Portland's 11th ​Ethnic Studies ​Youth Conference 
Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union
Friday, November 20th, 2026  

Portland State University’s College of Education, in partnership with Portland Community College’s Department of Race, Indigenous Nations, and Gender Studies, is hosting our 11th Ethnic Studies Youth Conference - a platform for middle and high school students from throughout Oregon to gather and share their art, testimonies, and research relating to the intersections of race and ethnicity, social, economic, and environmental justice. This free conference connects people across age groups, institutions, and geographies, and centers youth voices in a supportive environment. 
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WHEN: Friday, November 20th, 2026, 10:00am-3:00pm
WHERE: Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU)
WHY: To connect youth, art, advocates, and research
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CONFERENCE STRUCTURE:
Participating youth will give presentations of 10-15 minutes (per group), depending on the number of panelists. Panels will be grouped by theme and moderated by educators, scholars, and community leaders. Presentations are followed by supportive question/answer and discussion periods. Students may also request longer presentation times to lead and facilitate a workshop.
 
Participation is free. Free conference preparation support is available for teachers and youth leaders.
 
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Middle and high school students who want to share art or research should submit their presentation title and a brief description by November 3rd, 2026. Teachers and youth group leaders may also submit one form with multiple presenters, titles, and descriptions directly via email.
1. Conference participation forms found here: Participation Form
2. For volunteers and groups interested in supporting, please visit the online volunteer form.
3. Reach out directly to conference organizer Gabriel Higuera at gabriel.higuera@pcc.edu