must be signed by the youth, their parent/guardian, and their chaperone.

Do I need to participate in ‘Be the Change’ Youth Training Program activities?
No, you are not required to participate in any youth program activities. As a registered attendee of the National School-Based Health Care Conference, you are more than welcome to participate in any of the open workshops listed in the general program. You may sit-in on any ‘Be the Change’ workshops, but are required to check-in with Harper Byers, the coordinator of the event, before you do so.

Is there a limit to the number of students I can chaperone?
No, there is no official limit to the number of students you can chaperone.

If one of the students I am chaperoning received a scholarship, how will their room be paid?
Scholarship recipients’ rooms will be provided by the School-Based Health Alliance. The chaperone is responsible for arranging accommodation for all students they are bringing to the conference who did not receive a scholarship.

Will the youth be staying at the same hotel as the conference?
Most youth will be staying at the same hotel as the conference. As a chaperone, you are required to stay at the same hotel as your youth.

Registration

Registration is currently not open. More information will be available soon.

Schedule/Program

There is no confirmed schedule at this time. More information will be available soon.