The Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) hosted its 4th Annual Learn, Engage, Develop! (LED) Conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026. More than 130 youth development professionals, educators, and advocates came together for a full day of learning, collaboration, and professional enrichment.
This year’s conference featured 12 workshops and panel discussions addressing some of the most relevant and timely topics in youth development, including youth leadership, life skills development, behavior management, family engagement, and strategic planning. A highlight was the opening panel conversation on “Preparing Youth for an AI‑Driven World,” facilitated by NAZA Chief Executive, Anna Harutyunyan. Panelist, including leaders and youth from NAZA-funded partner organizations, offered insights into how artificial intelligence is shaping young people’s lives and how out‑of‑school time programs can thoughtfully and creatively integrate AI into their work.
Established in 2023, the Learn, Engage, Develop! Conference was created to offer free, quality professional learning and networking opportunities for youth development professionals across Nashville. Today, the LED Conference continues to grow through partnerships with Metro Nashville Public Schools, local nonprofits, and youth development experts who share a commitment to supporting youth well-being and creating communities where young people can thrive.
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Click here to view the program booklet from the 2026 LED Conference.
Click here to view photos from the 2026 LED Conference.
