High School

Tickets | $155/person

AISNE's Student Conferences are exclusively available to students in AISNE member schools. 

Ticket & Cancellation Policies

• There is a limit of 15 students and 2 chaperones per school. This helps ensure access to the event for as many schools as possible.

• 1 chaperone is required for 1 – 10 students. 2 chaperones are required for 11 – 15 students. 

• Chaperones must be present for the entire conference and must be employees of an AISNE member school.  

• Tickets are non-refundable and may not be transferred from one school to another. Please do not buy more tickets than you anticipate using.

Registration Process

Step 1 

• Purchase the number of tickets (student and chaperone) that you intend to send to the conference. 

• If you do not know which students will attend, use the placeholder name "John Doe" on the Eventbrite registration page.

Step 2

• After event registration closes, AISNE will send you a Google form in which you will name all student attendees, their chosen affinity groups, and other pertinent information. 

Financial Aid

To further equity and inclusion at our student conferences, AISNE may support schools that face financial challenges in attending the Middle School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conference or the High School Students of Color Conference. 

If you are interested in applying for financial assistance for your students, please email eliza@aisne.org before you complete your school’s registration. Please describe the reason(s) you are requesting financial support. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to supporting your students’ participation in this valuable educational event.

A Cultural-Mix Tape: The Sounds of Community

Music is food for the soul and a representation of culture and tradition. Join this interactive, creative session that delves into the world of music as both a form of self-expression and a way to learn about others' cultures.  

An Introduction to the Divine Nine

Students will present a brief introduction to the history of the Divine Nine, and discuss the popularization and misrepresentation of Black Greek life on TikTok. The Divine Nine refers to the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations (HBGOs) that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These fraternities and sororities were founded primarily at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) between 1906 and 1963, during an era of racial segregation when Black students were excluded from predominantly white Greek organizations.

Bad Bunny, Politics, and Gender 

Through examining his musical aesthetics, Bad Bunny highlights the beauty of Puerto Rican culture with a view into the island’s history, serving as a mode to criticize injustice and political fragmentation in the US and the world—his lyricism embodies rebellion, hope, and the resilience of the Puerto Rican people, and more broadly all Latinx people in the US. This is a discussion-based workshop.

Building a Nation: The Latinx/Hispanic Contribution to the U.S.

In U.S. History classes, there is usually little focus on Latinx/Hispanic migration. Therefore, we believe that it is important that students know the history of important moments, and how much we have contributed to the building of the U.S. We will be focusing on some historical events, and the driving force of migration, but we will also be adding statistics and figures at the end that highlight all the hard work of generations who have come to the U.S. The goal of this workshop is for students to leave with a deeper understanding of our community and perhaps even start conversations with others about it.

Celebrating Immigrant Voices: Contributions of Students and Families 

It's time to celebrate our incredible stories, cultures, and journeys. This workshop is all about honoring the powerful contributions of immigrant students and families by sharing the rich cultural experiences that shape who we are. You'll have the chance to connect over shared stories, discover new perspectives, and feel the collective pride that comes from knowing your background is something to be celebrated — not hidden. Whether your family has been here for generations or just arrived, every voice and every story belongs here. Come ready to share, listen, and leave feeling more connected.

Come Dancing! Break the Beat with the Wheeler Multicultural Dance Team 

Join this high-energy multicultural dance workshop where participants will learn dance styles ranging from Kathak and Bollywood (Saki Saki, Naacho Naacho) to Afro Beats (Gwara Nao Para), Latin (Taki Taki, Mi Gente), and KPOP (Tippy Toes, Supernova). This is an opportunity to explore diverse dance styles beyond mainstream Western culture, connect with others, and even perform in groups of three at the end! Beyond just choreography, the workshop delves into the stories and cultures behind these styles. All levels are welcome—whether participants love music, dance, or simply want to try something new, this is a chance to step onto the stage and experience something exciting!

Culinart Cookoff: Waste Warrior Cooking Challenge

Get ready for a high-energy culinary showdown where sustainability meets creativity! Up to eight dynamic student teams, each guided by a masterful Chef, will battle it out in a thrilling Chopped-style competition across a fast-paced, one-hour session. The twist? A surprise secret ingredient will be revealed, challenging teams to think on their feet and craft delicious, waste-conscious dishes that wow the judges. Join us as we celebrate culinary talent and sustainability in action. Who will rise to the top and earn the title of Waste Warrior Champion?

Here's What You Can Expect:

• Enjoy healthy teamwork with your peers

• Learn innovative cooking and/or culinary prep techniques

• Become inspired to create your own zero- or low-waste recipes at home

• Gain an understanding of how you can impact and help control food waste

• No cooking knowledge or skill required!

Designing Dialogue in the Face of Student Silence

The Milton Academy DEIJ Board is a 10-12-member student board that sophomores through seniors can apply to join. The board serves as a bridge between the student community and the DEIJ office, as well as serving as peer leaders and developing initiatives that contribute to equity, inclusion, and justice within the Milton Academy school community. In this workshop, members of the Milton Academy DEIJ Board will use case studies to share a dialogue format that threads through their middle school (teacher-led) and upper school (student-led) called CAFE (Cultural Awareness for Everyone). Student leaders for this workshop will share the highs and lows of the initiative's first year and offer guidance on how other schools might lead similar initiatives.

How Do You Want to Show Up in the World?: Vision Board Adventure

How do your personal goals align with expectations of family, friends, ethnicity, or culture? What would it look like to be your authentic self? Come to this session to create a vision board that aligns with how you will show up for yourself and others. 

How to Create Systemic Change When You Are Too Young To Vote or Drive

It's really hard when you see injustice, want change, and have people tell you that you will be able to do something about it when you are eighteen. It's also not true. In this hands-on workshop, we will help you identify the things you want to give your voice to, and we will help you uncover the steps you can take, right now, to help elevate issues and make change real. We will go into the history of movements that didn't just talk about change; they brought change into their communities. This workshop will go into the social justice efforts of The Black Panthers, The Young Lords, The American Indian Movement, The Young Patriots, The White Panthers, and The Brown Berets. While we will cover what the adults in those movements did politically, we will focus on what the kids did on the ground.

How to Make Friends and Talk to People When You Find Social Cues Mystifying: Shabbat Friendly

Social Pragmatics is a big phrase that just means "How to understand the unsaid things everyone seems to have agreed upon... but they didn't actually SAY anything and NO ONE bothered to ACTUALLY tell you." In this hands-on workshop, we will go into how to notice social cues. We will talk about and practice ways you can figure out what is okay and what is not okay, cross-culturally and in new situations. This is a great workshop if you have trouble figuring out what folks are doing or talking about in everyday life. It's also a great workshop if you want to more easily navigate cross-culturally in other countries or in places where most people don't share your cultural norms.

Intersectionality
We all carry unique identities that make us who we are — and this workshop is here to celebrate exactly that. Intersectionality examines how different parts of our identities, such as race, gender, culture, and more, overlap and shape our experiences in powerful ways. You'll get the chance to connect with peers, share perspectives, and build the kind of understanding and solidarity that makes communities truly stronger together. This is a safe, welcoming space to learn, grow, and see the world through a broader lens. 

Laya, Taal, Sur: The Foundations of Indian Classical Music 

Indian classical music has impacts in many areas of daily life. It has moved into the realm of devotion, and many of the prayers in Hinduism were composed as classical pieces. Dancing in India was heavily influenced by classical music, with rhythmic cycles as its primary focus and vocal compositions as a secondary one. Many Bollywood songs in India include small bits of classical music, and many renowned musicians were trained in classical music. Together, we will celebrate and learn about the variety of ways in which music has inspired the daily lives of Indians.

Let’s Get Personal…About Personal Finance, That Is!

At Rockland Trust, we want you to have a healthy relationship with money at any age. We also realize that personal finance is, well…personal! In this workshop, students will hear from two BIPOC banking professionals who will take you through their own journeys that led to careers in banking while uncovering the varied professional opportunities that exist within the industry. Through honest and open conversations, they will discuss the challenges of being women of color in a predominantly white male field, answer questions about the basics of banking, budgeting and credit and maybe even engage in an interactive game or two. Talking about money can be stressful but learning about it doesn’t have to be. We invite you to this candid conversation that aims to pique your curiosity and encourages you to learn more. 

My Name in Korean: FAN Addition

For the first part of the workshop, we will teach people a brief history of the Korean language, Hangeul, and challenge them to write their names in Korean. Once people learn how to write their names, we will be handing out plain white Korean traditional fans along with Korean calligraphy brush sets. Attendees will then decorate the fans by writing their names in Korean calligraphy and adding drawings around them.

So, Tell Me About Yourself….

This session is about getting ready for a job interview.

One of the first things most interviewers ask for is a description of who you are. The temptation is to go through a “laundry list” of things that describes who you are. “I live in Foxboro.” “I have a sister and a brother.” “I’m responsible.” But when you do this, you overlook a more powerful technique, one that makes people “feel.” That technique is the “power of story.” Interviewers are people and people love a good story. Telling a good story about yourself will make interviewers remember you, understand you, and maybe even hire you. You’ll learn how to create a good “hook,” create powerful word-imagery, and formulate a “twist.” So, after this session, you’ll walk away with a format for telling a good story based on your history. 

The Art of Resistance in Brazilian Funk 

Brazilian funk is prevalent in favelas (impoverished, urban settlements in Brazil). Growing up, I was often told NOT to listen to funk. "It's dirty. It's embarrassing," my mom would tell me. Meanwhile, at the public school I attended, classmates sang those lyrics with pride. Soon, I realized that, to some students whose lives were rooted in the struggles and violence of favelas, Brazilian funk stood as resistance, stood as their only hope. The lyrics in Brazilian funk, sometimes filled with vulgar language, create an ironic form of resistance in those communities. 

This workshop introduces students to what growing up around these communities and the ironic resistance of Brazilian funk has felt like. Through music, a mini dance lesson, and a historical overview of how funk has transformed Brazil, students will be taught a new side of Brazilian culture—one that is often overlooked, especially in international settings. This workshop aims to leave students with a desire to continue challenging stereotypes they encounter in their lives. Students will see how powerful (and doable) the act of questioning traditional structures and thought systems can be.

Words of Truth: Storytelling & Authenticity as Power Learning Objectives with Keynote Speaker, Harrison “Hope” Grigsby 

(11th and 12th grade only)

Harrison “Hope” Grigsby, Executive Director of the Hope Scholars Initiative, will lead a culturally affirming student experience drawing from Hip Hop pedagogy, personal storytelling, and performance. The session will inspire attendees to embrace authenticity, cultivate resilience, and leverage their narratives as a strength based in their post-secondary journeys.  

This session will help attendees recognize the value of lived experiences and cultural identity in shaping academic and career pathways. Get ready to better understand how authenticity fosters influence and success, and come prepared to practice storytelling through Hip Hop-inspired exercises like cypher, call & response, and short verse creation.  

Writing in CommUNITY 

In this session, we will harness the power of writing in the company of others. We will write by hand, engaging in short generative creative writing exercises with sharing activities that lift our voices and create a sense of belonging. No experience is necessary! Anyone can do this. For those who believe that they can’t write or think that they don’t like to write, have you ever wondered who it serves if your story never gets told? If someone else tells your story for you? Our voices are powerful. Feel the magic and power of writing in CommUNITY.

Yoga, Shabbat Friendly

Kick off your shoes and join us to clear your mind, reduce some stress, blow off some steam and maybe learn to breathe so effectively that you could melt snow around you. You will be guided through a meditation, a vinyasa (flowing) practice, and end with a final resting pose. All are welcome — yes, YOU too. Please wear clothing that allows you to move freely. 

A Cultural-Mix Tape: The Sounds of Community

Music is food for the soul and a representation of culture and tradition. Join this interactive, creative session that delves into the world of music as both a form of self-expression and a way to learn about others' cultures.  

Culinart Cookoff: Waste Warrior Cooking Challenge

Get ready for a high-energy culinary showdown where sustainability meets creativity! Up to eight dynamic student teams, each guided by a masterful Chef, will battle it out in a thrilling Chopped-style competition across a fast-paced, one-hour session.

The twist? A surprise secret ingredient will be revealed, challenging teams to think on their feet and craft delicious, waste-conscious dishes that wow the judges. Join us as we celebrate culinary talent and sustainability in action. Who will rise to the top and earn the title of Waste Warrior Champion?

Here's What You Can Expect:

• Enjoy healthy teamwork with your peers

• Learn innovative cooking and/or culinary prep techniques

• Become inspired to create your own zero- or low-waste recipes at home

• Gain an understanding of how you can impact and help control food waste

• No cooking knowledge or skill required!

Dance Workshop | AfroBeats: The Dance of Expression, Courage, and Identity in Oneself

Afrobeat originated with Nigerian Fela Kuti, a musician and activist who blended traditional Yoruba music with American jazz, blues, and funk, and whose lyrics incorporated commentaries on political and social issues. By contrast, AfroBeats music features a more modern, commercial sound and lyrics that often are about experiences with love, identity, success, and partying. Thus, the created style of dance appeared in the early 2000’s as the indicative of the culture of Africans and their Black descendants living abroad. In this dance session, you will learn how to gain rhythm, footwork, dance terminology, and freedom of expression, and discover how you want to identify yourself as a dancer. Lastly, we will tie this dance style to Afrobeats music to showcase what you’ve learned. Ah man, let’s get this party started!

Drama in the Dorms: A Tale of Two Vastly Different Years of DEIJ House Visits 

The Milton Academy DEIJ Board is a 10-12-member student board that sophomores through seniors can apply to join. The board serves as a bridge between the student community and the DEIJ office, as well as serving as peer leaders and developing initiatives that contribute to equity, inclusion, and justice within the Milton Academy school community. In this workshop, members of the Milton Academy DEIJ Board will outline their strategies and experiences from their Residential House Visits program aimed to encourage conversation about important social issues and discuss how the experiences differed as the political pendulum swung back after the 2024 presidential election, so that participants can adapt this approach and create their own programming in their school communities.

First Generation Journeys: Stories of Resilience and Identity, Shabbat Friendly

First Generation Journeys is a space to create and share powerful stories of resilience, identity, and the incredible strength it takes to pave the way for yourself and your family. You'll connect with peers who get it, celebrate the unique experiences that have shaped you, and discover just how much your story has the power to inspire others. Whether you're navigating new paths or finding your place, you are not alone — and your journey deserves to be heard and celebrated. Come ready to open up, lift each other up, and walk away feeling proud of everything that makes you, you.

History of Hip Hop: An Interactive Workshop Where We Will Collectively Construct Lyrics

Half of this workshop goes into a brief history of Hip Hop and how it is used to give voice to folks who don't feel their issues are being seen, heard, or taken seriously. The second half of this workshop lets us, as a group, construct lyrics that express our feelings about an issue that we collectively choose.

How Do You Want to Show Up in the World? A Vision Board Adventure

How do your personal goals align with expectations of family, friends, ethnicity, or culture? What would it look like to be your authentic self? Come to this session to create a vision board that aligns with how you will show up for yourself and others. 

Layered Listening: Having Constructive Conversations When You Just Want to Scream: Shabbat Friendly

This is a hands-on workshop where you will get to learn a technique that you can practice with friends to help you BEFORE you get into an argument. This technique is GREAT when you are having a conversation with someone, and you don't agree, or you don't feel you are being heard. Students have taught this to their parents, siblings, friends, and teachers and have found that they have had better conversations. 

Patterns of Home: Kazakh Symbol Design Workshop 

In this workshop, participants will explore the meaning of the shanyrak - the central, circular opening at the top of a Kazakh yurt that symbolizes home, unity, and the universe. We will begin with a brief introduction to its cultural significance and show examples of how Kazakh people used to decorate the shanyrak with traditional Kazakh/Central Asian ornaments. After this introduction, students will receive circular cardstock templates representing the shanyrak. Using printed sheets of Kazakh ornament patterns, they will choose symbols that resonate with them and fill the inside of their shanyrak with a personalized arrangement of motifs. Students may also write a short reflection explaining how each chosen symbol represents their values, identity, or sense of home. At the end of the session, participants will be invited to share their designs with the group. Each participant will leave with a personally designed shanyrak that blends their own story with elements of Kazakh cultural heritage.

Representation Matters!

In this workshop, we will explore a variety of representations of LGBTQIA+ experiences in books, tv shows, and more. Come to learn about why representation matters, share why it matters to you, and leave with some recommendations for your next snow day read or weekend watch.

Reviving Disappearing Art Forms: The Burmese Marionettes Throughout Empires, Colonialism, and Contemporary Myanmar

The workshop will explore history, evolution, and preservation of the Burmese Marionettes through a presentation, visual analysis of performances, and a puppetry tutorial. We will start with the historical context and evolution of the Burmese Marionettes. Then, we will break out for the second part of the workshop, where students form small groups to each analyze a distinct marionette act (Ritual Dance, Ramayana Scene, or The Prince & Princess Duet). Specifically, they will be asked to critically reflect on the plot, theme, and cultural significance of the performances. Then, as a whole, we will all come together to discuss our discoveries. In the end, I will provide a research-backed analysis of all three performances and it’s cultural relevance to Myanmar today. For the last part of the workshop, I will provide a puppetry tutorial with some basic techniques, and students can volunteer to try it out. Before we leave, I will provide prompts for students to reflect on the greater significance of cultural preservation.

So, Tell me About Yourself…..

This session is about getting ready for a job interview.

One of the first things most interviewers ask for is a description of who you are. The temptation is to go through a “laundry list” of things that describes who you are. “I live in Foxboro.” “I have a sister and a brother.” “I’m responsible.” But when you do this, you overlook a more powerful technique, one that makes people “feel.” That technique is the “power of story.” Interviewers are people and people love a good story. Telling a good story about yourself will make interviewers remember you, understand you, and maybe even hire you. You’ll learn how to create a good “hook,” create powerful word-imagery, and formulate a “twist.” So, after this session, you’ll walk away with a format for telling a good story based on your history. 

Student Leadership, Shabbat Friendly

Get ready to level up your leadership game! This workshop is all about bringing students together to collaborate, lift each other up, and build a school community that actually feels like one. You'll walk away with the tools and confidence to make a real difference — because great leaders aren't born, they're built. Whether you're a natural go-getter or just starting to find your voice, this is your space to shine and connect with others who want to do the same. Come ready to inspire and be inspired!

The Power of Names: Honoring Identity through Accurate Representation (e.g., š, č, ñ, ö, é)
Your name is more than just a word — it's a piece of your identity, your heritage, and your story, and it deserves to be said and spelled correctly. This workshop dives into the beauty of names from all backgrounds, exploring how the unique characters and sounds in our names represent rich cultural diversity. You'll learn why accurate representation matters, how to honor your peers' names with confidence and respect, and why something as simple as saying someone's name correctly is one of the most powerful acts of inclusion out there. Come ready to share the story behind your name — because every name is worth honoring.

Unpacking Your Identity: The Nuances of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race
This session will encourage participants to explore factors that shape the unique ways they live their identity.  What parts of their identity are recognized when you feel most seen? Misunderstood? What does it look like when the nuances of your culture, ethnicity, and race are in balance?

Well-being and Self-Care

What do you do when you experience or witness an act of bias, microaggressions, or harm to another person based on their identity? How do you balance the desire to create change with self-care? This session will explore techniques to respond in the moment and afterward. We will look at de-escalation techniques for the moment and self-care strategies afterwards.  Participants will also engage in a self-assessment to learn more about how they respond in these situations and practical ways to care for themselves and others!

Writing in CommUNITY 

In this session, we will harness the power of writing in the company of others. We will write by hand, engaging in short generative creative writing exercises with sharing activities that lift our voices and create a sense of belonging. No experience is necessary! Anyone can do this. For those who believe that they can’t write or think that they don’t like to write, have you ever wondered who it serves if your story never gets told? If someone else tells your story for you? Our voices are power. Feel the magic and power of writing in CommUNITY.

Yoga, Shabbat Friendly

Kick off your shoes and join us to clear your mind, reduce some stress, blow off some steam and maybe learn to breathe so effectively that you could melt snow around you. You will be guided through a meditation, a vinyasa (flowing) practice, and end with a final resting pose. All are welcome — yes, YOU too. Please wear clothing that allows you to move freely.

Morning 

Opening Keynote Featured Workshop with Shabana Basij-Rasikh 

Afternoon 

Equity & Belonging Facilitative Discussion Program 

Equity & Belonging (E&B) Facilitative Discussion Program- Adult Workshop - Discover how Derryfield School embeds equity and belonging into every professional development day. Through small-group discussion circles, all employees- from admin, faculty, staff, bus drivers, building & grounds- everyone engages in ongoing dialogue designed to deepen and continue conversations on topics like microaggressions, bias and identity-based conflict, fostering a culture of shared responsibility rather than one-off or "checking-the-box" DEI efforts.