TRACE Lab for Global Citizenship
Signature Programs
Making a meaningful Civic impact
Mission
To equip students, educators, athletic personnel, and communities with the knowledge and skills to engage deeply with history, society, and civic life through high-impact teaching, impactful research, the preservation of living traditions, and authentic community partnerships.
Vision
We envision a future where every learner—from early childhood through twelfth grade—has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to become a steward of civic life locally and globally. TRACE will be an internationally recognized leader in preparing civic-minded teachers and athletic personnel, amplifying youth voices, and collaborating with communities for meaningful civic impact.
Purpose
- Strengthen teacher preparation through innovative approaches to social studies and civic education.
- Equip young people with research skills that connect them to their families, communities, and histories.
- Preserve and share overlooked traditions of teaching and learning.
- Build and strengthen bridges between universities, K–12 schools, and communities through authentic partnerships.
Why This Work Matters
Education is one of the most powerful forces shaping civic life and community strength. At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, TRACE demonstrates its ongoing relevance. We create spaces where young learners see themselves in history, where preservice teachers gain the tools to inspire the next generation, and where communities are honored—not just studied. By investing in TRACE, supporters fuel the next generation of leaders who will strengthen communities locally and globally.
Your Support Builds Stronger Communities
The TRACE Lab for Global Citizenship is fueled by community support and strategic investment. With $15,000 in seed funding from the Haynes Chair for Leadership, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement, TRACE has already launched transformative initiatives connecting students, educators, and communities.
To sustain and expand this impact, TRACE Lab invites individuals, foundations, and organizations to invest in the next generation of scholars, youth athletics, and civic leaders. Philanthropic support allows us to grow beyond start-up funding and respond directly to community needs through innovative programming.
Every gift directly fuels programs for middle and secondary youth, hands-on archival research opportunities for undergraduate students, and competitive research fellowships for doctoral students and in-service educators.
Our Partners
To aid the TRACE Lab’s mission, we have developed partnerships with the Achievement, Research, Creativity, and High-Ability Center (ARCH-III) at Prairie View A&M University, Oxford Symposia and Dr. F. King Alexander, and the College of Education at Texas Southern University and its dean, Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil.
TRACE Lab Events
Sports Leadership for Community Impact Conference
April 25, 2026, Kyle Field – Presidential Suite
Engage in dynamic, TEDx-style sessions exploring how sport drives leadership, service, and positive community change.
About the Event
The Sports Leadership for Community Impact Conference brings together educators, coaches, nonprofit leaders, youth-serving organizations, and civic stakeholders committed to developing young people into community-minded leaders through sport. Grounded in the belief that sport is a powerful vehicle for leadership development, civic engagement, and social impact, this conference emphasizes practical strategies, community partnerships, and applied leadership models.
Submit Your Proposal
We welcome proposals from practitioners, administrators, coaches, educators, nonprofit leaders, faith-based organizations, and civic officials, as well as scholar-practitioners whose work bridges theory and practice. Conference sessions follow a TEDx-style format. Each session will feature presenters on related topics, with each presentation limited to 12 minutes, followed by a joint Q&A. Additional guidelines will be shared upon acceptance. Sessions should prioritize actionable insights, replicable models, and community outcomes around the following topics:
Session Guidelines & Topics
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1. Sport as a Vehicle for Youth Leadership & Civic Development
Exploring how sports-based programs cultivate leadership, responsibility, and civic engagement among young people.
- Youth leadership pipelines through sport
- Sport-based mentorship and character development
- Civic engagement and service-learning through athletics
- After-school sports programming
- Faith-based youth sports initiatives (e.g., churches, FCA)
- 4-H, rodeo culture, and agricultural youth leadership
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2. Community-Based Sport Organizations & Nonprofit Partnerships
Highlighting collaborations that strengthen communities through inclusive, mission-driven sport programming.
- YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Urban League, and similar organizations
- Cross-sector partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and municipalities
- Scaling and sustaining community sport programs
- Volunteer recruitment, training, and retention
- Access to community sport participation
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3. Parks, Recreation, and Public Sport Infrastructure
Examining how public spaces and governance decisions impact community wellness and youth development.
- Park and recreation governance and leadership
- Bond initiatives, funding models, and community advocacy
- Aquatic centers, playgrounds, and multi-use facilities
- Texas Parks & Wildlife programs (hunting, fishing, outdoor leadership)
- Event centers as community hubs
- Safety, accessibility, and inclusive design
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4. Education Systems, School Athletics, and Leadership Development
Focusing on leadership development within K–12 and postsecondary athletic and co-curricular systems.
- Athletic directors and district-level leadership
- UIL and interscholastic athletics
- Coaching education and ethical leadership
- School–community partnerships through athletics
- A&M student organizations and campus recreation initiatives
- Student-athlete leadership development models
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5. Career Pathways & the Sport Leadership Workforce
Addressing professional development and workforce pipelines in sport and recreation.
- Career pathways for coaches, officials, and athletic administrators
- Training and certification for referees and coaches
- Mentorship and leadership development for emerging professionals
- Navigating leadership roles in community sport organizations
- Sport leadership as a civic and service-oriented profession
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6. Health, Wellness, and Holistic Development Through Sport
Exploring the role of sport in promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
- Mental health and wellness in youth sports
- Yoga, mindfulness, and trauma-informed practices
- School counselors and wellness professionals in athletic contexts
- Preventing burnout and fostering lifelong sport participation
- Sport as a tool for resilience and social-emotional learning
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7. Governance, Policy, and Civic Leadership in Sport
Examining how policy, leadership, and governance shape sport’s impact on communities.
- Role of city councils, county leadership, and city managers
- Public policy and youth sport access
- Ethical leadership and accountability in sport organizations
- Community voice and stakeholder engagement
- Sport as a platform for civic leadership development