Student Advocacy Academy
Empowering the Next Generation of Language Advocates
The JNCL-NCLIS Student Advocacy Academy equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to advocate for language education on Capitil Hill and in their own communities
THURSDAYS • OCTOBER 15, 22, 29 & NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Four Live Virtual Sessions
Four Weeks. One Voice. A Lifetime of Leadership.
Join student advocates from across the nation for four interactive virtual sessions focused on leadership, advocacy, and real-world impact.
Understand Policy
Learn how decisions in Washington impact language education.
Build Your Skills
Develop leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills
Connect & Collaborate
Connect with student advocates from across the nation.
Create Change
Design an action plan to make a difference in your shool or community.
Participants who complete the Academy will receive a Certificate of Completion and an official Student Advocacy Academy digital badge.
Open to high school and college students nationwide. Limited space available.
4
Live Sessions
National
Student Network
Leadership
Certificate
Advocacy
Training
What is the Student Advocacy Academy?
The JNCL-NCLIS Student Advocacy Academy is an interactive learning experience designed to prepare students across the United States to advocate for language education.
Through guided sessions and hands-on activities, students learn how to communicate their experiences, understand the importance of language policy, and confidently speak up for language learning.
This program is designed not just to inform—but to empower.
Why Student Advocacy Matters
Students bring powerful, authentic perspectives to conversations about language education. Their voices help shape programs, influence policy, and ensure that language learning remains accessible and relevant.
By investing in student advocacy, we are building a future where language education continues to thrive—from pre-kindergarten through higher education.
How the Academy Works
The Academy consists of three virtual interactive sessions designed to build skills step-by-step.
Session 1: Introduction to Advocacy & Storytelling
Session 2: Building Advocacy Skills
Session 3: Putting Advocacy into Action
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Understanding language advocacy
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Exploring the power of personal stories
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Crafting your own advocacy message
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Refining your story
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Learning communication strategies
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Understanding policy and advocacy approaches
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Practicing real-world advocacy scenarios
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Developing an action plan
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Seeing yourself as an advocate
What Students Gain
Students leave the Academy with:
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A personal advocacy story
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Practical communication and leadership skills
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Experience applying advocacy in real scenarios
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A JNCL-NCLIS Student Advocate Badge (microcredential)
These tools empower students to continue advocating long after the program ends.
From Learning to Action
Students apply what they learn through real advocacy opportunities, including the opportunity to participate in Language Advocacy Days at a reduced rate.
More importantly, they carry these skills forward —advocating in their schools, communities, and future careers.
