2026 MCEA Fall Conference

Space exploration is advancing rapidly, and many people are curious and excited about it. In this session you’ll discover some tools, tips, and resources you’ll need to teach your own space lessons to students of all ages, in order to help motivate and prepare them for humanity’s future in space. Plus, you’ll get a take-home space lesson starter kit. 

Jordan Public Schools’ Community Education and Recreation department launched "Wheels Up Wednesday" 3 years ago to meet the consistent transportation needs of community members ages 55 and older. This free weekly transportation program helps residents stay active, independent, and engaged. Each Wednesday, seniors enjoy opportunities to run errands, attend appointments, and spend time with friends—while forming new connections and rediscovering old ones along the way. The program has quickly become a bright spot in the community, fostering friendship, laughter, and a renewed sense of togetherness among its riders.

Come join us on a ride through our senior programming as we give back to a generation who has done so much for us!  


Possible Outcomes:
-Strengthen Community Engagement: Discover strategies for fostering social connectivity and independence among seniors, effectively turning a basic service into a "bright spot" for resident interaction.
-Foster Deep Social Connectivity: Discover strategies to move beyond simple logistics, transforming each Wednesday into a "bright spot" that reduces senior isolation and builds lasting community friendships.

Bus tours are a fun and unique way to build community among your participants. That being said, planning and executing a successful bus tour is no small task. Join CE coordinators as they share top tips from ideation, program development, spreadsheet planning strategies, and communications through trip execution. You will leave with tools and connections to begin exploring your adult and senior enrichment bus tour journey!

Key Takeaways:
* Checklist for Managing a Successful Bus Tour
* Spreadsheet Financial Organization Tips
*  Collaborate and Connect with Peers across the State

This session outlines the development, implementation, and community impact of a multidisciplinary education series on substance use and addiction. Presenters will share planning strategies, session themes, participant feedback, and lessons learned, highlighting how strong cross‑sector collaboration and community engagement can strengthen understanding, support, and local response to substance use challenges.


Key Takeaways:
• Understand how to build and coordinate a multidisciplinary team for community education.
• Learn effective strategies for engaging community members and promoting evidence‑based resources like naloxone.
• Identify practical lessons and evaluation insights to inform future substance use–related programming.

Learn how the Viewers Like Us Club, a free program from Twin Cities PBS, uses PBS documentaries and series to spark conversation and strengthen community connections. This session will share implementation ideas, facilitation strategies, and real-world examples to help participants launch a media-based discussion program in their own community setting. 


Outcomes  

1. Identify ways to use media-based discussion programs to build community engagement and dialogue.
2. Explore practical strategies for launching and facilitating a Viewers Like Us Club in different settings.
3. Leave with adaptable digital resources to pilot a club in your own organization or community.