If you've been invited to join the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA) or are considering applying, you might be wondering whether it's worth including on your resume. The answer is yes, and here's why.
Founded in 2014, the SCLA is a national honor society that recognizes students who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, and a desire for ongoing personal and professional development. While many honor societies base membership solely on GPA, SCLA places strong emphasis on initiative, soft skills, and leadership potential across disciplines.
Demonstrates Initiative and Commitment
SCLA membership signals that you actively seek opportunities to grow outside the classroom. It tells employers you're someone who goes beyond minimum expectations and invests in leadership and development.
Highlights Leadership and Achievement
Rather than simply acknowledging academic standing, SCLA rewards well-rounded students. Including it on your resume highlights that you value leadership, personal initiative, and community involvement.
Provides Networking Opportunities
Members gain access to a network of peers and professionals. Whether you're looking for mentors, internships, or future collaborations, being part of a national community opens doors.
Access to Resources and Events
SCLA offers its members a library of training modules, resume-building workshops, and access to scholarships and leadership conferences. These tools are designed to help members stand out both during and after college.
Traditional honor societies often focus on academic criteria, such as GPA or class rank, and tend to be tied to a specific major or field. In contrast, SCLA is interdisciplinary and places more weight on leadership, initiative, and holistic achievement. Rather than rewarding past performance alone, it recognizes potential and ambition, making it more aligned with real-world expectations and professional development.
This makes SCLA particularly appealing to students who are looking to set themselves apart not just as scholars, but as well-rounded candidates with leadership experience and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Employers today are increasingly looking for qualities that don’t always appear in transcripts. Leadership, communication, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively are all top soft skills sought by hiring managers. When SCLA appears on a resume, it gives employers a cue that the applicant has been actively engaged in developing these attributes.
Because SCLA focuses on skills that are highly transferable—such as leadership, goal setting, and time management—it provides hiring managers with reassurance that the candidate is serious about growth and career readiness.
To qualify for SCLA, students typically must:
Be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution.
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 to 3.4 or higher.
Have completed a minimum of 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate credits.
Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing with their institution.
Whether you're just starting to build your resume or looking to enhance it with meaningful affiliations, the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement is worth considering. It reflects your dedication to growth, shows initiative, and aligns with the leadership-oriented qualities employers increasingly value.
If you're ready to set yourself apart and join a community committed to professional success, SCLA is a great place to start.