The future of a nation depends upon the character and values of its future leaders. Historically, leaders throughout every culture have sought young people in whom to invest. The United States is no exception.

In 1951, Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives hosted the first annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Guests included the President of the United States as well as political, religious, and business leaders from around the world. These diverse individuals gathered in the spirit of Jesus to pray for the nations of the world, their leaders and their people. They also built friendships on a more meaningful level. As the event evolved, students were invited to blend into this diverse group of world citizens to observe, engage, and thoughtfully consider how these leaders pursue friendship and reconciliation, often across cultural boundaries. As students were inspired by the National Prayer Breakfast, a desire arose to create a similar event for college students. This desire developed into the National Student Leadership Forum.

In 1990, several Congressional leaders started the first annual National Student Leadership Forum with the vision of encouraging, challenging and inspiring this select group of young leaders. Then Vice-President Dan Quayle, U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), U.S. Representative Jim Slattery (D-KS) and then Missouri governor John Ashcroft convened a group of university student leaders who were politically, culturally and religiously diverse. They gathered around the study of Jesus’ leadership model. This inaugural national gathering in 1990 marked the culmination of many smaller events that occurred over twenty years on various campuses throughout the country. This event served as the catalyst for many state forums, and it stirred a core of students whose relationships were cemented in this experience.

Today, almost two decades after the first forum was held, the dream lives on and continues to encourage the leaders of tomorrow toward growth and maturity. Student Leadership is an actively growing vision that now includes state and regional forums, a nine-month, post-graduate internship opportunity, the Congressional Fellows internship program for college students, and a housing opportunity for college students interning during the summer in Washington, D.C.
 
 
 
 
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Strength to Love"