The National Student Council

NJASC is affiliated with NASC, the National Association of Student Councils - a program of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). In 2024, NASC introduced the new National Student Council - for which State Student Council Associations throughout the United States take part in the nominating potential candidates to represent their states.

About the National Student Council

The National Student Council (NSC) is a dynamic assembly of elected and appointed student leaders hailing from every corner of the United States. Begun in 2024, the National Student Council is part of the National Association of Student Councils (NASC), which is a program of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).  The National Student Council is intended to serve 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. 

Each year, representation on the National Student Council alternates between two groups of 25 states...and in 2025-2026, New Jersey will have a representative!  NJASC will soon accept applications for and determine TWO nominees for that position, of which NASC will then select the one who will become the New Jersey State Representative for the 2025-2026 National Student Council.  The National Student Council is a relatively new program, completing its first year and now preparing for its second year - which will be the first time that New Jersey has a student state representative. 

More information about the National Student Council and the role of a State Representative can be found on their website: 

CLICK HERE to visit the National Student Council page at NASC

Nominating a New Jersey State Representative

New Jersey, through NJASC, will submit TWO names to NASC - and ONE of those students will be selected by NASC to serve as the State Representative from New Jersey in its National Student Council for the 2025-2026 school year. Please note that there are VERY specific requirements that apply for a student nominee to be considered...

  • Their school must be a current active member of BOTH NJASC and NASC, and must maintain active membership in both organizations for the 2025-2026 school year.  Dues must be paid by April 1 of the current year to both organizations so that we can ensure the nominees we select will be eligible candidates. Please note that membership in NJASC does not imply membership in NASC, or vice versa - NJASC and NASC are two separate organizations:

  • Nominees must be a current high school sophomore or junior, who has been an active member of their school's Student Council for at least two years.

  • If a nominee is selected by NASC, they must commit to participating in at least NINE monthly virtual meetings, which will be held on the second Wednesday of each month, and at least one in-person gathering (estimated 2-3 days).

  • If a nominee is selected by NASC, they must commit to 3-5 hours per month for participating in meetings, work, and service for the National Student Council.

Please note that the role of NJASC will be to review applications and determine the two nominees - NOT to select which of those two will become the 2025-2026 State Representative for New Jersey. There are also several Officer positions in the National Student Council; those are applied for and selected directly by NASC through a national election among all their member schools.  NJASC is not involved in that process.

Process, Timelines, and Forms

NJASC is excited to work with the National Association of Student Councils to offer this opportunity to our Garden State student leaders. Please take note of the following important deadlines:

  • The NJASC Nominee Application must be submitted by Friday April 11 - and must include the Advisor-Principal Signature Sheet, Parent Signature Sheet, and a headshot photo.

  • Up to six (6) potential nominees will be selected for virtual interviews, and will be notified by Wednesday April 30 that they have been selected.  These potential nominees MUST be available on the evenings of Monday May 5 or Tuesday May 6 for a virtual interview.

  • The two nominees that are selected from these interviews will be notified by Friday May 9; they will have until May 31 to complete and submit the formal State Representative Application to NASC by Saturday May 31.

  • NASC will then review the two applications from our New Jersey nominees, making the final decision on who will become the State Representative on their National Student Council.  They will announce the selected representatives on Friday June 27.

All applications will require Principal, Advisor, and Parent signatures. The application and required supporting documents are linked to below:

CLICK HERE to access the 2025-2026 NJASC Nominee Application

CLICK HERE to view/download the Advisor-Principal Signature Form

CLICK HERE to view/download the Parent Signature Form

Please note that the role of NJASC will be to review applications and determine the two nominees - NOT to select which of those two will become the 2025-2026 State Representative for New Jersey. If you have any questions about the process and timelines that NJASC will be using to determine the two nominees, please contact Executive Director Alex Mazella at amazella@njasc.net.