The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA), and Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) will unite to host a collaborative Student Leadership Conference in 2026. The event, scheduled for late September, represents a significant opportunity for student leaders to connect, develop their leadership skills, and strengthen pathways that support the future of chiropractic.
“This joint effort is an opportunity to nurture connections between our leaders and members, strengthening the future of chiropractic,” said ACA President Marc Nynas, DC. “I’m excited to see ACA and ABCA come together for a collaborative Student Leadership Conference hosted by SCU.”
“Collaboration is essential for the growth of our profession,” added ABCA President Brandi Childress, DC. “Bringing our organizations together will open new doors and create opportunities that support greater representation and leadership development within the chiropractic community.”
SCU will welcome student leaders to its campus for four days of programming designed to inspire and empower the next generation of chiropractic professionals. “SCU is honored to host this historic meeting, and we are excited by the knowledge students will gain from it and from each other,” said SCU President John Scaringe, DC, EdD.
ACA’s annual Student Leadership Conference has long served as a valuable opportunity for education, networking, and mentorship for student members of ACA (SACA). Students engage directly with leading voices in the profession and gain exposure to leadership models that inform their academic and professional growth. ABCA plays an essential role in fostering diversity in the chiropractic field and providing a strong and distinct voice for Black chiropractic students and doctors. Its participation in the conference expands access, representation and collaborative learning for all attendees.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment by ACA, ABCA and SCU to advance leadership, innovation and unity within chiropractic education. Additional conference details will be announced in the coming months.
For more information, visit www.acatoday.org, www.abcachiro.com or www.scuhs.edu.


