Imagine leading discussions in the halls of the White House, shaping educational policy alongside Members of Congress, and being featured in premier media outlets. It’s possible!
The National Student Council (NSC) is a dynamic assembly of elected and appointed student leaders hailing from every corner of the United States. It serves as a powerful advocate for students’ voices at the federal level, ensuring that their diverse perspectives and interests are integral to discussions surrounding education, schools, educators, and their futures.
There are two ways for students to get involved:
Run for an NSC Officer Position
- Students who meet the criteria may apply to run for one of the 10 NSC Officer positions. Four candidates for each office will be selected to run in a national election among NASC member schools.
Serve as an NSC State Representative
- Each 1-year term, the NSC will have ~25 State Representatives. These positions are filled via appointment by each state’s student council association.
2025-2026 School Year Election Timeline
- Jan. 6, 2025: State Representative Nominees Application Opens
- January 31, 2025: National Student Council Officer Applications Open
- February 25, 2025: National Student Council Officer Applications Due
- March 25, 2025: National Student Council Officer Candidates Announced
- April 1-27, 2025: National Student Council Officer Campaigns
- April 28 – May 2, 2025: National Student Council Officer Elections
- May 5, 2025: National Student Council Election Results Announced
- May 31, 2025: State Representative Nominees Due from State Associations
- June 27, 2025: State Representatives Announced
Learn more about the council and how NSC Officers are elected:
Benefits of Serving on the National Student Council
Unlock unparalleled opportunities with the National Student Council. Serving on this prestigious body not only enhances leadership skills but also opens doors to exclusive experiences in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Here are the top benefits for students:
- National Representation: Students on the National Student Council have the unique opportunity to represent their peers on a national platform, shaping policies that affect students nationwide. They meet with leaders in the White House, Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education, and represent student voices in major media outlets, playing a crucial role in national educational discourse.
- Leadership Skills: Council members polish essential leadership skills like public speaking, decision-making, and strategic planning. They engage in professional development activities, lead service projects, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for future academic and career success.
- Networking Opportunities: Serving on the council connects students with a diverse network of student leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry professionals, offering invaluable opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and future career advancement.
- Exclusive Washington, D.C. Experience: High school participants in the council receive at least one all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., providing a firsthand experience of the nation’s political and educational hub and an opportunity to engage directly with influential leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
High School-level officer candidates and State Representative nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Be a rising Junior or Senior in high school.
- Attend a school with an active NASC membership.
- Have been an active member of their school’s student council for at least two years.
- Be able to travel alone to Washington, D.C. or other major U.S. cities.
- Commit to participating in nine (9) monthly virtual meetings and one (1) in-person gathering.
Middle-level officer candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a rising seventh or eighth grader in middle school.
- Attend a school with an active NASC membership.
- Have been an active member of their school’s student council for at least one year.
- Commit to participating in nine (9) monthly virtual meetings.
Explore the official bylaws to learn more about the National Student Council