Bridging Divides Through Student Leadership: A National Conference Charts the Path Forward

The Applied Research Center for Civility (ARCC) at UC San Diego, with the National Conflict Resolution Center and Lead California, is hosting a national conference this October focused on empowering student leaders to bridge divides. Drawing on research from 55 institutions, the event brings together over 100 changemakers to share practical strategies for fostering dialogue and collaboration in higher education. Aligning with NCDD’s mission, the conference highlights colleges as key sites for building democratic skills and preparing the next generation to navigate polarization. Outcomes will inform a national guide on student leadership for divided times. Read more in the blog post below.

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In an era where polarization seems to define our public discourse, a groundbreaking initiative is emerging from the academic world that offers hope for more constructive dialogue. The Applied Research Center for Civility (ARCC) at UC San Diego, in partnership with the National Conflict Resolution Center and Lead California, is hosting "Building Next-Gen Leaders: Empowering Students to Navigate a Divided World" this October in San Diego.

This national conference represents more than just another academic gathering—it embodies a fundamental belief that the next generation holds the key to healing our fractured civic landscape. Over the past year, ARCC has conducted extensive interviews with 70 leaders across 55 institutions, including students, faculty, nonprofit partners, and campus leaders who are pioneering new approaches to dialogue and leadership development in higher education settings.

Research-Driven Solutions for Real-World Challenges

The conference emerges from ARCC's comprehensive research into how colleges and universities can better prepare students to engage across differences with empathy and effectiveness. This isn't theoretical work—it's grounded in the lived experiences of educators and student leaders who are already making a difference on campuses and in communities nationwide.

The gathering will bring together over 100 changemakers working at the intersection of dialogue, leadership, and education. Participants will explore groundbreaking insights from the national research project, engage in interactive sessions focused on real-world application of bridge-building strategies, and connect with thought leaders who are redefining civic engagement for Generation Z.
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What makes this conference particularly valuable for the dialogue and deliberation community is its focus on practical application. Rather than remaining in academic silos, the event emphasizes how educational institutions can serve as laboratories for democratic engagement, teaching students not just what to think, but how to think together across lines of difference.

Building Tomorrow's Bridge-Builders

The conference aligns perfectly with NCDD's mission to strengthen democracy through meaningful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. By focusing on student leadership development, this initiative recognizes that sustainable change in our civic culture must begin with empowering young people with the skills and confidence to engage constructively across divides.

The partnership between UC San Diego, the National Conflict Resolution Center, and Lead California demonstrates the kind of cross-sector collaboration that NCDD champions. This joint initiative between academic institutions and community organizations creates a model for how dialogue and deliberation principles can be embedded in educational settings and scaled for broader impact.

The timing couldn't be more crucial. As our communities grapple with increasing polarization and declining trust in institutions, this conference offers a beacon of possibility—showing how higher education can fulfill its democratic mission by preparing students to be effective bridge-builders and collaborative leaders in their future careers and civic roles.

The insights generated from this conference will directly inform ARCC's forthcoming national publication on best practices for preparing students to lead in a divided and interconnected world, potentially influencing dialogue and deliberation practices across the country.
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For dialogue practitioners, educators, and community leaders interested in fostering the next generation of bridge-builders, this conference offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from cutting-edge research and connect with a national network of changemakers.

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​Ready to be part of this transformative gathering? Learn more about the conference and register to attend by visiting the registration page https://ncrconline.com/2025-arcc-conference/ or scanning the QR code provided in the conference materials. Travel stipends are available for eligible registrants, making this opportunity accessible to emerging leaders who might otherwise be unable to participate.