Since 1991, the National Student Leadership Forum on Faith & Values has drawn thousands of students from across the United States to Washington, D.C. to consider how they, as leaders, might use their gifts to serve others.

Convened by Members of Congress and other prominent U.S. government leaders, this three-day annual event invites college students of diverse backgrounds and aspirations to put aside their differences and learn together how to better lead in their communities.

Focusing on historic leaders such as Mother Teresa, Jesus of Nazareth, and Martin Luther King, Jr., the Forum addresses and creates valuable discussion around topics such as reconciliation, serving the poor, integrity, purpose and love.

Attendees address these topics alongside fellow students and business leaders from various stages of life. Core activities include keynote addresses by political and business leaders, breakout meetings, small group sessions, panel discussions and more. 

The 2024 program included U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN), along with leaders from organizations such as Nike and the US Deloitte Greenhouse. Other past speakers have included former U.S. President Barack Obama, Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Al Gore, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, former U.S. Senators Bill Nelson, and Paul Trible, U.S. Representatives John Lewis and Mike Doyle, Ambassador Tony Hall, and U.S. Chaplain Barry Black.

Students are nominated by universities (e.g. university presidents, deans, campus organizations.), community leaders, former NSLF attendees, Members of Congress, etc. Once nominated, students receive an email inviting them to apply. If you would like to nominate someone to attend the Forum or you are interested in being nominated, please contact the Forum office at nslforum@nslforum.org.

The event is hosted by Members of Congress, business leaders, and others passionate about the development of our nation’s future. These leaders take three days to encourage students and share personal insights regarding leadership with a faith & values perspective. The opportunity to hear from, and build relationships with, these leaders creates significant value for attendees and in many cases changes the trajectory of ones life.

Attendance costs between $475 (two-bed hotel room with three other students, shared beds) and $550 (two-bed hotel room with one other student) and covers all food and hotel expenses for the weekend. If cost is a concern, contact our office at nslforum@nslforum.org or learn about financial assistance opportunities below.

Our recommendations:

1. Once you’ve applied and been accepted to the National Student Leadership Forum, you can email us at nslforum@nslforum.org to request a personalized endorsement letter for your university. We only provide letters after a participant has been officially accepted.

2. Send a personalized endorsement letter to your university to request funding. You can take this to your student affairs office, the dean of your college, the head of your department, or the director of your student union.

3. Once we’ve emailed you an endorsement letter for your university, here is a sample email you can send to initiate contact with various offices on campus (see recommended offices above). Edit the sections highlighted in yellow to tailor the email to your circumstances.

4. Ask your family and friends to help! You can even make specific requests for frequent flyer miles, gas money, partial funding for your Forum fee, etc.