Register Now for the Thriving Communities Summit Nov. 17

Registration is now open for the premier gathering of educators and community wellness partners at the Thriving Communities Summit Nov. 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town and Country Resort.

Register Now

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), in partnership with the County of San Diego in support of the Live Well San Diego vision, will host the 2026 annual gathering of educators and community wellness partners. This free, one-day event will fill up quickly so register today.

The summit, previously the Live Well Advance Conference and School Summit, continues the same mission of connecting our region’s community and education sectors to elevate well-being through community schools and improving outcomes for the whole child and every person in every community.  

"A great education starts with a child whose basic needs are met," said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. "Each student brings their unique needs into the classroom – hunger, housing stability, emotional support – and it takes a community to ensure they have what they need to thrive. This summit brings together education and community partners from across the county to work together in unity on behalf of our young people."

The keynote speaker is Dee Hankins, who will share his story of resilience and hope. Hankins spent his childhood in the foster care system, struggling with feelings of rejection, trust issues, and anger. Although statistically, the odds were against him, a life-changing scholarship program pushed him toward college and ultimately to public speaking.

Following the keynote, Hankins will offer a breakout session on navigating stress and leading through challenging moments. Additional presenters include representatives from SDCOE, the County of San Diego, California Schools VEBA, local schools and districts, and more. 

Featured sessions include:

• Strategies for navigating stress, staying grounded, and leading through challenging moments.
• Guidance on navigating changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh
• How the Child and Family Well-Being Department (CFWB) and local schools are shifting the model from mandated reporter to community support
• Community schools success stories
• Building cultures of well-being as an organizational strategy 

Collectively, we can continue to bridge programs and services for healthy families with our school communities, so every child can thrive in school and in life.

Registration closes Oct. 29, so visit the Thriving Communities Summit event website to register and learn more.