The Indiana Association of Student Councils' Distinguished Student Leader program is designed to motivate and challenge student leaders to extend their leadership skills and and activities, and to confer Indiana recognition upon those students who demonstrate superior Student Council leadership skills and knowledge, based on IASC criteria and evaluation procedures.

To become an Indiana Distinguished Student Leader, a student must be in Grade 12 and a member of his/her Student Council in an IASC member school. The standards for the Indiana Distinguished Student Leader program reflect the core purposes and missions of student councils. Additionally, the evaluation procedure has been designed so that nearly all of the process takes place at the school level, with the results being forwarded to the IASC for the final assessment. This process facilitates student leaders becoming more proficient in self-assessment practices and better enables them to organize and build a record of evidence focused on their Student Council and related leadership activities.

The Indiana Distinguished Student Leader designation will be bestowed upon any student who has shown evidence of being a knowledgeable and effective leader and has met the program criteria upon high school graduation.

Student who applies to become an IASC Distinguished Student Leader must attend a current IASC member school at the time the applicant is submitted to the IASC for final evaluation.

Student must have participated in at least two years of their high school Student Council. Student must complete 20 hours of documented community service.

Student must have led one workshop or discussion group at a district, state, regional, national, or IASC Summer Leadership workshop or conference. Proof of leading a workshop in your home Student Council or school district would qualify. (Workshop handout must be included with application.)

Student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or its equivalent during their high school career.

Student must maintain a school attendance rate of 95%.

Student must have no major disciplinary records or infractions, as determined by their home school district.

Student must have attended IASC State Convention.

Student must have attended the IASC Summer Leadership Workshop during Grades 9-12.

 ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE MADE ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31ST, 2026