This annual event brings together stakeholders and students from education research, policy, and practice to reflect on lessons learned during this formative period in public education and explore innovative ideas for addressing enduring and emerging challenges.

VCU School of Education’s Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) partners with Richmond-area school divisions to lead research on key PK-12 education issues. MERC’s work informs policy, builds knowledge and skills, contributes to scholarship, and ultimately impacts outcomes for students, schools, and communities.

Attendees at the 2025 MERC Summitt can look forward to:

1. Interactive sessions for educators, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate on addressing prominent challenges in public schools.
2. Innovative approaches to supporting K-12 students, educators, and families.
3. Insights from locally developed research exploring trends, outcomes, and recommendations for Richmond-area schools.
4. Opportunities to strengthen connections between universities and K-12 public school systems through meaningful research-practice partnerships.

Stay tuned for registration details and session information. We will provide updates here: https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/events/merc-summit/