Could your next connection create a brighter future for children in Arizona?
Unlock your genius at the School Connect Summit 2025!
Join 1,000+ leaders ready to unlock their collective genius and unite to build a brighter future for Arizona children.
February 10, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Footprint Center Arena, 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Featured School Connect Summit Speakers & Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Chris Singleton
Inspirational Speaker • Author • Entrepreneur • Former Pro Athlete
Meet Chris
Host
Kristy Siefkin
Professional Communications Coach • Inspirational Speaker • Former News Anchor
Meet Kristy
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And more!
In addition to our featured guests, enjoy hearing from panels and students!
See All SpeakersThank You to Our Sponsors
The School Connect Summit 2025 is presented by:
KEYNOTE SPONSOR
CHAMPION SPONSOR
LUNCHEON SPONSOR
Is there a better way to invest in Arizona’s future?
As a leader who understands the invaluable impact of education, you are passionate about supporting youth in your community—you attend the fundraisers, volunteer at the events, and offer your skills wherever you can.
But while your efforts are well-intentioned, you often feel like you’re just scratching the surface of the complex challenges facing Arizona’s education system. Even though supporting schools is meaningful to you, sometimes you feel disconnected from broader community efforts.
It’s time we bring our collective genius together!
As the education landscape continues to evolve, you know that an isolated approach isn’t going to create the impact you know is possible…and needed. Yet, too often, the true genius of your community—the collective wisdom, resources, and passion—remains underutilized. Is there a better way to support education? Yes!
When leaders like you—spanning business, education, faith, nonprofit, and government fields—come together, you can create lasting, positive change for Arizona’s schools and students.
It’s time to discover how much your leadership matters to the future we can create together.
A One-Of-A-Kind Leadership Event
At School Connect, we know true transformation comes not from isolated efforts but from unlocking the collective genius of the entire community. That’s why we created the School Connect Summit.
This one-of-a-kind leadership event offers you the knowledge, tools, and connections you need to witness the positive change you want to see in our communities.
Unlock Your Genius at the Summit
Every aspect of this event, from the speakers to the topics and even the seating arrangements, is specially designed to help you make the most of your time. As you engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded leaders in your community, our hope is that you walk away from this event with new friends and partners, ready to maximize your efforts and create positive change.
Leadership Insights
Gain leadership insights from experts across various fields.
Hope-filled Inspiration
Find inspiration to build a foundation today that will produce a brighter future.
Collaborative Conversations
Join conversations to innovate and align efforts with local community leaders.
Practical Learning
Discover how to leverage our collective resources and skills more effectively.
Connections that Matter
Form connections and partnerships that create lasting change in our communities.
Dick Foreman on the Value for Business Leaders
What makes the School Connect Summit one-of-a-kind?
At School Connect, we know that siloed efforts in supporting education have a lower impact. Unlike any other leadership event focused on education, the School Connect Summit has been bringing leaders together from all sectors to collaborate and create innovative solutions for the challenges facing Arizona’s schools and children.
As a result, since 2014, we’ve seen…
+743
Schools Supported
+371,500
Arizona Youth Impacted
+30,703
Volunteer Hours Donated in 2023
We believe every person has unique genius to offer the world, and by connecting these leaders, we can create even more positive change in education and community development.
What to Expect at Summit 2025
The School Connect Summit isn’t just another networking event—it’s a catalyst for transformative change across Arizona. For one day and just $140 (or $105 for nonprofit leaders), connect with 1,000+ influential leaders from education, business, faith, nonprofit, and government sectors as we shape the future of education in Arizona.
BONUS: Included with your ticket is Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius Assessment, which is designed to help you identify your genius and how to thrive at work.
- Expert speakers from various fields
So you can gain cutting-edge insights and strategies to enhance your leadership and community impact. - Cross-sector networking
So that you can connect with like-minded leaders in your community to solve the problems that you care about most. - Strategic seating arrangements
So you can create meaningful connections with leaders from diverse sectors in your local area. - Facilitated table discussions
So you can actively collaborate on real-world challenges and develop actionable solutions together.
- Working Genius breakout conversations
So you can unpack the results of your Working Genius assessment and explore how your genius complements others’. - Student insights
So you can hear directly from the youth you’re working to support and gain fresh perspective into their needs. - Inspirational success stories
So you can learn from real-world examples and be motivated to create similar positive changes in your community. - Catered lunch (included!)
So you can continue building relationships in a relaxed setting without interrupting your networking momentum. - Future-oriented sessions
So you can unlock your leadership potential and understand how your efforts shape Arizona’s future.
Don’t miss the event that could shape your community for years to come!
Reverend Jerome Parker on the Value for Faith Leaders
Hear why Rev. Jerome Parker recommends the School Connect Summit for leaders of faith as the best way to get involved in your community and make a difference. Rev. Parker urges, “The community is literally coming around these schools to be the village and make change and impact in the lives of these young people. You as a faith leader absolutely need to be a part of School Connect. This is how we change the world.”
SCHOOL CONNECT
SUMMIT 2025 AGENDA
Event Location
Footprint Center Arena
201 E Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Date
February 10, 2025, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
7:30 AM
Check-In Opens
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Vendor Showcase, Networking, VIP Experiences, Presentations, Performances, Story Features & Discussions
- Unlocking Your Working Genius, presented by Tracey Beal
- The Genius in Our Communities, featuring presenting sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- The Power of Collaboration, featuring Play It Forward & Valley Readers
- Bridging the Gap Between Faith Communities & Schools, Presented by Dr. Dan Steffen
- Engaging The Champions in Your Neighborhood, featuring Beaver Creek Elementary
- The Secret to Partnerships that Change Lives, featuring GenTech & Apache Junction Unified School District
- Bridging Classroom to Career Success Through STEM Partnerships, presented by Eric J. Rodriguez & Rod Huston
- The Best Practices in Partnerships That Transform Schools, featuring our award-winning Superintendent Panel, Dr. Scott A. Menzel, Dr. Curtis Finch, Dr. Barbara J. Remondini & Shanna Johnson
- Uniting Communities, Appreciating Difference & Building Resilience, presented by our keynote speaker, Chris Singleton
- Student Performances, featuring the Coronado High School Marching Band, the Sunnyslope High School Pom Squad, and Chinle Unified School District’s 8th grade student singer, Tierra Morris
- PLUS: Catered Lunch, Guided Table Discussions, Raffles & Giveaways
Now’s the time to unlock your genius and shape Arizona’s future.
Can’t make it to the Summit this year? Stay in the loop!
Subscribe to our newsletter to find out about future events and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm already involved in education initiatives. How is this Summit different?
The School Connect Summit brings together leaders from diverse sectors—education, business, faith, nonprofit, and government. This cross-sector approach allows for innovative collaborations and solutions you might not encounter in sector-specific events.
Is the $140 registration fee worth it?
Absolutely. For just $140 for General Admission (and $105 for Nonprofit Admission), you gain access to world-class speakers, networking opportunities with 1,000 influential leaders, actionable strategies, and potential partnerships that could significantly amplify your impact. You also get access to Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius Assessment designed to help you identify your unique genius. The insights and connections you’ll gain far outweigh the registration cost.
Are there any promotions or discounts available?
Our promotions have ended as of December 16th. However, one of our bonuses includes a free 6 Working Geniuses Assessment, which we will unpack together during the event.
I'm not in education. Is this Summit relevant to me?
Yes! The Summit is designed for anyone interested in supporting Arizona’s youth and schools. Whether you’re in business, faith, nonprofit, or government sectors, your unique perspective is valuable in creating comprehensive community support for education.
How much time will I need to take off work?
We understand your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve condensed the Summit into one highly efficient day. The connections and insights you’ll gain can save you countless hours in the long run by helping you work smarter, not harder.
Will I actually make meaningful connections, or is it just superficial networking?
Our strategic seating arrangements and facilitated discussions are designed to foster genuine connections. You’ll be seated with leaders from various sectors in your local community, ensuring relevant and potentially long-lasting partnerships.
I've attended similar events before and didn't see much impact. How is this different?
The School Connect Summit is action-oriented. You’ll leave with specific, implementable strategies to connect with schools and make a tangible difference. Plus, our focus on cross-sector collaboration often leads to innovative solutions that single-sector approaches miss.
I'm new to community leadership. Will I feel out of place?
Not at all! We welcome leaders at all stages of their journey. The Summit is an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and gain insights that will accelerate your impact.
How does this benefit the students and schools in my community?
By bringing together diverse community leaders, we create a “village of support” around schools. This collaborative approach has led to increased resources for schools, innovative programs for students, and improved educational outcomes across Arizona.
I'm from a small town/rural area. Is this Summit still relevant for me?
Absolutely! We ensure diverse representation from across Arizona. The challenges and solutions discussed are applicable to communities of all sizes, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with leaders from similar communities.
Volunteer, Sponsor, or Learn More!
Superintendent, Dr. Jacquelin Clay
School Connect Summit 2025
Join the School Connect Summit 2025 to unlock your genius and discover how much your leadership matters to the future we create together. At this one-of-a-kind leadership summit, you will gather with representatives from business, education, faith, nonprofit, and government entities to connect, learn, and strategize for unified community action. Speakers, seating assignments, and conversation topics are designed to help leaders connect their efforts through the school system to maximize reach and influence for positive change.
News & Events
Nominate a Champion of Education
Join our statewide search for Arizona Champions of Education! Tell us about a student, teacher, principal, superintendent, school board member, or school champion who has inspired you with their ability to beat the odds, solve problems creatively, and help their communities thrive! Nominate them for a Champion of Education Award!
Announcing our School Connect Summit 2025 keynote speaker: Chris Singleton! 🌟
From former MLB player to inspiring author and advocate for unity...
Chris`s story of forgiveness after unimaginable tragedy will move you to see the difference you can make in your community.
Join us on 2/10/25 to learn how we can build bridges for AZ youth.
🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Use GENIUS20 during our limited-time holiday sale (ends 12/16 - Link in Bio!)
#SchoolConnectSummit #Education #Leadership #AZBlue #Arizona #Forgiveness #Unity
Guess what?! Every dollar you give on #GivingTuesday will be matched up to $20,000!
That means you double your impact to...
💛 reach more schools
🧡 empower more educators
❤ and impact more students
...so that every child feels supported, not just by their teacher, but by their entire community!
Will you join us? Link to give in bio!
#SchoolConnect #GivingTuesday
Imagine classrooms across Arizona where every student feels supported, not just by their teacher, but by their entire community. That`s what you help us do this GivingTuesday!
Better yet, today, you can double your impact!
Every dollar you give will be matched up to $20,000, allowing us to reach more schools, empower more educators, and impact more students.
Will you join us? Link to give in our bio!
#GivingTuesday #StudentSuccess #CommunityFirst #SchoolConnect
This Thanksgiving, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for every educator, partner, and champion who believes in the power of connecting schools and communities.
Your dedication has sparked incredible transformations across our communities: students planning Love Our Community Day, creating public art, building community benches, cleaning public spaces, participating in City Council meetings, and even stepping into leadership roles like serving as mayor for a day!
These young voices are reshaping their communities with creativity and passion.
Together, we`re not just supporting schools; we`re nurturing tomorrow`s leaders.
Thank you for being part of this journey! 🙏
#SchoolConnect #CommunityImpact #StudentLeadership #Gratitude #Thanksgiving
Our early bird special for School Connect Summit 2025 is about to migrate south for the winter. 🦃
Use code GENIUS20 to get $20 off before you slip into your Thanksgiving dinner coma!
👇👇👇
🎟 Ticket link in bio!
#SchoolConnectSummit #Education #Leadership #AZBlue #Arizona #EarlyBird #Thanksgiving #Turkey
