What is CASC?
For over 60 years, the California Association of Student Councils has been the state’s student-run organization focusing on youth leadership. CASC serves student councils and their advisors, as well as all other young leaders and students who want to make a difference in their community. Through peer-to-peer leadership training and conferences, CASC provides students and advisors the opportunity to develop leadership skills, network with other students and advisors, and become empowered. CASC also lobbies for students and better schools at the state and local levels.

What are the requirements to join CASC?
There are none! We are proud to have an extremely diverse group of students and advisors participate in our programs. Some come to our programs with years of leadership experience and extracurricular activities while others come to our programs with none. Everyone learns and grows from our programs in different ways. Anybody who wishes to develop their leadership skills is welcome to join our program.

I’m a student. How do I get involved with CASC?
You can get involved in a number of ways:

1. Attend a statewide CASC program – summer camp, SABE, SABLE, or YASC
2. Attend a region conference with your ASB or other student leaders
3. Contact your local region president and get involved with your region
4. Become a part of the governing body of CASC by applying for state council

What kind of programs does CASC offer?
You can check out the variety of programs CASC offers on our programs directory.

What makes CASC different from other leadership programs and organizations?
CASC is unique from other organizations in a variety of ways:

1. Peer-to-Peer Training: Rather than adults teaching curriculum and teambuilding to students, at CASC events highly-trained students lead most of the activities.
2. CASC conferences focus on teaching students HOW to do things rather than WHAT to do. We provide skills and knowledge that will go farther than a dance theme or fundraising idea. The skills and curriculum CASC encourages students to think critically and teaches students how to apply curriculum to any and every part of their lives.
3. CASC recognizes and supports the power of youth: This is an organization run FOR students BY students to ensure that all the needs of students are heard and met. We have high school and college students voting and making decisions alongside adults on the Board of Directors.

What should I do if I want to attend a program but cannot afford to go?
There are a few different things you can try:

1. Ask your school, school district, local businesses, Rotary Club, Kiwins Club, etc. to sponsor you for a conference – make sure to tell them the benefits of going to a CASC conference and what you can bring back.
2. Apply for a scholarship. Call the CASC office at (510) 834-2272 for more information.

What can I do to help students without the means to attend programs?
Whether you are a current student, alumni, parent, or any other stakeholder of the organization, you can help send students to CASC conferences to gain a life-changing experience. Any amount, small or big, will help students obtain a scholarship to attend programs. Donate today!