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Group of nine young people standing outdoors in a wooded area, smiling and posing for a photo, with trees and cabins in the background.

Group of smiling young people sitting on concrete steps outside a red building with a green banner that reads 'Welcome to AWSL Summer Programs!' There are plates of pizza on the steps, and people are wearing name tags and lanyards.

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About the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL)

Quality Leadership Development Since 1956

The Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) is a division of the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), supported through the Washington School Principals’ Education Foundation. Since 1956, AWSL has helped students grow as leaders through hands-on experiences, meaningful programs, and real opportunities to practice leadership in their schools and communities.

AWSL is committed to helping every student succeed. We believe leadership is not just for a few; it is for everyone. By centering student voice and creating inclusive opportunities, AWSL helps schools build strong, connected communities where all students can lead, belong, and make a difference.

What We DO

AWSL creates engaging, hands-on programs that help students build leadership skills, strengthen school culture, and take responsibility for their communities. Through real experiences, team-building, and school-wide learning, students practice leadership in ways that build confidence and create lasting impact.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. By growing skills like leadership, collaboration, and responsibility, AWSL helps students become curious learners, strong teammates, and caring changemakers.

Become an AWSL Member

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Mission, Vision, and Beliefs

Mission: To provide opportunities that support and strengthen the personal, academic, and social success of every student.

Vision: We envision a future where every student is equipped with the skills and confidence to become an impactful leader and compassionate changemaker—where every voice is heard, every dream is possible, and communities thrive through the collective power of student leadership.

Our Beliefs:

Every student has the ability to lead in their schools, homes, and communities.
Leadership skills can be learned and developed through meaningful opportunities and experiences.
Student voice is essential to creating thriving and equitable school communities.
Schools should actively examine and address patterns of historical and current inequities so that leadership opportunities are accessible to all students.

How AWSL Supports Schools

AWSL partners with schools to:

Create leadership opportunities that reflect the diversity of the student population.
Expand access points so more students can participate in leadership experiences.
Promote the belief that leadership development is a skill that can be taught, just like academic subjects.

AWSL Standards

Our Purpose

We are committed to investing in people, strengthening programs, and elevating student voice so every student has the chance to lead. We work to create more opportunities and remove barriers so all students can participate, connect, and make an impact.

Using the AWSP Leadership Framework and a focus on real school context, AWSL helps schools reflect on their programs and make meaningful changes. This leads to stronger engagement, broader participation, and more students, especially those who have not always been included, seeing themselves as leaders.

Organizational Goals

Collective why: School leadership matters. In partnership with AWSP and the Washington School Principals’ Education Foundation, we exist to ensure schools have a culture of hope, systems that. culture, and collaborative learning. and leadership among students and adults.

Organizational Priorities:

Grow: Partner with other organizations to identify, recruit, and develop future school leaders with a focus on underrepresented groups.
Support: Support and equip all school leaders and staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to foster positive school culture, build equitable systems, and lead learning in their respective school contexts and communities.
Sustain: Support all principals, staff, and students in their capacity to be effective long-term leaders, particularly in highly impacted schools where strong, consistent leadership is needed most.

The Washington School Principals Education Foundation

Washington School Principals’ Education Foundation’s mission is the development, implementation, and reinforcement of social-emotional learning for students, PreK-16 in safe, productive, and engaging settings.

Our work within WSPEF is grounded in the belief that a well-rounded education must include SEL for the whole child, all grades, all levels, to increase their academic and social success, decrease emotional distress, and promote positive behaviors.

Our Board of Directors are part of the Association of Washington School Principals.

Learn More about WSPEF