The National Student Support Accelerator (NSSA) is a program of the SCALE Initiative at Stanford University. NSSA undertakes and translates promising research about what works in engaging personalized instruction into actionable strategies for schools, districts, and service providers. Since its launch in 2021, NSSA has led the development of high-impact tutoring standards and built a community of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers focused on expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based supports.
The conference will be held on May 5-6, 2026.
The NSSA Conference will be held on the campus of Stanford University in California at the Alumni Center on May 6. On May 5, NSSA and conference sponsors will host welcome dinners open to all participants, held at local restaurants. Also on May 5, NSSA will also host invitation only workshops for Researchers, District and State Leaders at the Stanford Graduate School of Education ANKO Building.
Conference attendees will explore and build on the following:
- Deepen understanding of high-impact tutoring
- Explore how human connection and technology can work together to strengthen learning outcomes
- Elevate the experiences and leadership of education system leaders serving underrepresented communities
- Strengthen collaborations to build cohesive, scalable tutoring ecosystems
The conference will be a gathering of approximately 200 district and state leaders, tutoring providers, researchers, education partners, and funders from across the country.
Registration is invitation only, please see your email for the link.
Yes. We ask that you register for the conference by Friday, April 17. If you are a public sector, nonprofit and university-based researcher applying for travel funding, please register by March 20.
Yes. On May 6, NSSA will provide breakfast, lunch and several coffee breaks throughout the day. The evening reception includes drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres. On May 5, NSSA will provide lunch and a coffee break at the invitation-only workshops and dinner for all attendees.
Conference registration is free. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. Limited funding is available for those who are eligible. Please indicate your interest on the registration form by March 20. *The NSSA Team will reach out to speakers and panelists regarding travel and lodging arrangements.
Yes. NSSA has reserved a block of hotel rooms for attendees at the Sheraton Palo Alto at a rate of $389 per night. If you want to make a reservation at the Sheraton, please use this link or call (650) 328-2800. Last Day to Book is April 6!
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) are both about 20 miles from Stanford.
There are several ways to travel to and from the conference site.
- DRIVE: DRIVE: The Alumni Center and ANKO Building are both a 10-15 minute drive from the hotel area. You can take a car share service (Uber or Lyft).
- PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Alumni Center and ANKO Building are about 20 minutes away via Marguerite, a free shuttle service provided by Stanford University (see map below). Review this description of public transportation options for getting to Stanford, and these maps of the free Stanford “Margaurite” Shuttle, where the X and Y lines can take you to Stanford and back to the hotel areas.
Choose from these three options to pay for visitor parking through ParkMobile.
- Use ParkMobile’s Zone Parking option: no app download or account is needed. You can check out as a guest without setting up an account.
- Closest Zones to Alumni Center for Parking
- Track House - Zone number: 7295
- Memorial Way - Zone number: 7213
- Closest Zones to GSE ANKO Building
- Wilbur Field Garage - Zone number: 7206
- Pay-By-Phone if you don’t have a smartphone or prefer an automated voice system, call ParkMobile at 877.727.5718 to start your parking session.
- Download the app and set up a Park Mobile account. We recommend doing this before you arrive.
Registration will open at 8:00 a.m., the conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m, with a reception to follow until 6:30 p.m. The day will consist of a keynote address, moderated panel discussions, breakout sessions by learning communities, and a few breaks dispersed throughout the day.
Program details are on the conference agenda. Please note that the program will continuously be updated.
Yes. To cancel your registration please cancel your Eventbrite order or email info@studentsupportaccelerator.org before April 24th.