Is the National Society of Leadership and Success a legitimate organization? This is a question many students ask after receiving a membership invitation. With over a million members across more than 700 college campuses, the NSLS is widely recognized. But its rapid growth and structured fees often raise skepticism. Is it a valuable leadership development tool or just a cleverly marketed program?
This article examines the NSLS from multiple perspectives—how it operates, the benefits it claims to offer, and what current and former members have to say. We’ll examine criticisms, investigate its educational legitimacy, and determine whether membership enhances resumes, career opportunities, or personal growth.
Understanding if the National Society of Leadership and Success is legit isn’t just about its existence—it’s about its value, transparency, and credibility. Let’s dive into the facts and user experiences to help you decide if joining is worth it.
Is the national society of leadership and success legit?
Yes, the National Society of Leadership and Success is a legitimate leadership honor society. However, its value depends on personal goals, chapter engagement, and expectations.
What Is the National Society of Leadership and Success?
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), founded in 2001, presents itself as the largest accredited leadership honor society in the United States. With over a million members and active chapters at hundreds of colleges and universities, it aims to foster personal and professional development through a structured leadership program. Members gain access to a variety of resources, including live-streamed speaker events, goal-setting workshops, networking opportunities, online leadership training modules, and exclusive access to internships, scholarships, and career tools.
Membership is typically offered by invitation and involves a one-time fee that provides lifetime access to the society’s resources. To become an inducted member, students must complete the required steps of the leadership program, which typically include participating in peer-to-peer Success Networking Teams, watching national speaker broadcasts, and setting personal growth goals. The NSLS asserts that its curriculum develops vital soft skills, including confidence, time management, and effective communication.
However, some students question whether the NSLS provides enough value to justify the cost. Critics often describe it as a “pay-to-play” society that benefits primarily from its expansive branding and perceived prestige. Ultimately, whether the National Society of Leadership and Success is legit depends on how engaged a member is and what they hope to gain from the experience.
How Does the NSLS Support Leadership Development?
The NSLS emphasizes experiential learning and personal growth through a structured leadership development program. Its core offerings are designed to build real-world skills and foster long-term success both in and beyond college.
Speaker Broadcasts and National Events
One of the standout features of the NSLS is its speaker broadcast series, which features live and recorded talks from prominent figures, including CEOs, bestselling authors, and renowned thought leaders. These presentations focus on leadership, personal development, and career success. Members gain direct exposure to real-world insights and practical advice from individuals who have excelled in their respective fields.
Success Networking Teams
NSLS members are organized into small groups known as Success Networking Teams. These peer-led teams meet regularly to set personal goals, share challenges, and hold one another accountable. This collaborative approach promotes consistency, establishes a support system, and cultivates leadership through peer engagement and active participation.
Online Learning Modules
The society’s curriculum includes interactive online modules that aim to sharpen key leadership competencies. Topics encompass a wide range of skills, including effective communication, time management, goal setting, and conflict resolution. These modules are self-paced, making them accessible for students with varying schedules and learning styles.
Scholarship and Internship Opportunities
To support academic and professional advancement, the NSLS offers members access to exclusive scholarships, leadership awards, and curated internship and job listings. These opportunities are designed to recognize achievement and provide practical pathways to career development.
Personalized Goal Tracking
Members are encouraged to set and monitor their leadership goals using structured tools available through the NSLS platform. These digital resources enable students to reflect on their growth, track progress, and stay aligned with their personal and professional goals.
Is the National Society of Leadership and Success Legit? Pros and Cons
Determining whether the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is legit often comes down to weighing its benefits against its drawbacks. While the organization is undoubtedly honest and active, opinions about its value vary depending on personal experience and expectations. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons:
- Widespread Presence: The NSLS boasts over 1 million members and hundreds of chapters across colleges in the U.S., giving it significant visibility and institutional reach. This broad network can be a valuable asset for students seeking connections and opportunities.
- One-Time Fee Model: A one-time fee of around $95–$100 covers lifetime access to the society’s tools, events, and resources. While this sounds appealing, it also raises concerns about whether the organization leans too heavily on revenue generation.
- Flexible Participation: Members can complete online modules and attend events on their own time. However, the actual value tends to vary depending on the level of activity of a campus chapter and the extent to which a member chooses to participate.
- Resume Enhancement: For students who engage fully, NSLS membership can enhance resumes by demonstrating initiative and leadership development. Still, some employers may consider such memberships superficial if not supported by concrete achievements.
- Mixed Reviews: While some students praise the program for motivating them and building confidence, others criticize it for being impersonal or lacking substance, particularly in chapters with limited local involvement.
These factors show that while the NSLS is legitimate, its effectiveness depends heavily on member engagement.
Real Student Experiences and Reviews of the NSLS
Student reviews of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) reveal a broad spectrum of experiences. Many students who actively participate in the full range of offerings—such as leadership modules, Success Networking Teams, and speaker events—report positive outcomes. They often find the program valuable for building confidence, learning practical skills, and gaining exposure to motivational speakers and like-minded peers. For these members, the NSLS serves as a structured platform to enhance personal growth and career readiness.
However, others express disappointment, especially if they expected more hands-on engagement. Students who completed only the minimum requirements or lacked access to an active chapter often felt the program was underwhelming or overly commercial. In these cases, the experience tends to be limited to online materials with little community interaction, leading to questions about the return on investment.
Because chapter engagement varies significantly by campus, potential members are encouraged to research their school’s NSLS activity level. This can help ensure they receive a fulfilling and supportive experience aligned with their expectations.
Is the National Society of Leadership and Success Legit or Just Hype?
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) often sparks mixed reactions among students and educators. While it offers structured leadership training and national recognition, opinions differ on whether its benefits justify the cost or if it’s mostly marketing hype.
- Resume Value for Active Members: Students who fully engage with NSLS programming—completing modules, attending events, and joining Success Networking Teams—often find that it enhances their resumes and career prospects. Employers seeking leadership experience and demonstrated initiative may view this involvement as a positive indicator, particularly when it is tied to tangible accomplishments or growth.
- Substance Behind the Perks: The NSLS offers a range of member benefits, including discounts, career resources, and access to scholarships. While some benefits, such as retail discounts, may seem superficial, others, like exclusive scholarship opportunities and professional development events, can provide real value when utilized actively.
- Emphasis on Leadership Development Over Academics: Unlike honor societies that prioritize academic achievement alone, NSLS places leadership development at the forefront. This can be a significant advantage for students who want to focus on practical, interpersonal, and professional skills beyond classroom performance.
- Comparable Opportunities Available on Campus: Many of the skills taught through NSLS, such as goal setting, time management, and communication, are also available through free campus organizations, student government, or peer mentorship programs. The key difference lies in the NSLS’s structured format and national scope.
- A Legitimate Organization with Conditional Value: The NSLS is a genuine and active organization that offers a well-defined leadership pathway. However, the overall value is not guaranteed for every student. Those who actively participate and leverage society’s tools tend to benefit most, while passive members may see little return on their investment.
Final Remarks
The National Society of Leadership and Success is a legitimate organization that provides structured resources for leadership development, including online modules, events, and networking opportunities. However, the value of membership largely depends on individual engagement and the strength of the local chapter. While it’s not a scam, it’s also not a one-size-fits-all solution. Students who are proactive and take full advantage of what the NSLS offers may find it helpful for building soft skills and enhancing their resumes. On the other hand, those seeking hands-on experience or mentorship may find similar opportunities through free campus organizations. Ultimately, it’s a genuine program, but its impact varies depending on the effort you put in.
FAQ’s
Is the National Society of Leadership and Success a scam?
No, it’s a real organization, but opinions vary on whether it provides enough value for the fee.
Does joining NSLS help with jobs or internships?
It can, especially if you actively participate and leverage its resume-building resources and networking opportunities.
Do I have to be invited to join NSLS?
Yes, most students receive invitations based on GPA or leadership involvement, but not all who are invited feel it’s worthwhile.
Is the NSLS accredited like academic honor societies?
No, the NSLS is not academically accredited; however, many universities and student affairs departments officially recognize it.
What should I do before joining the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)?
Research your campus chapter’s activity level, read member reviews, and decide if the program aligns with your leadership goals.
