The Edvance Cohort: Engaging, Empowering and Enabling Student Board Representatives

Student representatives are playing an increasingly important role in effective district governance, and boards nationwide are seeking strategies to better engage and develop these emerging leaders.

Diligent, the National Student Board Members Association (NSBMA) and the Consortium for State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) are proud to collaborate on a national professional development initiative to support students serving on district governing boards. 

Through a series of coordinated trainings throughout the academic year, the cohort equips students with the knowledge, tools, and strategic frameworks needed to participate meaningfully in district governance, policy development, and community engagement. 

We are currently accepting inquiries from districts that wish to submit their student representative for consideration for the 2026-2027 cohort. 

Please complete the form to request the application link.

**Application forms must be received from both the Student Representative and their District Staff Sponsor in order to be considered. Capacity is limited and selected participants will be notified on or around July 31, 2026. 

About the Edvance Cohort

Selected students will participate in the following virtual professional learning opportunities:

1. September 18-20, 2026
   Student Trustee Action Readiness Training (START) Conference — Three Days, Online
2. November 2026
   Students Tackling Effective Policy Solutions (STEPS) Conference — One Day, Online
3. January 2027
   Budgeting in Unity: Dialogue, Governance, Equity, and Transparency (BUDGET) Training — 3 Hours, Online
4. March 12-14, 2027
   COSSBA National Conference* — Dallas, TX
   * optional in-person learning opportunity