Having presented upwards of a dozen educational programs at AHEPPP conferences over the last 5 years, served as the 2019 national conference programming co-chair and taken on the conference chair role this year, it’s safe to say I’ve been around the program proposal block a few times! I know developing a proposal can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Below are some tips and tricks for writing a proposal that earns a spot in the final conference program lineup.

1. Know your ultimate goal - and make sure the reviewers will, too. Even if you haven’t fully mapped out the content of your program just yet, make sure you have a clear objective that is stated at the outset and woven throughout your proposal. 

2. Convey how your educational program will be practical and adaptable. Conference attendees are looking to adapt what they learn to take back to their own campuses. Be sure that your proposal has explicit takeaways and examples of how colleagues can utilize your knowledge and experience.

3. Stay true to your abstract (and make sure it’s attention-grabbing). Your title and abstract are the window into your educational program. As you develop your proposal, make sure the rest of your content is consistent with your abstract, which should clearly state the program’s purpose and be enticing enough that reviewers are intrigued to see you present a full session. 

4. Include data and/or firsthand experience. While your proposal will not include every detail of your educational program, it should clearly address the foundational support for your program topic. Include specific outcomes that have been met, assessment efforts you have taken, field research that supports your claims, etc. Essentially, you should include objective supporting information that validates your proposed topic. 

5. Clearly state how your session addresses AHEPPP values and/or priority topics. This is like the “free space” on a Bingo Board. This portion of your proposal should identify for the reviewer how your topic aligns with, or demonstrates, one or more of the organization's values. In case you need to brush up, you can find the AHEPPP values here: https://www.aheppp.org/about
6. Diversify your potential presenting team. Submitting a program proposal is such a great opportunity to collaborate with your campus partners, AHEPPP colleagues, students and more. Consider who in your professional circle might bring added value to your proposed program and invite them to join you in submitting.

7. Have fun and keep learning. The proposal writing process in and of itself is a great learning experience. Even if your submission is not accepted your first time around, don’t give up! Submit again next year and know that there are so many other opportunities to share your knowledge at the national conference and beyond.  


I can’t wait to see the amazing sessions AHEPPP members will present in Orlando later this year! You can learn more about the 2022 Conference in Orlando, Florida by visiting the Conference Website. 

Click here to submit a program proposal.

Kayla Albano is is the Director, Parent & Family Association at UCLA and the 2022 Family Engagement in Higher Education National Conference Chair person.