BSDLC 2026 STUDENT WORKSHOPS
Student Attendees should select the top four workshops of their interest for registration. While we cannot guarantee all attendees will receive their first choice, we want to ensure attendees participate in three sessions they are interested in.
1 “SPEAK YOUR MIND: Youth as Stakeholders in Politics”
Youth as Stakeholders in Politics is a seminar-style workshop discussing the opportunities available to politically engaged youth. Bring your open mind, personal anecdotes, and HOTTEST takes! Politics needs young people, and we want to hear what you have to say!
2 “Be Confident Be Passionate and Be Brave: The Art of Self Loving”
Beauty is not just about looks. It is who you are— your personality, actions, and the people you surround yourself with. This workshop explores how social media influences the beauty people see in themselves and the standards we hold ourselves to. Join us as we look beyond the screen and find the beauty in ourselves. Learn to love yourself and gain self-confidence through this workshop.
3 “The Shortest Path is a Detour: Emotional Intelligence in Daily Life”
Our workshop explores emotional intelligence and confidence. Emotional Intelligence is often overlooked but it plays an important role in our day to day interactions and relationships. We will discuss how understanding our emotions can improve the way we make decisions, handle failure, and interact with people. (Content Note: This workshop will include discussions about relationship violence, which may be sensitive or personal for participants.)
4 “Bridging the Gap: Building Community Across Generations”
What if the music you listen to today becomes history for someone else tomorrow? What if the traditions, stories, identities, and technology we inherit are not meant to be preserved exactly as we found them, but transformed and passed forward? “Bridging the Gap: Building Community Across Generations” takes you from the past to the future through music, culture, and food. We will explore what happens when ideas, traditions, and identities move from one generation to the next. What gets lost, what survives, and what gets carried forward? And what will our generation leave behind?
5 “Diversity MUST Hit the Page: Flipping the Script on Classic Literature”
The next chapter of change begins with us! “Diversity MUST Hit the Page: Flipping the Script on Classic Literature” is a discussion-based workshop that examines the misrepresentation and underrepresentation within the literature we read at school and explores ways we can change our schools for the better! Through conversation, activities, and reflection, we will consider whose voices are represented, whose are missing, and the significance of having an inclusive curriculum. Bring your love for literature, your perspective, and your ideas as we advocate for diversity within our school’s curriculum.
6 “Seeing Through the Lines: Messaging and Media”
Breaking News: This just in! Learn how to look at news critically!
This workshop will focus on being able to see through propaganda to the truth. In a time, when the news is more opinion than fact, being able to separate truth from fiction is more important than ever. You will leave this workshop knowing how to identify false narratives and how to apply critical thinking to the media you consume. (Content Note: This workshop will reflect on historically stereotypical depictions of marginalized communities that may be sensitive or personal for participants.)
7 “Social Support and Government Aid Programs… and You!”
In today’s tumultuous political climate, the benefits that help people in need are at risk. So it is more important than ever to spotlight and support programs that are doing the essential work of aiding those in need. This session will educate participants on the history and current state of government assistance. We will highlight some Baltimore area programs aimed to fulfill needs no longer covered by the government. You will also learn how you, as an individual, can show your support.
8 “Different Voices yet Same Community…Ensuring Everyone is Heard”
Independent schools are filled with students from a wide variety of backgrounds but is diversity enough? This workshop creates a space to talk honestly about diversity, identity, belonging, bias, and inclusion—not to find perfect answers, but to better understand one another. Join us for an honest and interactive conversation where we’ll unpack the assumptions we carry, consider experiences different from our own, and explore what it takes to build a community where everyone has a seat at the table.
9 “Not a Melting Pot: Reimagining Mental Health Across Cultures”
Not a Melting Pot: Reimagining Mental Health Across Cultures will explore the ways culture, community, and expectations shape how we understand and talk about mental health. Together, we’ll unpack the stigma surrounding mental health in our communities, challenge the idea that mental health looks the same for everyone, and ask what it means to build communities where we don’t have to erase, minimize, or hide parts of ourselves to belong. Through conversation, interactive activities, and reflection, we’ll explore how we can honor where we come from while creating space for healthier ways to cope, connect, and care for ourselves and each other.
10 “Healthy Habits: Building a Better Relationship with Physical and Mental Health”
Have you ever wanted to change for the sake of your health? Do you want to live a happier life with less worries? Then, Healthy Habits is the workshop for you. In this workshop, we will talk about how each of us can implement small changes in our life to build better habits and improve our mental and physical health. (Content Note: This workshop will include discussions about body image, eating disorders, and social media trends such as “looksmaxxing” that can influence how we think about our appearance and health. Some of these topics may be sensitive or personal for participants.)
11 “Poetic Justice: Communicating Dreams and Galvanizing Change”
What are we writing for? And what is it doing? English class is over, but our pens are not at rest. Poetry takes words past the page and into society. Together we will speak our truths and share our emotions. Everyone can be an activist, so let us show you how.
12 “Art is Never Wasted When It's Shared”
Music makes us move. Dance expresses the groove. Visual Art embraces life. In this interactive workshop, we recognize the ways in which these art forms bring together communities across the globe to form powerful expressions of who we are and where we come from. Here you can discover how the arts tell stories and connect over continents. Come share what music and movement mean to you and your own cultural experience.
*BSDLC workshops are designed by and for students as educational spaces that encourage reflection, dialogue, and community learning. Topics are presented through an age-appropriate, nonpartisan, and inclusive lens to support empathy, understanding, and shared growth.
WHAT WILL CHAPERONES BE DOING?
BSDLC isn’t just for students; adult participants will also engage in a parallel learning experience with a tailored curriculum designed for educators and chaperones. Please see: Adult Workshop descriptions - Google Docs
Workshop 1
The Freedmen’s Bureau Project: Breaking the Codes: Navigating the Virginia Black Codes
Workshop 2
Introduction to Restorative Circles: Building Connection, Community, and Accountability
Workshop 3
You Belong, Because I Told You: Who Gets to Define Belonging in Independent Schools?
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about BSDLC, or would like to inquire about one of our student registration scholarships please reach out to conference organizers at aimssdlc@gmail.com.
JOIN US
Join us at BSDLC to engage in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at fostering leadership among students and educators. Take part in this transformative experience and be a part of the change!