- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationEducation
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 24–30
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧑🎓
National Student Leadership Week shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of student leaders every April 24–30. These young individuals drive change, foster community, and inspire their peers through countless initiatives. Join us in celebrating their resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in schools and beyond.
Want to sponsor National Student Leadership Week? Learn how
Expected National Student Leadership Week Deals
National Student Leadership Week is a time for appreciation, often seeing educational organizations and corporate partners offer special recognition programs. While direct sales aren’t common, look for initiatives from organizations like National Association of Student Councils (NASC), National Honor Society (NHS), and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) that highlight student achievements. Companies like Scholastic or Office Depot might offer discounts on educational resources or supplies for student-led projects. Tech companies such as Microsoft Education often provide free resources or webinars focused on leadership skills. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and recognition opportunities as April 24 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Student Leadership Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #StudentLeadershipWeek. Share stories of student leaders making an impact.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #StudentLeadershipWeek. Highlight innovative student projects or leadership initiatives.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #StudentLeadershipWeek. Post visuals of student leaders in action, showcasing their dedication.
National Student Leadership Week Hero
Eleanor Roosevelt
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.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Student Leadership Week
Local businesses can honor National Student Leadership Week by partnering with schools to offer mentorship opportunities or internships for student leaders. Restaurants might provide a special discount to student council members, while retail stores could sponsor school events led by students. Consider hosting a workshop on a relevant skill like public speaking or project management, inviting student leaders to attend and network with local professionals. Highlighting student achievements on social media or in-store displays can also foster community appreciation.
National Student Leadership Week FAQs
When is National Student Leadership Week?
In 2027, National Student Leadership Week will be observed from Saturday, April 24 through Friday, April 30, offering another full week to acknowledge student contributions.
What is the purpose of National Student Leadership Week?
This annual observance serves to underscore the critical role student leaders play in shaping school culture and inspiring positive change. It provides a dedicated time to appreciate their efforts in fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environments.
How can schools celebrate National Student Leadership Week?
To celebrate, schools might coordinate community service projects led by students, invite guest speakers to share leadership insights, or create a ‘Wall of Fame’ showcasing student achievements. Promoting peer-to-peer recognition can also foster a positive leadership culture.
What qualities define a student leader?
Key characteristics of student leaders include integrity, resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to service. They demonstrate the ability to motivate peers, manage projects, and advocate for important causes, often showing maturity beyond their years.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | April 24–30 | Saturday–Friday |
| 2028 | April 24–30 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | April 24–30 | Tuesday–Monday |
| 2030 | April 24–30 | Wednesday–Tuesday |
| 2031 | April 24–30 | Thursday–Wednesday |
Social Media Tips for National Student Leadership Week
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