The National Association of Student Councils (NASC) is a national organization in the United States serving middle and high school student councils and their educators. It is recognized as the oldest and largest organization of its kind. NASC offers programs, scholarships, and leadership opportunities for student council members, educators serving as student council advisers, and school administrators. [1][2]
History
NASC originated from the efforts of Warren Shull, president of Sapulpa High School Student Council in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.[3] In 1930, Shull organized a meeting in Oklahoma with student body presidents, which laid the groundwork for the Oklahoma Association of Student Councils and NASC. In 1931, Shull met with Dr. Willis A. Sutton, President of the National Education Association (NEA), leading to the formation of the National Association of Student Government Officers (NASGO), with Shull serving as its first president. [4]
NASGO faced initial financial challenges, with Shull often attending NEA conferences by hitchhiking. In 1937, NASGO adopted an official constitution and changed its name to the National Association of Student Councils in 1940. [4]
In 1943, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) became the official parent organization of NASC. This partnership coincided with growth in membership and the expansion of its services, including the launch of a magazine and the appointment of a full-time director of student activities in 1947, Gerald M. Van Pool. The first NASC National Conference under NASSP took place in 1948 at Coolidge High School, Washington, D.C. [4]
U.S. President Ronald Reagan gave a keynote address at NASC's 1983 annual conference in Shawnee Mission, Kansas where he spoke about his start in politics serving as the student body president of Dixon High School in Dixon, IL. [5]
In 2017, the organization rebranded itself as NatStuCo (National Student Council) to be more in line with the National Honor Society, its sister organization.[6] The NASC name and brand were restored in 2024. [7]
Membership
NASC membership is available to all accredited middle and high schools. The current cost of membership is $95 per year. [8]
Programs
The National Student Council (NSC)
The NSC consists of elected and appointed student leaders from across the U.S. It advocates for student voices at the federal level. Students can participate as NSC Officers or State Representatives. [9]
NASC Scholarship
The NASC Scholarship Program awards funds to high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate leadership, service, student voice, and engagement. For the 2024-2025 school year, NASC is awarding $100,000 in scholarships to 80 students. [10]
NASC National Student Council Conference
The NASC National Student Council Conference is an annual event where middle and high school student council members and program advisers from across the U.S. converge to develop leadership skills, network, and exchange ideas.[11] NASC has hosted an annual conference or convening since 1931. No conventions were held during World War II and its immediate aftermath (1943-1947). [12]
National Council of Excellence Awards (NCOE)
The NCOE awards recognize student councils with strong programs and contributions to their schools and communities. The awards are based on the four tenets of NASC: Leadership, Service, Engagement, and Student Voice. [13]
NASC Distinguished Student Leader
The NASC Distinguished Student Leader Program recognizes high school students in NASC member schools for exemplary leadership. Participants engage in leadership tasks and create a portfolio demonstrating their skills in areas like goal setting and civic engagement. Successful students earn the NASC Distinguished Student Leader title, acknowledging their leadership excellence. [14]
NASC Emerging Student Leader Program
The NASC Emerging Student Leader Program is designed for middle school students in NASC member schools, focusing on developing core leadership skills across eight categories. This initiative prepares students for future leadership roles by building a strong foundation in areas like communication, governance, and service. Participants who successfully complete the program are recognized for their achievements in emerging leadership. [15]
Raising Student Voice & Participation (RSVP)
The Raising Student Voice & Participation (RSVP) program is an initiative designed to amplify student voice in middle and high school campuses. This program engages student council members in organizing and leading student-led summits, focusing on identifying and addressing key school and community issues. Through RSVP, students learn to articulate their ideas and opinions, collaborate on action plans, and interact with school administration and community leaders. [16]
Parent and Sister Organizations
- National Association of Secondary School Principals [17]
- National Honor Society
- National Junior Honor Society
- National Elementary Honor Society
References
- ^ "About the National Association of Student Councils". NASC. 2017-01-17. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "Student Council / Student Council Overview". www.d49.org. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "History of the OASC". Okla StuCo. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ a b c "The Remarkable Story of NASC". NASC. 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session With Participants in the National Conference of the National Association of Student Councils in Shawnee Mission, Kansas". Ronald Reagan. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "NatStuCo Update: NASC is Now National Student Council". NHS. 2017-09-03. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "NASC Brand Evolution". NASC. 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "Why join NASC?". NASC. 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "National Student Council". NASC. 2023-11-24. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "The NASC Scholarship". NASC. 2023-11-24. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "Lindbergh junior attends national student council conference". St. Louis Call Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "NASC Conference History". NASC. 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "District Highlights / Student Council named National Gold Council of Excellence". www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "MASC Awards | Maryland Association of Student Councils". Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "Celebrating Student Leaders and Advisers". NASSP. 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "Raising Student Voice & Participation: Why the Nation's Principals and Student Council Advisers Support RSVP" (PDF). Alaska Association of Student Government. 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ "National Association of Student Councils". Britannica Kids. Retrieved 2024-01-23.