GWI 2026 – Call for Proposals 

Strengthening Our Work Together

Call for Education Session Proposals

Your voice and experience are essential. Over the past year, our profession has faced substantial challenges — but also demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to the students and communities we serve.

Each year, your insights help strengthen our collective practice. Thanks to contributors like you, NACAC’s GWI conference continues to deliver timely, relevant, and practical learning for professionals at every stage.

This year, we’re building on that momentum by highlighting fresh ideas, lived expertise, and forward-thinking approaches that meet the realities of college access today.

Now’s your opportunity to help lead the conversation. We invite you to submit an engaging, impactful session proposal that elevates emerging trends, sparks dialogue, and advances our shared mission.

The deadline to submit your proposal is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference.

Quick Links:

Important Dates

  • Call for Proposals Opens: Tuesday, February 17, 2026  
  • Call for Proposals Closes: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
  • Review Period: Monday, March 23– Friday, April 20, 2026 
  • Notifications: Late April 2026
  • GWI Conference: Tuesday, July 28 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026 

Submission Requirements

  • Education Sessions: 60 minutes, up to 4 presenters (including moderator) 
    • Session Title (max 12 words) 
  • Session Description (max 150 words)
  • Intended Audience:Secondary, Postsecondary, CBO, IEC
  • Content Level
    • Foundational/general sessions are designed for participants who are new to the topic or seeking a broad overview. These sessions introduce key concepts, terminology, and basic practices. No prior knowledge is required. 
    • Attendee Profile: New professionals; those exploring a new area of interest 
    • Intermediate sessions are appropriate for attendees with some prior experience or familiarity with the topic. These sessions build on foundational concepts and focus on practical applications, strategies, and problem-solving. 
    • Attendee Profile: Professionals with 3-5 years of experience; those ready to deepen their understanding 
    • Advanced sessions are intended for seasoned professionals with significant expertise. These sessions address complex issues, advanced methodologies, and future-focused strategies. Participants should have substantial prior knowledge and experience. 
    •  Attendee Profile: Senior-level practitioners; those seeking cutting-edge insights and leadership strategies 

Best Practices

  • Plan ahead and draft your proposal before submitting online 
  • Use clear, concise language and actionable learning objectives
  • Ensure completeness—partial submissions can be saved, but cannot be submitted for review 
  • Respect intellectual property rights and provide permissions for all media

Review Process

Proposals will be evaluated by former GWI faculty and NACAC staff for a range of topics, relevance, and quality.  

Criteria include: 

  • Speaker experience
  • Session summary, content, and content level 
  • Learning objectives and actionable takeaways 
  • Relevance and timeliness of session topic 

For additional information, please find the rubric here.  

How to Submit

If you are ready to submit your proposal, please click below: 

If you would like additional information on the application process, NACAC’s Education and Training team will be hosting a webinar and “office hours.” The dates, times, and registration links are coming soon. A recording of the webinar will be available for viewing afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about the proposal submission process.

All proposals will be evaluated using the rubric.  

  • Note: The 2026 rubric has been updated to include a criterion on Content Level. 

  • Education Sessions are hour-long sessions (up to 4 presenters, including a moderator) focused on one of the following content levels. 
Foundational/GeneralIntermediateAdvanced
Designed for participants who are new to the topic or seeking a broad overview. These sessions introduce key concepts, terminology, and basic practices. No prior knowledge is required.Created for attendees with some prior experience or familiarity with the topic. These sessions build on foundational concepts and focus on practical applications, strategies, and problem-solving.Targeted for seasoned professionals with significant expertise. These sessions address complex issues, advanced methodologies, and future-focused strategies. Participants should have substantial prior knowledge and experience.
Audience: New professionals; those exploring a new area of interestAudience: Professionals with 3-5 years of experience; those ready to deepen their understandingAudience: Senior-level practitioners; those seeking cutting-edge insights and leadership strategies

Notifications are tentatively scheduled for end of March and will be sent to the primary submitter. You can also check your submission status in the proposal portal.

Yes. There is no limit on the number of proposals you may submit. However, you may present at a maximum of two sessions. 

The primary submitter will receive a confirmation email after submission. If you do not receive one, please verify that your proposal was fully submitted. 

No. All accepted speakers must register and attend GWI 2026 in person in Washington, D.C.

Yes. Speakers are responsible for registration (with a presenter discount), travel, and hotel accommodations.

No. Incomplete proposals cannot be submitted. Drafts can be saved and edited until the deadline. 

Yes. You may edit your proposal after submission, but before the deadline. You will receive a new confirmation email after resubmitting. 

Yes. You are welcome to submit the same proposal to both events. Please note that each conference has its own selection process, so acceptance to one does not guarantee acceptance to the other.

Have another question? Contact NACAC’s Education and Training Team.