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MSAN is dedicated to elevating youth voices through partnership and research.

Upcoming Event:

2025 Student Conference

Nov. 12-15, 2025, The DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC-Crystal City

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The Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) is a national, multi-state coalition of multicultural school districts that learn, grow and work together to realize the vision of all students experiencing an inclusive and excellent education since 1999.

Part of the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, MSAN has worked to build the capacity of school leaders and students through its communities of practice, focus on elevating youth voices, and engagement in development, leadership, and research activities, all aimed at eliminating disparities, creating schools where every student belongs, and ensuring all students have what they need to thrive and succeed.

Learn More About MSAN

Event

Annual Student Conference

The student conference is an annual, in-person, national conference for high school students to connect with students from other member districts, learn from student and adult community leaders, build their leadership capacity, and discuss information from their schools in order to develop an action plan for change.
View Student Conference Info

“Just being here [helps me know] that I’m working to better my district and strengthen my leadership skills.”

Student Conference Attendee

Event

Institute

The MSAN Institute is an annual convening of education leaders, school staff, researchers, and others working to improve districts and schools. This event provides an opportunity to exchange research and knowledge, share effective and promising practices, and discuss ideas and solutions to transform schools and improve the educational experience for all students.

View Institute Info

Research

MSAN’s core values include beliefs that students’ voices must be centered, and research and collaboration drive innovation.

MSAN’s commitment to youth voice, youth leadership and research is cultivated through MSAN’s youth voice research practice partnership. MSAN believes partnering with youth when doing research can improve the evidence used for school district decision-making. MSAN also believes that examining K–12 and postsecondary success through the student perspective strengthens research evidence validity, increases the likelihood that research is used in decision-making, enhances policy strength, and improves student outcomes.
Learn More About Our Research
Two students standing at a podium. One is raising their hand and the other is smiling.

Join MSAN

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MSAN offers an array of benefits to members including opportunities to:

  • Elevate youth voice in your district;
  • Partner with youth to produce useful research evidence;
  • Participate in communities of practice and professional learning that expands leadership capacity; and
  • Much more!
Join MSAN

Media Mentions

NIOT Presents Seven Unity Awards For Equity and Community-Building Efforts,
Town Topics, July 16, 2025

Multicultural Student Achievement Network reflects on legacy of advocacy, looks to future
The Badger Herald, December 2024

MSAN 25th Annual Student Conference Addresses “Leaving Our Legacy”
WCER Communications, November 2024

View all