Each year, United Way of Pennsylvania is pleased to gather together our members for our annual conference. The conference gives our members a chance to share their experiences, speak to experts, and learn best new practices. This year, our conference will be in Erie at the Sheraton Bayfront on picturesque Presque Isle Bay starting June 20th and ending June 22nd.

Many of our topics this year focus on innovation and looking toward the future. Because each United Way is unique, the approaches in our sessions will vary so that there will be something for everyone at this conference. 

We're excited to have GenNext Ottawa, our neighbors in the north, joining us for the duration of our conference. GenNext is an exciting program dedicated to building affinity with young adults and developing trust in the United Way brand with the next generation. 

United Way Worldwide will be well represented to promote their new, bold programs. Presenters will have a chance to meet UWW staff face to face to ask questions and learn how what they're developing is relevant and helpful to PA United Ways. 

Some of our PA United Ways will also be presenting on the programs they're developing and using in their communities, but if you've heard of a great program and don't see it listed, you'll be glad to hear that we're planning the "UW Speed Dating" event at the start of the conference that will allow you to meet and network with other United Ways and learn about what everyone is doing. 

Thursday evening will be memorable as one of the most unique receptions UWP has hosted. We'll be taking a sunset cruise on Lake Erie on the Victorian Princess. Heavy hors'doeuvres and a cash bar will be available. If the boat isn't for you, feel free to visit the Bayfront Grille that night to mingle with members who are staying on shore. 

The last day of the conference will feature United Way of Erie County presenting on the data they've accumulated from their successful Dolly Parton Imagination Library program and how they use that data to show their donors the impact in the community. That same day, we'll be hosting a youth engagement panel featuring GenNext Ottawa and local United Ways who are leading the way toward the future. To see all the sessions being offered, please take a look at our Semi-Final Conference Agenda. 

In addition to our conference, there are amazing things to do in Erie. You can check out a list of museums, amusement parks, and other activities on our 2018 Conference Webpage, which is constantly being updated with new information. 

The cost to register for the whole conference is $350. This includes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday sessions, lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, dinner Wednesday, the Victorian Princess reception on Thursday, and breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday. If you register before May 1st, you will receive a $50 discount applied automatically. United Way of Pennsylvania is pursuing flex credit approval from UWW for our members. Members can pay for the conference via PayPal or by mailing a check.

The Sheraton Erie Bayfront has a special discounted rate of $149/night for UWP Statewide Conference attendees. You can get this rate by booking online here or by calling (814)  454-2005 and mentioning the UWP Conference. 

Registration is open now and will remain open until May 31st. To register for the conference, click here. If you experience any problems with registration, please reach out to Amanda Barbarich at amanda@uwp.org or (717) 238-7365 x206. 

PA Treasurer Joe Torsella and a bipartisan group of legislators including Senators John Gordner and Vince Hughes, and Representatives Duane Milne and Mike Peiffer, kicked off the Keystone Scholars demonstration project at the state Capitol this week. PA Treasury is investing $100 for every baby born or adopted in 2018 and 2019 to families in Delaware, Elk, Indiana, Luzerne, Mifflin and Westmoreland counties. Eligible families must claim the $100 before the baby's first birthday. The funds are used to seed a 529 savings plan, which can be used for community college, vocational and technical schools, two- or four-year college, and graduate school programs.

Torsella noted that equally important to the financial investment is the change in expectations for a child and a family with a 529 savings account. Some research has demonstrated that a baby with a higher education savings account at birth is three times more likely to pursue education or training after high school, and four times more likely to graduation.

Pre-registration occurs online at www.pa529.com/keystone, or by calling 800-440-4000.

The group is also working on legislation which would make the Keystone Scholars program available to all babies in Pennsylvania.