Secretary of Education to Keynote at MONUMENTAL

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will speak at MONUMENTAL, the 25th Annual National Service-Learning Conference® and the 26th Annual Global Youth Service Day on April 10, 2014, in Washington, D.C. The event, convened by the National Youth Leadership Council, brings together youth and adults from across the country and around the world for three and a half days of learning, inspiration, and connection.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130116/DC42977LOGO)

"We are thrilled to have Secretary Duncan address the students and adults who are committed to improving their schools and communities at the National Service-Learning Conference," said NYLC CEO Kelita Bak. "Secretary Duncan's commitment to youth voice through the establishment of the National Council of Young Leaders makes him a perfect speaker for our event where young people are seen as equal partners to their adult counterparts."

MONUMENTAL will take place April 9-12, 2014 at the Marriott Wardman Park and is sponsored by the Qatar Foundation International, State Farm Insurance, the Shinnyo-en Foundation, and UPS. The event will feature thought-provoking addresses from internationally recognized leaders including Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (Ret.), environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau, and student and TGIF Founder Cassandra Lin, along with a showcase of projects from around the world.

This conference is more than workshops and keynote addresses; it is an extension of the classroom, allowing for the youth and adult attendees to be part of something bigger. Throughout the conference youth plan networking receptions, on- and off-site projects, roundtable discussions, exhibit booth activities, and training sessions; they emcee plenary sessions, inspire attendees through keynote addresses, and — in lieu of presenting a paper in front of 40 classmates — youth lead workshops for 40 youth and adult peers from around the world. Youth are given the reins to create something so spectacular that it changes how adults perceive all young people — as solutions to real problems. Both youth and adults come out of the experience with the tools and resources, ideas and inspiration to return home to improve their practice, their schools, and their communities.

For more information about service-learning or the National Service-Learning Conference, visit www.nylc.org.

About NYLC
At the National Youth Leadership Council, we strive for a world where all young people are valued and called on to lead. With passion, creativity, and ingenuity, young people can address world issues while strengthening academic and learning outcomes through service-learning. To that end, we provide programs and services that develop young leaders, support educators, and advance the field of service-learning. Visit www.nylc.org to learn more about NYLC and service-learning.

About The National Service-Learning Conference®
The National Service-Learning Conference brings together youth and adults from across the country and around the world for three and a half days of learning, inspiration, and connection for those who view youth as solutions for stronger communities and schools. For more information, visit www.nylc.org/conference.

SOURCE National Youth Leadership Council