Building Belonging Together: Engaging Learners for Sustained Success

This interactive virtual session empowers educators with proven strategies to foster student engagement, build a strong sense of belonging, and enhance retention across teaching modalities and learning environments. Through participatory storytelling, social connection activities, and collaborative digital tools, participants will engage in experiential learning by learning about while experiencing evidence-based approaches that affirm student identities and promote inclusive communities. Attendees will leave with practical methods to create supportive, engaging learning spaces where all learners feel seen and valued, driving persistence and academic success, regardless of the delivery modality (Souther, 2025; Strayhorn, 2019).