Founded in 1987, the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities (NYSCLSA) has helped to foster leadership skills among both high school and middle school students throughout New York State. Created by students and their advisors, CLSA offers students the opportunity to learn, share and network with their peers in a safe and supervised environment.

CLSA is governed by an annually elected Board of Directors comprised of both students and advisors. Both play an essential part in organizing and planning all CLSA events, including the annual statewide conference. CLSA has many programs that assist students in furthering their skills in civic awareness, team building, and goal setting. These activities include an annual state conference, a statewide charity fundraiser, and local district conferences at both Middle School and High School levels along with service learning projects. The annual conference brings together a diverse group of students from around the state to gain leadership skills, share ideas through networking and an opportunity to meet other student leaders from around the state. Each year, CLSA sponsors a statewide charity for member schools to participate in. The 2011 State Charity is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, service-learning projects are developed by students with their advisors at both state and local levels to be implemented throughout New York State communities.

Overall, CLSA is an extraordinary organization that provides students and advisors alike with an array of knowledge and leadership skills that they can use now and well into the future.