The 2026 ACC Leadership Symposium will be held February 6-8, 2026 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Applications are now closed for the 2026 ACC Leadership Symposium.
The ACC Leadership Symposium is a three-day leadership conference to engage students with their peers across the Atlantic Coast Conference. This Symposium will bring together delegations of participants from each ACC institution for a weekend of leadership training, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Up to five (5) students will be selected as delegates and represent the University of Pittsburgh. Applicants must be current full time undergraduate students. All transportation, meals and activities will be covered during the Symposium for selected participants.
Eligibility
- Pittsburgh campus, full-time undergraduate student. (Preference given to sophomores and juniors.)
- Demonstrated leadership experience and/or involvement.
- Good academic and judicial standing with the University.
Requirements of Selected Delegates
- Represent and uphold the standards, policies, and values of the University of Pittsburgh.
- Attend one preparation meeting prior to the Symposium.
- Actively participate in the 3-day Symposium.
- Attend three post-Symposium meetings.
- For questions about the application or the Symposium, contact the Leadership Development Team at leadership@pitt.edu.
2026 Attendees
Hometown: Outside of Philadelphia, PA
Academic Year: Junior
Major(s): Economic-Statistics (minor in Studio Arts and certificate in Fundamentals of Business Management)
What do you love most about being a leader at Pitt?
As a leader at Pitt, I love the opportunity of being involved in mentorship, both in giving and receiving. Through my various leadership positions, I have had the honor of serving as a mentor for my peers and especially residents (shoutout Tower B Floor 16 and 21!) and my coworkers. In addition, I’ve learned so much from leaders I’ve worked with throughout my time at Pitt. It is quite a unique and incredible experience to be involved in mentorship through leadership as an undergraduate, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it!
Hometown: Hudson, OH
Academic Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Law, Criminal Justice and Society
What do you love about being a leader at Pitt?
I thrive on the connections I build with others! I think we gain so much from simply being present and communicating, and I'm grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to do just that through various leadership roles. I also treasure the friendships I’ve made during my time as a leader at Pitt.
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Academic Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Biological Sciences
What do you love most about being a leader at Pitt?
What I love most about being a leader at Pitt is the sense of purpose that comes from working with students who truly want to make a difference. Leading Bridge the Gap and serving as a Pitt Impact Ambassador have shown me how service can connect people and inspire growth on both sides. Pitt’s community of motivated, compassionate students constantly reminds me why I love what I do.
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Academic Year: Junior
Major(s): Psychology
What do you love most about being a leader at Pitt?
What I love most about being a leader at Pitt is that leadership isn’t confined to a single mold. Pitt invites students to lead in ways that feel authentic. For me that means leading through service: service to healthcare, and service to advancing outcomes for LGBTQ individuals, racial minorities, and other marginalized groups through research. I love that my work is not only supported, but amplified, by a school that reminds me leadership exists in all the roles we encompass.
Hometown: South Orange, NJ
Academic Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Political Science (minors in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese)
What do you love most about being a leader at Pitt?
My favorite part about being a student leader at Pitt is that it allows me to cultivate spaces where students’ voices are heard and where differences are embraced as strengths. I believe ensuring that future Pitt students feel valued, supported, and celebrated begins with maintaining an inclusive, kind, and strong Pitt community. Being a leader to me, means that the Pitt community has put its trust in me to make people feel like they belong; this is something I value greatly and hold close to my heart.