Strong Student Councils are essential to strong schools. The National Council of Excellence (NCOE) Awards recognize and celebrate middle and high school Student Councils that meet high standards and demonstrate evidence of student service, leadership, voice, and engagement.
3 Steps to Becoming a National Council of Excellence
Step 1
Review Award Criteria and Build NCOE Portfolio
Step 2
Meet with Principal to Present Finished Portfolio
Step 3
Complete and Submit the Online Application
Application Guides
Timeline
- September 8, 2025: Application opens
- Feb. 13, 2026: Submission deadline
- April 2026: Applicants receive notifications
National Council of Excellence Award recipients receive:
- Official National Council of Excellence certificate
- Customizable press release for local news media
- School name in the winners’ list published on the NASC website
- Eligibility to purchase special NCOE items
- A special National Council of Excellence seal for school websites and electronic or print communications
“The National Council of Excellence gives advisers like me a blueprint for what our councils should be doing, for how our students should be leaders in our communities and for meeting common standards of excellence in leadership.”
Susan Waldrep
NASC Adviser, Texas High School
Texarkana, TX
