Diligent Launches Edvance Cohort to Empower Student Voices in School Governance
Event summary
- Diligent, NSBMA, and COSSBA launched the inaugural Edvance Cohort, a national professional development initiative for student board representatives.
- The cohort begins September 18–20, 2026, with the virtual Student Trustee Action Readiness Training (START) Conference.
- The program includes virtual training, peer networking, and expert-led learning throughout the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Districts can submit their student representatives for consideration by September 4, 2026.
The big picture
The Edvance Cohort reflects a growing trend in education governance towards greater student involvement in decision-making processes. By equipping student board representatives with the necessary tools and knowledge, Diligent and its partners aim to strengthen the effectiveness of school district governance. This initiative could set a precedent for other sectors looking to enhance youth participation in governance structures.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- How the Edvance Cohort will influence the balance of power between student and adult board members in school governance.
- Program Impact
- The pace at which student representatives gain confidence and contribute meaningfully to district governance.
- Scalability
- Whether the initiative can be expanded to include more students and districts in future cohorts.