our mission
The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA), the leading College-to-Career Honor Society, empowers students to excel academically and professionally. We celebrate achievement, foster personal growth, and provide the tools, connections, and credentials needed to build successful, purpose-driven careers. Our members gain the confidence and skills to thrive in their fields while making a meaningful impact on their communities.
history
2012
Identifying New Challenges in Career and Life Preparation
In 2012, shifting trends highlighted the evolving needs of students preparing for careers and independent lives. Employers and educators alike noted the increasing complexity of the modern workplace and the unique pressures students faced, from technological demands to balancing personal and academic responsibilities.
From 2012 to 2014, SCLA’s founders, led by Pat Sidhu, worked tirelessly to better understand these challenges. Through interviews with students, educators, and employers, they identified key areas where additional support could make a difference—helping students navigate mental health pressures, build critical skills, and prepare for fulfilling, adaptable careers.
2014
Launching the SCLA and the 4 Pillars of Career Success
In 2014, SCLA was founded with a mission to take a holistic approach to student success. At the heart of its program are the 4 Pillars of Career Success:
- Credentials & Connections
- Health & Wellness
- Personal Finance Literacy
- Work and Life Skills
This comprehensive framework ensures that students are equipped not only with academic achievements but also with the real-world skills and connections needed to thrive.
In March 2015, SCLA welcomed its first member. By the end of the year, over 100 schools had partnered with SCLA, and membership surpassed 10,000, establishing SCLA as a transformative community for student leadership and development.
2016 and Beyond
Growth, Innovation, and Impact
Since its inception, SCLA has expanded to over 600 colleges, creating an unmatched network of students, professionals, and resources. Over the years, SCLA has delivered:
- 300,000+ career-focused conversations with professionals, offering life-changing advice and connections.
- 1 million+ searches by industry, enabling direct member-to-member engagement.
- Thousands of certifications in critical workplace skills.
- Hundreds of interviews with industry leaders, providing actionable insights.
- Thousands of dollars in scholarships to support members in achieving their goals.
- Hundreds of hours of training courses and webinars designed to prepare members for workplace and personal success.
This ecosystem of support empowers members to explore their potential, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful careers.
2024
A Decade of Empowering Students
As SCLA marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, we celebrate a decade of innovation and community. Over 100,000 members from more than 600 schools have benefited from our programs, connections, and opportunities, and the best is yet to come.
2025 and Beyond
Leading the Way in Student Success
In 2025, SCLA is set to unveil a major website redesign and an enhanced member experience, marking the next chapter in our mission to provide cutting-edge tools and resources. This initiative includes:
- Personalized learning paths powered by AI to meet individual student needs.
- Expanded career readiness certifications including partnerships with industry leaders.
- Seamless navigation and Accessibility for all members
As we look to the future, our mission remains unwavering: to honor student achievement and empower the next generation of leaders by providing the skills, connections, and opportunities necessary for success.