For colleges & universities
Boost student retention — without adding to your team’s workload.
The NSLS is the nation’s only accredited leadership honor society, with 800+ chapters and over 2 million members. Our turn-key programming delivers measurable engagement and retention — with minimal lift from your staff.
Trusted by 800+ institutions nationwide — accredited & recognized
The challenges you’re facing
Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and there’s a proven solution.
Student engagement is declining
Fewer students connect with campus life, and traditional programming isn’t reversing the trend. You need structured opportunities that meet students where they are.
Your team is already at capacity
Your staff builds great programs — but they can’t scale leadership development to every student who needs it. You need results without adding to their workload.
Leadership wants data, not anecdotes
Stakeholders expect measurable outcomes tied to retention, completion, and career readiness. Good intentions aren’t enough — you need documented results.
A proven program that runs itself
So your team doesn’t have to.
Five-step leadership curriculum
A structured program that develops students into confident, work-ready graduates — with nationally recognized speakers like Adam Grant and Daymond John, plus peer-led collaboration and community service.
Built-in student engagement
Each chapter is student-led: members drive programming, events, and outreach on your campus. Advisors contribute just 10–20 hours per semester. We provide the structure; your students provide the energy.
Nationally recognized credentials
The NSLS is the only leadership honor society accredited by Cognia and recognized by ACE and NCCRS for college credit. Students graduate with a credential that carries weight with employers and graduate programs.
What your students get: Leadership certification · World-class speakers · $400,000+ in annual scholarship opportunities · A nationwide network
The retention results speak for themselves
Real data from real campuses — institutions like yours are seeing measurable impact.
First-year retention reached 81% among NSLS members — well above the institutional average.
NSLS members achieved a 95% retention rate. Purpose and belonging translated directly into persistence.
A 37% increase in retention among NSLS members compared to non-members.
What advisors say about the NSLS
“The NSLS was one of the easiest programs I’ve ever launched on campus. The curriculum, the platform, the support — it was all ready to go, and my students took ownership from day one.”
Joshua NelsonChapter Advisor, Hartwick College
“I’ve watched students walk into their first orientation unsure of themselves and walk across the stage as confident leaders. The transformation is real, and it happens every semester.”
Debbie FowlerChapter Advisor, Public University
“We serve thousands of students across multiple campuses, and the NSLS gave us a consistent, scalable leadership experience we couldn’t have built on our own.”
Evelyn OrtegaChapter Advisor, CUNY
Three steps to a stronger campus
Book a demo
A 30-minute conversation with our partnerships team. We learn your campus goals and show how the NSLS aligns with your priorities.
We handle setup
Our team manages chapter setup, student onboarding, and platform configuration. Your advisor receives full training and ongoing support — the heavy lifting is on us.
Students start leading
Members move through the accredited five-step curriculum, build leadership skills, and connect with a national network. Your campus sees the results.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to start a chapter?
It depends on your institution and enrollment. Book a demo and we’ll walk through options tailored to your campus.
How much time does it take to manage?
About 10–20 hours per semester for your advisor — chapters are student-led, so members drive the programming.
Is the NSLS an honor society or a leadership program?
Both. The NSLS is the nation’s only accredited leadership honor society (Cognia, NCCRS) — honor-society prestige with a structured, five-step leadership curriculum.
What support does the NSLS provide to advisors?
Full advisor training, chapter setup, student onboarding, platform configuration, and ongoing support. The heavy lifting is on us.
We already have leadership programming. How is the NSLS different?
The NSLS is turn-key, accredited, student-led, and measurable. It complements existing programming without adding to your team’s workload — and it comes with retention data and employer-recognized credentials.
Can we see a demo or visit an existing chapter?
Yes — book a demo and we can arrange a walkthrough or connect you with an existing chapter.
Ready to bring the NSLS to your campus?
See how a chapter fits your goals in a 20-minute walkthrough.
Book a Demo