National Student Leadership Week takes place from April 24 to April 30. Schools around the world celebrate National Student Leadership Week, which is sponsored by the National Association of Student Councils (N.A.S.C.), National Junior Honor Society (N.J.H.S.), and National Honor Society (N.H.S.). Student leaders have dealt with online learning and changing health restrictions. They’ve come up with unique service project concepts and virtual spirit rallies to keep our school communities engaged and they’ve done it all by establishing their path. It’s vital to recognize these incredible people for their tenacity as well as the maturity and skill they display for their age.
History of National Student Leadership Week
The history of National Student Leadership Week dates back to September 26, 1972. It all started when former President Richard Nixon issued a White House proclamation declaring National Student Government Day. The day, which was once an autumn celebration, was turned into a spring event in 1975 as part of the preparations for the United States Bicentennial. National Student Leadership Day was renamed National Student Government Day in 1979. The day was extended into a week-long celebration in April 1983, and that has been the norm ever since.
One of the sponsors of World Student Leadership Week is the National Junior Honor Society established in 1929 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (N.A.S.S.P.). Its goal was to create an organization that would not only recognize but actively encourage intellectual achievements. It should also build vital attributes for citizens in a democracy at the same time. The N.A.S.S.P. aims to encourage excellence in school leadership. The organization’s original logo has been replaced by a new logo with the initials N.A.S.S.P. and the phrase “leadership schools.”
The N.A.S.S.P., which is the parent chapter of N.H.S., has a scholarship program that has provided more than $19 million in scholarships to senior members of N.H.S. who have excelled academically.
National Student Leadership Week timeline
The National Honor Society is established.
The N.A.S.S.P. establishes the National Junior Honor Society.
The National Association of Student Council is established.
This marks the very beginning of National Student Leadership Week.
National Student Leadership Week FAQs
What makes a great student leader?
Leaders show an extremely strong commitment to and enthusiasm for their work. A solid leader exhibits empathy toward others, has a good understanding of emotions, and recognizes that their mood can affect the entire organization’s performance.
What is a student leader
A student leader is a student who is in a position to guide, influence, and motivate others to achieve their goal.
Why should I be a student leader?
Running for a student leadership position is a great way to boost your resume and learn valuable life lessons and develop leadership skills. As a student leader, you are going to develop innumerable leadership skills including conflict resolution, cultural intelligence, and professional advancement
National Student Leadership Week Activities
Recognize student leaders
If you hold a position of power in a school, you can recognize and praise student leaders by naming them and publicly applauding them. This will improve their confidence while also making them proud of their accomplishments.
Expose students to community leaders
Exposing students to leaders will stir up a desire in them to want to lead too. When they have the opportunity to talk to community leaders, they will be inspired to follow that path.
Talk about leadership
Fix an interactive seminar where you gather students together to create an engaging and fun environment to challenge and celebrate leadership qualities, styles, and practices.
5 Fun Facts About Schools
The highest school in the world
The highest school ever was a small residential primary school located at an altitude of around 16,476 feet in the Pumajiangtangxiang Township, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
The oldest school in the world
The Shishi High School in China is the world's oldest school, having been constructed roughly 140 years before Jesus Christ's birth.
Recycled pop bottles
A school in the Philippines is made of recycled pop bottles.
A school had just one student
In Italy, there was an elementary school that had only one student.
Students in South Korea clean the classroom
After a lesson, students in South Korea are expected to clean up the classroom.
Why We Love National Student Leadership Week
It encourages leadership
A whole week dedicated to leadership will make students who are already leaders proud of themselves and their positions. Students who are not leaders will be encouraged to take on leadership positions.
It recognizes the vital role student leaders play
Student leaders play a very important role in the community. During this holiday we are allowed to recognize and appreciate the value they bring.
It allows adults to learn from student leaders
Some students are more capable of leading than adults. When student leaders speak about their experiences at seminars, the adults in attendance can learn a thing or two about leadership.
National Student Leadership Week dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | April 24 | Thursday |
2026 | April 24 | Friday |
2027 | April 24 | Saturday |
2028 | April 24 | Monday |
2029 | April 24 | Tuesday |