The NSLC understands that family circumstances may not enable all qualified students to attend a program without financial assistance. Therefore, this year we will once again make available substantial funding through the National Student Leadership Foundation (NSLF) Scholarship Program.
The NSLF attempts to assist as many students as possible, therefore the majority of scholarships, which are based on financial need, academic merit and school/community involvement, are granted in the range of $350-$750. All applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need.
While the scholarship committee takes into consideration extenuating circumstances such as; recent job loss, illness and injury the average scholarship recipient has demonstrated financial hardship and/or is a low income family, has an excellent academic record and is highly involved in their school and community.
The maximum scholarship award will not exceed the cost of tuition less the deposit; however, the vast majority of scholarships awarded will be $350-750.
To be considered for a scholarship, a student must be enrolled in the NSLC and have submitted a tuition deposit.
Note: If a student is denied a scholarship, or if the scholarship award is insufficient, your deposit will be refunded upon cancellation.
Application Requirements
Students who would like to prepare materials in advance please have the following items ready to complete your NSLF Scholarship Application. All items must be submitted via the online scholarship application (see exception below):
- Your NSLC ID, you received this after submitting your NSLC Enrollment Application.
- Digital copy of your most recent academic transcript. This transcript may be “unofficial” or a scanned copy.
- One Teacher/Counselor willing to write and submit a letter of recommendation by the application deadlines listed below. Educators will receive submission instructions via email.
- Enter total household income (in US Dollars) and fundraising goal.
- List of extracurricular and community activities with accurate Club/Activity Sponsor contact information.
- Responses to the following questions. Each essay should be no more than 500 words.
- There is a Newspaper doing a feature on you in 2043! Imagine what this story will be about and create a headline and 500 word article. You are encouraged to include your recent accomplishments and what you hope your accomplishments will be by then! Be creative to help us learn more about you and your goals!
- Please write a letter of explanation of your current financial situation. (May be completed by a Parent/Guardian)
Note: After completing the first step of the scholarship application, your payment dates will be automatically moved until after the award notifications are sent out. You will only pay the deposit before you know if you have received a scholarship.
Paper Application Exception:
Applicants without reliable access to the internet may request a paper application.
To request a paper application, please email summerscholarships@nslcleaders.org or call 1-800-994-6752.
- Paper applications must be requested by February 1, 2023.
- Once your paper application request has been accepted, we will automatically move your payment due date to May 2, 2023.
- Deadline for paper applications: All paper applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2023.
- Submission details will be sent with the paper application.
Application Deadline
All components of the Scholarship Application must be completed and uploaded no later than 11:59PM CST on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Important Dates
| Application Open | Mid-January 2023 |
| Application Deadline | 11:59 PM CST March 15, 2023 |
| Scholarship Notification | 8:00PM CST, April 7, 2023 |
| Scholarship Accept/Decline Deadline | 5:00PM CST, May 1, 2023 |
Fundraising
For students raising money to help pay for an NSLC program this summer…
While the National Student Leadership Foundation would like to meet the financial needs of all students, the large volume of scholarship applicants combined with limited funding, means that not all applicants will receive scholarships. The Foundation has created a comprehensive Guide to Community Fundraising which has helped make the NSLC an affordable experience for all applicants. This guide contains suggestions that have been used successfully by past NSLC students to raise funds while also forging relationships with leaders in their community. In several cases, students have been able to raise funds covering the full cost of their program and travel expenses.
Students who would like additional assistance in their fundraising efforts are encouraged to contact the NSLC Enrollment Office to speak with one of our Fundraising Counselors at 1-800-994-NSLC (6752). Students may also email us at fundraising@nslcleaders.org.
