Annual convening brings together leaders, researchers, and students to advance economic mobility through innovation and applied research
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University’s School of Graduate Studies and Research will host the 2026 Economic Inclusion & Innovation Research Conference (EIIRC) on Thursday, April 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on campus at 2500 W. North Avenue. This year’s theme, “Pathways to Opportunity: Intrapreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Mobility,” reflects the university’s continued focus on connecting research, education, and workforce outcomes.
Sponsored by the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Lambda Omega Chapter, the conference will bring together more than 500 participants from corporate, government, academic, and community sectors. The daylong event will feature research presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to equip college and high school students with tools to navigate and succeed in today’s evolving economy.
The conference will emphasize how intrapreneurship—innovative thinking within organizations—can accelerate education-to-employment pathways and support long-term economic advancement for youth and young adults. Attendees will engage with business leaders, faculty, and researchers who are advancing solutions at the intersection of innovation, workforce development, and community impact.
“This conference reflects Coppin’s commitment to connecting research, innovation, and real-world outcomes for our students and the communities we serve,” said Anthony L. Jenkins, PhD, president of Coppin State University. “We are intentional about creating spaces where ideas lead to action, where students see clear pathways to opportunity, and where partnerships help drive meaningful economic mobility.”
Originally launched in 2016 as the Economic Inclusion Conference at Coppin (EICAC) by the university’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, the conference has evolved into a leading platform for cross-sector collaboration. Now reimagined as EIIRC 2026, the event expands its focus by integrating research with practical application, strengthening workforce readiness and economic empowerment through initiatives such as Excel 2.0.
“The 2026 Economic Inclusion & Innovation Research Conference reflects Coppin State University’s commitment to advancing research that fuels equity, innovation that drives opportunity, and ideas that translate into lasting economic impact,” said Ronald Williams, PhD, interim dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “By convening bold thinkers and emerging scholars, we are shaping solutions that expand access, empower communities, and redefine what inclusive growth can achieve.”
The conference will also highlight student-led innovation and emerging research focused on workforce integration, while strengthening partnerships across education, policy, business, and community stakeholders. Participants will hear from a diverse group of leaders, including educators, elected officials, funders, and community advocates, all working to build a more connected and data-informed ecosystem that supports student success and economic advancement.
For more information and to register, visit the conference webpage.
About Coppin State University’s School of Graduate Studies and Research
Designed for busy working professionals, the degrees and certificates offered by the School of Graduate Studies and Research place an emphasis on professional and advanced education that will take your career to the next level. Through their advanced degrees in education, criminal justice, natural sciences, and nursing and human services, they work with many of Baltimore’s leading companies and innovative research entities to create programming that strengthens their curricula, enlivens classroom discussions, and, ultimately, enriches their students’ futures. For more information, visit https://coppinstate.university-tour.com/academics/school-of-graduate-studies.
