National Resource Center for Youth Services: Teen Conference

Welcome to Teen Conference 2026, where the mission is to empower Oklahoma youth in foster care to own their power! Suit up to take on exciting challenges, join forces with your fellow heroes, and explore your unique strengths while having a blast. Throughout your journey, you'll explore career pathways and life skills, build your league, and connect to powerful resources.

Eligibility

• Youth: Oklahoma youth aged 14-18* who are currently in OKDHS or Tribal custody.
  
  *Youth over the age of 18 who are in Voluntary Care will be placed on a waiting list and may only attend if space remains available after registration closes. All such youth are required to have a sponsor.
• Adult Sponsor**: Child Welfare staff, tribal workers, youth workers, resource parents, or volunteers who work with eligible youth
  
  **Maximum Ratio: An adult sponsor can bring up to 3 youth although limiting it to 2 youth often allows for the best experience. If you are a first-time sponsor, it is recommended to bring only 1 youth for the best experience. Per University of Oklahoma guidelines, adult sponsors are responsible for the supervision of their youth and must ensure youth are always in line-of-sight while on campus. Adults sponsoring youth of a different gender must identify night-time supervision for those youth prior to attending the conference.

What to Expect: Two days of small group learning experiences, epic activities, and opportunities to harness your powers alongside fellow league members and OKSA staff!

What to Wear: Dress is casual. Most conference activities will be indoors; however, some activities will be held outside. We suggest jeans, shorts, t-shirts, a jacket/sweater, swimming attire, and comfortable shoes.

For more information about registration, contact Amelia Kelly at (918) 660-3738 or akelly@ou.edu.

For conference questions, please contact Liz Brillhart at oksaevents@ou.edu.