Madison Area Technical College announced on Mar. 27 that it will host the 2026 Thrive Conference, a free event focused on equity in education, on Friday, April 17 at its Truax Campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
The conference aims to bring together educators, administrators, students and community members to discuss strategies for improving student success and retention. Organizers say the event will offer both in-person and online attendance options and is designed to encourage learning, connection and action.
This year’s theme is “Beyond Inclusion,” featuring keynote addresses from Dr. Crystasany R. Turner of UW-Milwaukee and Professor Emerita Gloria Ladson-Billings of UW-Madison. Turner examines institutionalized anti-Blackness and systemic inequities affecting children and families while highlighting Black and Latina women in early childhood education. Ladson-Billings is known for her work on culturally relevant teaching practices that support African American students’ achievement.
The Institute for Equity and Transformational Change (IETC) within Madison College’s Division of Organizational Impact and Culture is hosting the event. The conference will include a networking breakfast, educational sessions throughout the day, lunch, a raffle, as well as opportunities for collaboration among attendees.
According to the official website, Madison Area Technical College extends its educational reach across south-central Wisconsin with state-of-the-art facilities designed for practical training that mimic workplace environments. The college offers more than 190 associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs along with online options and study abroad opportunities according to the official website. It provides open access to quality higher education aimed at fostering lifelong learning across diverse communities according to the official website.
Dr. Jennifer Berne served as president of Madison Area Technical College alongside the District Board of Trustees according to the official website. The college is affiliated with the Wisconsin Technical College System according to the official website.
Registration for this free conference is now open but space is limited.
