Lead, Learn and Grow: Student Leadership at STLCC

December 08, 2025

Student volunteer organizing pantry items at STLCC’s Advocacy & Resource Center

“Learning and leadership are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy

Starting college brings change, new experiences and a chance to redefine who you want to be. It can feel exciting, intimidating or a mix of both. One of the most effective ways to feel more connected and confident in your first year at St. Louis Community College is by getting involved in student leadership opportunities.

STLCC offers many ways to grow your skills, serve your community and create a positive impact on campus. More importantly, leadership at STLCC is open to every student. You don't need a title or special background to make a difference. You simply need a willingness to learn and participate.

Why Student Leadership Matters

Student leaders help shape the student experience. They organize events that bring people together, communicate with staff about what students need, welcome new learners and work on improvements across the College. These efforts make a real difference, not only for the campus, but also for the students who take on these roles. Leadership helps you grow in ways that are hard to get from classroom learning alone.

Here’s what leadership can help you build:

Confidence: speaking up, running meetings and leading teams
Communication skills: writing emails, giving presentations and listening to others
Time management: juggling school, work and other duties
Problem-solving: finding smart ways to overcome challenges
Teamwork: working with people from different backgrounds
Professional experience: skills you can put on a resume or talk about in job interviews

Participating in student leadership helps you stand out when applying for jobs, internships or transferring to a four-year university.

How Leadership Builds Skills for College and Career

Taking on leadership roles at STLCC helps you gain skills that employers and colleges value. Leadership shows that you can take charge, work with others and make a difference.

Here are some important skills you learn through student leadership:

Team leadership: Leading a group on a project or event shows that you can guide others and help a team succeed.
Initiative: Starting a project, planning an event or finding ways to help shows that you take action without waiting to be asked.
Planning and organization: Organizing meetings, managing schedules and keeping track of tasks shows that you can handle multiple responsibilities.
Problem-solving and conflict management: Working on projects may have challenges. Learning to solve problems and work through disagreements shows that you can think critically and stay calm.
Community awareness and service: Leadership is also about helping people. Volunteering, mentoring or improving campus life shows that you care and make a positive impact.

Real-World Examples of STLCC Student Leadership

“Planned and executed a campus clean-up event with 30 volunteers, collecting over 200 pounds of litter. Coordinated schedules, delegated tasks and engaged students in campus sustainability efforts.”
“Mentored 10 new students during orientation, providing guidance on campus resources, study strategies and community involvement. Helped improve retention and support students’ successful transition to college life.”
“Organized a cultural awareness event with student clubs, managed a $1,000 budget, coordinated vendors and promoted the event across campus, drawing over 150 participants.”

Showing these experiences on your resume or in interviews tells employers and colleges that you can lead, plan, solve problems and care about your community.

Student Leadership Opportunities at STLCC

STLCC offers a wide variety of leadership paths, and each one gives you a chance to contribute in your own way. You can choose a role based on your goals, your interests or the impact you want to make.

Join the Student Government Association to Shape Campus Decisions

The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the student voice on campus. Students involved in SGA participate in discussions with staff, offer input on student needs and help shape campus initiatives. This role gives you experience in communication, problem solving and teamwork. It also helps you understand how decisions are made at the College.

Plan Events with the Campus Activity Board

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is known for planning fun, creative and meaningful events for students. You might help plan cultural celebrations, student gatherings, recreational events or holiday activities. CAB gives you practical experience in event planning, budgeting, teamwork and public communication. It is an excellent opportunity to build confidence and make lasting contributions to campus life.

Engage in Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Programs

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Chapters focus on scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. Members participate in community service, develop leadership skills and work on academic or service-based projects. A 3.5 GPA is required along with additional criteria, so membership also helps you highlight your academic dedication.

Lead or Join Academic and Interest-Based Clubs

STLCC offers student clubs and organizations that focus on academics, culture, hobbies, identity and service. When you participate in a club, you may help plan activities, communicate with members or take on a leadership role. Some students even start new clubs when they identify a need or interest on campus. Beginning a new organization teaches you planning, promotion and organizational skills.

Participate in Volunteering and Community Service Projects

Many students grow as leaders through service. You can take part in campus service days, volunteer with local organizations or help organize community events. Volunteering helps you develop empathy, responsibility and organization. It also gives you a strong sense of purpose and connection to the community around you.

Gain Leadership Skills Through Service-Learning Projects

Some classes combine academic learning with hands-on work in the community. These projects allow you to apply your skills in real-life situations and reflect on how your work contributes to others. You build teamwork and communication skills while strengthening your understanding of the course material.

Tips for Making a Lasting Impact as a Student Leader

Your leadership experience can make a meaningful difference when approached thoughtfully. Here are a few simple ways to ensure lasting impact.

Start small and build momentum: Take on manageable projects first. Small wins help you gain confidence, learn new skills and stay motivated to take on bigger challenges.
Communicate clearly: Make sure your team knows the goals, their responsibilities and what is expected. Clear communication keeps projects running smoothly and helps everyone succeed.
Celebrate progress: Recognize milestones and achievements. Celebrating success motivates the team, shows that you appreciate their efforts and makes the experience more positive for everyone.
Stay open to growth: Listen to feedback and new ideas. Being open to different perspectives helps you improve, adjust plans and find solutions you might not have thought of on your own.
Reflect and learn: Take time to think about what worked and what didn’t. Reflecting on your experiences helps you grow and become a stronger leader for future projects.

Steps to Start Your Leadership Journey at STLCC

Students exploring clubs and leadership opportunities at an STLCC Campus Expo. Taking the first step into leadership does not need to be complicated. Here are several pathways to begin:

Connect with Campus Life

The campus life office is a helpful place to start. Staff can explain the opportunities available, answer questions and help you find a role that fits your interests. If you have an idea for an event or a project, campus life can help you turn it into something real. Many successful student initiatives begin with a simple conversation. You can work with staff to develop your idea, gather resources and create a plan.

Attend Campus Expos

At the beginning of each semester, student groups participate in Campus Expos, where you can meet club representatives, learn about leadership positions and discover activities that align with your goals.

Participate in Workshops

You can also build leadership skills by participating in workshops. These sessions cover topics such as communication, project planning and conflict resolution. Workshops help you feel more prepared and confident when you step into new responsibilities.

Find a Mentor

Mentorship is another powerful way to begin. Connecting with an experienced student or staff member can help you understand what leadership involves, avoid common mistakes and gain encouragement. Mentors offer guidance that supports your growth and confidence.

Leverage Career Advising Services

Career Advising can also help you turn your leadership experience into strong resume content. Advisors can assist you in describing your achievements clearly and help you connect them to your future goals.

Ready to Make an Impact? Let’s Go!

Leadership at STLCC is open to every student. Planning your first event, joining a group or leading a student organization are all steps that help you grow and prepare for the future.