SOBLAC21 brought together scholars and students for two focused sessions exploring language, identity, and social mobility. Both sessions were held online in February 2021 as part of the NSF REU Site's ongoing commitment to broadening participation in the linguistic sciences.

The SOBLAC21 sessions exemplify the REU site's broader mission of increasing diversity in the linguistic sciences. By bringing together scholars and students from historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and other underrepresented academic communities, the event created a space where research on language and social mobility could be shared and discussed openly. Participants explored how linguistic practices shape educational opportunities and career trajectories, shedding light on the ways language intersects with identity, race, and access. These conversations help build a more inclusive scholarly community and demonstrate how linguistics can serve communities beyond the academy.

The online format of both February 2021 sessions proved especially valuable, allowing participants from across the country to join without geographic or financial barriers. Virtual gatherings of this kind extend the reach of the REU program, making professional development and research exposure accessible to students who might otherwise lack opportunities to connect with established scholars in the field. The afternoon format also accommodated busy student schedules, ensuring that undergraduate participants could fully engage with the presentations and discussions. This approach reflects a commitment to removing obstacles to participation and widening the pipeline into graduate study and research careers in linguistics.

Presentations during the sessions centered on linguistic research addressing underrepresented communities in higher education, with particular attention to how language use influences students' experiences and outcomes on campus. The discussions highlighted the role of sociolinguistic variation, language attitudes, and communicative practices in shaping academic success and social mobility. By examining real-world examples and research findings, attendees gained insight into how language can both enable and constrain opportunity. These conversations also informed teaching and mentoring practices, giving faculty and graduate students concrete ideas for supporting linguistically diverse learners in their own classrooms and research projects.

Events like SOBLAC21 form part of the REU site's ongoing effort to establish a sustainable network of scholars, mentors, and students committed to broadening participation in the linguistic sciences. The connections formed during these sessions often extend well beyond the event itself, leading to collaborative projects, mentorship relationships, and applications to graduate programs. For undergraduates, exposure to current research and the chance to interact with faculty from partner institutions can be transformative, helping them envision themselves as future researchers. The REU program's dedication to these gatherings reflects a deep investment in the next generation of linguistic scientists and in the communities they will serve.