About Event

Student Conference Attendees Register Here

TRETC 2026 Student Leadership Conference

The Student Leadership Conference at TRETC 2026 is all about student voice, connection, and growth. This event brings together high school students from across the region to share ideas, talk about real topics that matter, and build confidence as leaders.

You’ll hear from inspiring speakers, join conversations led by other students, and explore what leadership and success look like beyond high school. It’s a chance to meet new people, exchange perspectives, and be part of a community of students who are passionate about making an impact in their schools, their communities, and their future careers.

Student Keynotes

Aarush Muthukrishnan is a 9th-grade student at North Allegheny Intermediate High School and a recognized Pennsylvania State 4-H STEM Program Ambassador dedicated to solving complex social problems through Artificial Intelligence. Technically grounded, Aarush is Python Certified, has achieved the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Bronze level, and earned a Bronze Medal in the American Computer Science League (ACSL). He is also a two-time PA Media and Design winner. He translates this expertise into practical solutions like TerraScan (an AI framework for agricultural soil mapping) and Derm AI (for skin cancer detection).

Aarush serves his community as the Founder of the 4-H AI Club and a Breakbeatcode Student Ambassador. His educational outreach includes organizing robotics camps for underserved youth, guiding peers in prompt engineering, serving as a Student Expert for AI at the 2024-2025 Woodland Hills Multi-District Student Summit, and presenting on STEM innovations to educators at the Global Impact Forum (TGIF) 2025. In robotics and advocacy, he is a dedicated member of FRC Team 5740-Trojanators and previously led his FLL team to a 1st Place Robot Design award at the Western PA Grand Championship. He is also an active advocate for STEM funding, having discussed these initiatives with U.S. Senators in Harrisburg.

Nandana Menon is an 18-year-old Neuroscience Student at The University of Pittsburgh and founder of Autism Unity Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting neurodiverse children through accessible technology and advocacy. She developed Spark, an autism support app, in pro bono partnership with CGI and University of Pittsburgh researchers to assist therapists, caregivers, and children navigating the challenges of neurodevelopmental care. A Disney Dreamer, Bank of America Student Leader, and 2025 SXSW Student Impact Challenge winner, Nandana has raised awareness on international platforms, been featured on KDKA, CBS, and local news, collaborated with legislators to expand the Blue Envelope Program, and trained over 350 professionals, which has now impacted more than 200,000+ neurodiverse youth nationwide.

Agenda:

12:00 PM - Lunch and Student Showcase

1:00 PM - Student Keynotes

1:40 PM - Peer to Peer Discussion Cafe

2:00 PM - Post High School Panel

2:45 PM - Student Showcase Awards

Cost

Student Presenters: Free

Student Attendees: $20

Want to become a student presenter and lead conversations regarding topics you are passionate about? Contact Rafalene Costanza at rcostanza@pghtech.org.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Host Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsor: