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What Is the SCLA?

The Scholar Career & Leadership Association (SCLA) is a national student organization that helps students develop leadership skills, document real-world experience, and prepare for success in college and future careers.

SCLA connects academics, leadership, service, and career readiness into one structured program, giving students a clear way to turn involvement into recognized achievement.

Unlike informal clubs or one-time activities, SCLA provides verified leadership experience, national programs, and formal recognition that students can confidently use on college applications, resumes, and scholarship materials.

The Purpose of the SCLA

The SCLA was created to solve a common problem students face:

“I’m involved in a lot of activities — but how do I prove their value?”

SCLA helps students:

  • Turn leadership and service into documented experience

  • Receive national-level recognition

  • Build confidence through structured achievement

  • Prepare for college, careers, and leadership roles

SCLA does this through chapters, programs, events, awards, and tracking systems designed specifically for student development.

Who the SCLA Is Designed For

SCLA serves:

  • Middle school students beginning leadership development

  • High school students preparing for college, scholarships, or careers

  • Students seeking leadership recognition beyond GPA

  • Students involved in service, clubs, athletics, or community work

Participation happens through school-based SCLA chapters, guided by educators and advisors.

Learn more about chapters here:
https://www.thescla.org/chapters

Core SCLA Programs & Offerings

1. Leadership Development Programs

SCLA provides structured leadership development through:

  • Chapter-based leadership activities

  • Advisor-guided programs

  • Student-led initiatives

  • Skill-building workshops

Students learn:

  • Communication

  • Responsibility

  • Initiative

  • Teamwork

  • Time management

Leadership development is not theoretical — it is earned through action.

2. Leadership & Service Hours Tracking

One of SCLA’s most valuable features is formal leadership and service hour tracking.

Students:

  • Complete leadership and service activities

  • Log hours through the SCLA system

  • Receive advisor verification

  • Build a credible record of involvement

This creates verified leadership documentation, not just self-reported claims.


3. Academic & Leadership Recognition

SCLA recognizes student achievement through multiple formats, including:

  • Digital leadership certificates

  • Recognition levels and milestones

  • National awards programs

  • Verified achievement records

These recognitions are designed to be:

  • Resume-ready

  • College-application appropriate

  • Scholarship-friendly

Learn more on the Programs page:
https://www.thescla.org/programs

4. National Events & Student Programs

SCLA offers access to national and regional programs such as:

  • Leadership conferences

  • Student summits

  • Workshops and speaker series

  • Virtual programs and webinars

These events expose students to:

  • Leadership insights

  • Career exploration

  • College and professional perspectives

5. Scholarships & Student Opportunities

Eligible SCLA members may access:

  • Scholarship opportunities

  • Special recognition programs

  • Leadership-based awards

Scholarships focus on:

  • Leadership involvement

  • Service commitment

  • Personal growth

  • Academic dedication

6. Advisor & Chapter Support

SCLA chapters are supported by:

  • Educators

  • Advisors

  • School administrators

Advisors help:

  • Guide leadership activities

  • Verify student participation

  • Maintain program integrity

This ensures that student achievements are credible, consistent, and respected.

How SCLA Helps With College & Career Readiness

SCLA helps students stand out by providing:

  • Verified leadership experience

  • Documented service hours

  • Formal recognition beyond grades

  • Structured personal development

Students learn how to:

  • Describe leadership impact clearly

  • Translate activities into resume language

  • Demonstrate initiative and commitment

This gives students a competitive advantage when applying to:

  • Colleges and universities

  • Scholarships

  • Internships

  • Early career opportunities