San Diego, CA — April 2026 — MicroSociety Inc. (MSI) will present new insights from its national Middle Grades Listening Tour at the upcoming Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Conference in San Diego. The session will highlight what students across six schools are saying about their learning experiences—and what they need from schools to thrive in today’s world.
Grounded in direct student voice, the presentation explores a clear message emerging from middle school learners: They want learning that is real, meaningful, and connected to their futures. Students are calling for opportunities to take on authentic responsibility, engage in relevant, hands-on work, and better understand how their education connects to life beyond the classroom.
The session, “Voices of the Middle Grades: Designing Career-Connected Learning with Students at the Center,” will take place on Thursday, April 16, at 4:40 PM in the Silver Pearl Ballroom 1.
The session will be led by Dr. Kiana Smith, a key leader in the Listening Tour research and the design of MSI’s Future-Ready Middle Grades model. She will share key findings and how these insights are shaping the nonprofit organization’s ongoing work to put career-connected learning, student agency, and real-world application at the center of the MicroSociety middle school experience.
This work is supported by Britebound, whose investment is helping MSI advance its research and reimagine what middle grades education can look like in practice.
In addition to the featured session, Darlene Dingess-Adkins, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships, will host a Braindate conversation on Friday, April 17, titled “Who Do Your Students Know? Rethinking Opportunity Through Social Capital,” exploring how relationships and networks expand student opportunity.
Conference attendees are also invited to visit MSI at Booth T23 to learn more about MicroSociety, explore classroom applications, and connect with the team about bringing these ideas into their schools.
MSI’s work continues to focus on a simple but powerful idea: When students are given the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, take responsibility, and contribute to something larger than themselves, they thrive.
For more information, visit www.microsociety.org.
About MicroSociety Inc. (MSI)
MicroSociety Inc. (MSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education through immersive, real-world learning experiences. Since its founding in 1991, MSI has worked with schools across the U.S. and internationally to help students develop the entrepreneurial, financial, and civic skills needed for future success. Through participation in student-run miniature societies, we expand horizons, unlock potential, and ensure every child finds their place in the world and shines. Learn more at www.microsociety.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.