CASL’s History

CASL works in partnership with the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA). In 1994, the National Association of Student Councils (NatStuCo) saw a need for a board of student leaders in the state of California and reached out to CADA to lead this initiative. In 1996, CASL hosted their first State Conference in Visalia, California, with the first official Board of Student Directors being elected there. Since then, CASL and CADA have supported each other in their shared mission to develop student leaders in schools around California and beyond.

Letter From the President

I have been so incredibly privileged to have met inspirational figures and heard awe-invoking stories through my time with CASL. It has opened doors for self-reflection, new interactions, and multiple opportunities to evolve as a leader. Getting involved with CASL has been one of the luckiest opportunities I have had as a high schooler and I cannot be more grateful for my advisors who have helped me grow as a student leader so I could soar to new heights I could not even imagine four years ago. I am so thankful for these past three years as I aspire to embody a sense of supportiveness just like my advisors as I lead this generation of student leaders towards a brighter tomorrow.

On behalf of the amazing student leaders of California, I would like to extend my gratitude to you for your continued and unwavering support for our development as the next generation of community builders. I cannot wait to meet you and your wonderful students at the 2023 CASL State Conference.

Sophie White, CASL State President

CASL In The News

Leaders in the Making - Mountain Democrat

By Mackenzie Myers More than 100 local teens had a chance to hone in on their leadership skills this week, through a day of discussion, development and dancing at Markham Middle School. Students from Markham, Sierra Ridge and Herbert Green middle schools, along with the Camino School, met Wednesday for a presentation from the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL). The CASL organization travels statewide to help build positive leaders at elementary schools all the way up through high schools…

Student conference aims to build confidence, relationships

The game seems simple enough. Students were instructed to pair off and each use a single outstretched finger to hold five small wooden blocks together between them, forming a bridge, while attempting to raise the blocks from the floor to over their heads…

Aaron Judge's Charity Empowers Underprivileged Kids in California to Be Leaders

From the time he was a child, Aaron Judge knew he wanted to start a charity. “I saw a lot of my favorite athletes always giving back to their communities or having their own foundations,” he says, ticking off a list of global superstars: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Derek Jeter. “I always thought that was pretty cool.” After finishing his second full season with the Yankees, Judge launched the All Rise Foundation in January. It’s a way for New York’s superstar slugger to reach the group he cares about the most: kids…

PYLUSD equips middle school AVID students with leadership skills at all-day workshop

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s (PYLUSD) once again partnered with CASL, the California Association of Student Leaders, to bring all-day leadership workshops to 7th and 8th grade AVID students from all six middle schools. This included Bernardo Yorba, Kraemer, Tuffree, Travis Ranch, Valadez, and Yorba Linda. The events took place on Tuesday, February 12 and 19 at El Dorado High School in Placentia. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationwide non-profit organization devoted to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society…

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