The Undergraduates Promoting Research, Opportunities, Professionalism, Education, and Leadership Conference (U-PROPEL CONFERENCE) is an exhilarating and transformative event tailored for undergraduate students. This dynamic conference features four distinct tracks: research, mentorship, leadership, and professional development, offering a comprehensive platform for students to explore and enhance their academic and professional skills. Attendees will engage in cutting-edge research presentations, receive invaluable guidance from seasoned mentors, develop essential leadership capabilities, and gain insights into professional growth opportunities. The U-PROPEL CONFERENCE is a must-attend event for ambitious undergraduates eager to propel their future success, build lasting networks, and unlock their full potential.

We’re excited to welcome you to the U-PROPEL Conference and the 12th Annual Black Doctoral Network Conference in Los Angeles, California. These conferences operate concurrently and participants will have access to both conference sessions at no additional costs.

Undergraduate Student Registration Price: $200

Are you ready to showcase your leadership skills and innovative thinking? The Undergraduates Promoting Research, Opportunities, Professionalism, Education, and Leadership (U-PROPEL) Conference invites undergraduate students to participate in the Leadership Case Presentation Competition. This is an exciting opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges and present your strategic solutions to a panel of judges.

Competition Overview:
Winning strategies will demonstrate attention to detail, creativity, business acumen, and a clear, actionable plan. Teams should collaborate effectively, assign roles, and present their ideas clearly to industry professionals. Case competitions are an excellent way to build leadership, refine public speaking, enhance strategic thinking, and expand your professional network.

Team Composition: 3 to 4 undergraduate students per team.
Case Study Release: Accepted teams will receive a detailed case study via email involving a real company facing significant challenges on September 23. Their mission is to identify the key issues and develop a comprehensive strategy to help the company overcome their challenges and achieve its goals.
Presentation Time: Each team will have 8-10 minutes to introduce the team members, introduce the case, and present team solutions, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with the judges.
Presentation Methods: Teams are encouraged to use creative methods to present their strategies, including but not limited to PowerPoint presentations, poster boards, or other innovative formats.
Judging Criteria: Teams will be judged on their quantitative, qualitative, analytical, organizational and presentation skills. Each team member must actively participate in the team's presentation.
Awards: Medals will be awarded to the top three teams. All participants will receive a certificate.

Submission Details
To submit your application for the Leadership Case Presentation Competition, you will need to provide your university affiliation, and contact information for each member (3-4 students per team). Additionally, you'll include a brief description of your team's skills and experiences.

Deadlines and Notices
Submit your completed application by September 13, 2024. Decision notifications will be sent by September 20, 2024. If selected, you must register for the conference by October 11, 2024 to confirm your participation.

The U-PROPEL Conference invites undergraduate students to participate in our Public Speaking Competition, an exciting opportunity to showcase your oratory skills and engage with pressing topics at the intersection of identity, culture, and society. This competition is open to all undergraduate students, and participants are encouraged to explore complex issues through the power of speech.

Competition Overview:
Participating in the Public Speaking Competition will help you hone your communication, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking skills. You'll gain confidence in delivering compelling messages, improve your ability to engage diverse audiences, and receive valuable feedback from expert judges. This experience will prepare you for future leadership roles and enhance your academic and professional success.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students from any discipline are eligible to participate.
Format: Each participant will deliver a speech lasting 5-7 minutes on a selected topic.
Judging Criteria: Speeches will be evaluated on content, delivery, originality, and relevance to the chosen topic.
Topics: Participants are invited to choose from one of the following seven broad topic areas: Social Justice and Equity, Sustainability and Environmental Challenges, Technology and Its Impact on Society, Cultural Identity and Globalization, The Future of Education, Mental Health and Well-being, and Black Pop Culture
Awards: Prizes will be awarded to the top three speakers, with special recognition for originality and audience engagement. First place winner will be awarded $150 Visa gift card. Second place winner will be awarded $100 Visa gift card. Third place winner will be awarded $50 Visa gift card.

Submission Details
To submit your application for the Public Speaking Competition, you will need to provide personal information such as your full name, contact details, university, and major. You will also need to select a speech topic area, and submit a brief description of your planned speech (150-200 words). Participants are welcome to enter more than one competition at the conference.

Deadlines and Notices
Submit your completed application by September 13, 2024. Decision notifications will be sent by September 20, 2024. If selected, you must register for the conference by October 11, 2024 to confirm your participation.

The Black Doctoral Network welcomes current undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, students of professional degree programs (e.g. medical, law, dental, pharmacy), and postdoctoral scholars of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate in our poster session. The U-PROPEL and BDN conferences share a common theme: Collective Impact: Igniting a Brighter World at the Intersection of Identity, Culture, and Society. 

If you have a research project, thesis, or dissertation you would like to present as a poster at a professional conference, the poster session is a good opportunity for you to showcase your academic work and receive feedback from scholars in a friendly and engaging environment. Undergraduate students are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Why Should You Participate?
• Obtain experience in presenting theoretical and scientific research at a conference
• Gain exposure and feedback for your work
• Develop skills in effective communication for an academic audience
• Meet students and faculty from graduate programs across the country
• Connect with academic and industry professionals for mentoring opportunities

Previously accepted posters were in the areas of STEM, humanities, and the social sciences (e.g. education, fine arts, environmental science, biology, business, sociology, and health). 

The submission details must include the title of the poster, purpose of the project, methodology and theories, tables/figures (if available), results/conclusions (if available), and references.

Decision Notifications
The Black Doctoral Network Conference Committee will send decision notifications starting September 6 and on a weekly basis thereafter. Only one poster may be presented per presenter and one presenter per poster. All presenters must be 18 years or older.

SUBMIT ONLINE: https://blackphdnetwork.submittable.com/submit

For questions regarding the Research Poster Session or the Undergraduate Poster Competition, please contact:
Dr. Marshia Allen
Director of Undergraduate Programming
[email protected]