ACA, ABCA and SCU announce 2026 Student Leadership Conference

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, noted a press release, 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.”

Student Leadership Conference details

SCU will welcome student leaders to its campus in Whittier, California, 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.

About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor. We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways—by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research and by using that research to inform our treatment practices. We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic. Visit acatoday.org.

About the American Black Chiropractic Association

The mission of the ABCA is to integrate and improve outcomes for persons of color entering the Doctor of Chiropractic profession. Our primary purpose is to recruit, encourage and support Black individuals in the study of chiropractic, and to encourage research contributing to the science, philosophy and art of the field. Furthermore, we assist chiropractic colleges in recruiting qualified Black students and faculty. As chiropractic is a growing field, we aim to improve professional standards, provide continuous community education and maintain the Harvey Lillard Scholarship and Endowment Fund to support the educational growth of members of the Student American Black Chiropractic Association. Visit abcachiro.com.

About Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is one of the world’s only Integrative, Whole Health universities—teaching students to blend the best of conventional medicine with proven complementary approaches, and to treat the whole person (body, mind and spirit). Founded in 1911, SCU has been challenging convention and pushing healthcare forward for more than 100 years. Today, the institution offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Physical & Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics & Genomics, Medical Science, Physician Assistant Studies, Ayurveda, Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine, Clinical Psychology, Whole Health Leadership and more. Visit scuhs.edu.