FORMERLY THE NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP ASSEMBLY (NSLA)
December 1–3, 2026 | Washington, DC
The capstone leadership experience for JAG Career Association state officers, local leaders, and this year’s newest voice in the room: voting delegates.
ABOUT JAG LEADS
JAG LEADS carries the same core the National Student Leadership Academy built for decades: real leadership training, real advocacy work, real access to the people who run this organization. What’s new is the name, and what it stands for.
Five words. Three days built to prove every one of them true. Students walk in as officers and leaders. They walk out having tested what they can do in front of Congress, their peers, and the national organization they represent.
THIS YEAR’S THREADS
Leadership, Advocacy, Money Management
These three run through every session, not just the call-outs below.
THREAD 01
Leadership
From the sessions built to sharpen it, to the students trusted to help run parts of the event themselves.
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THREAD 02
Advocacy
Tested on Capitol Hill, where students carry their state’s story to the people who write the laws that shape it.
THREAD 03
Money Management
This year’s National Service Project, running through workshops, service activities, and skills delegates take home.
WHO ATTENDS
State officers, local leaders, and one new seat at the table
STATE OFFICERS
The students already leading their state’s JAG Career Association, back to sharpen the skills that got them elected.
Local Chapter Leaders
The students building JAG’s culture one chapter at a time, here to see what leadership looks like at the national level.
Voting Delegates
New this year: the students who carry their state’s vote at the National Business Meeting. *Role definition pending confirmation
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
Four ways JAG LEADS turns into real credit and real influence
Congressional Award
Recognizes real initiative across public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration, all set and tracked by the student. JAG LEADS walks delegates through what pursuing it actually looks like.
National Service Project
This year puts Money Management front and center: real budgeting, real skills, a service commitment JAG chapters carry home and act on.
National Plan of Work
JAG Career Association’s roadmap, built with delegates in the room. Student priorities become the association’s actual agenda for the year ahead.
National Business Meeting
Where it becomes official. Voting delegates cast their state’s vote, elect national officers, and put their name behind the plan of work they helped shape.
JAG LEADS 2026 FAQ | Jobs for America's Graduates
JAG LEADS 2026
Frequently Asked QuestionsFormerly the National Student Leadership Assembly (NSLA)
Everything JAG Affiliates need to know before sending state officers, local leaders, and voting delegates to Washington, DC.
December 1–3, 2026•Capital Hilton, Washington, DC•Registration deadline: November 2, 2026
General Information
11 questions
JAG LEADS, formerly the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA), is the capstone leadership experience for JAG Career Association state officers and local chapter leaders — offering immersive opportunities for experiential learning, real-world application, and professional networking.
We recommend groups travel on Tuesday, December 1. The JAGCA "Welcome and Officer Presentation" starts at 7:00 PM, so plan your travel time and check-in accordingly. The conference officially ends at 11:30 PM on Thursday, December 3, so groups can plan to travel home any time on December 4.
There is an optional event Friday morning at 9:00 AM: JAGCA officers presenting a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Transportation is not provided for this optional event.
Capital Hilton 1001 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 877-504-0804
You can make your hotel reservation using this booking link. JAG has secured a discounted rate for LEADS attendees: $196 per night plus approximately 15.95% state and local tax.
Note: this was the government per diem rate in effect at the time of contracting. If new per diem rates are published before the event, the room rate will automatically adjust — even if housing has already opened and attendees have already confirmed reservations at the initial rate.
The hotel reservation deadline is November 2, 2026.
For most scheduled programming, we recommend business attire. Please refer to the agenda for the recommended dress code for each meeting activity.
No, the official JAGCA uniform is not required. Feel free to wear business professional or business casual attire, as detailed in the conference agenda. To show your JAGCA spirit, consider adding a pin or patch to your outfit.
Washington, DC's temperatures and weather can vary greatly in early December. They tend to be in the low 50s°F but can drop into the low 30s°F. We recommend packing layers and outdoor weather gear such as a coat, hat, and gloves, along with an umbrella, raincoat, or poncho in case of rain.
Yes. The Capital Hilton is committed to providing a fully accessible environment and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More details are available on the hotel's accessibility page. Please make special arrangements ahead of time by contacting the hotel concierge.
Yes. JAG National has a Youth Safety Guideline document that outlines chaperone responsibilities, emergency procedures, an event code of conduct, and safe physical and digital interaction guidance for youth. All chaperones and adult event participants are encouraged to review it. Questions can be sent to events@jag.org.
Registration
8 questions
The registration fee is $599 per participant. It includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on December 2 and 3, as well as the leadership training, team-building and networking events, national mall bus tour, and dance.
You can register by filling out the LEADS registration form. Please note that everyone attending the event must register.
Each JAG Affiliate may send up to ten (10) youth leaders to participate in JAG LEADS. This capstone leadership experience focuses on Servant Leadership and its relationship to the Career Association. Affiliate Leaders must approve all registrations — contact your Affiliate Leader if you are interested in registering.
JAG Affiliates can request to add additional students by emailing events@jag.org.
The registration deadline is November 2, 2026.
Refunds are processed for cancellations received in writing to events@jag.org by November 2 at 5:00 PM EDT, minus a $25 administrative fee. Due to meeting costs, no portion of the registration fee is refunded for cancellations after November 2. For meeting cancellations or substitutions, contact events@jag.org.
Substitutions are allowed until 12:00 PM EDT on November 2, during registration. For meeting cancellations or substitutions, contact events@jag.org.
The online registration link offers an option for credit card payment at the time of registration, or an option to be invoiced for payment by check or cash. If requesting an invoice, payment must be received in full by Friday, November 13. Checks should be made payable to Jobs for America's Graduates and mailed to:
Jobs for America's Graduates, Inc. (JAG) Attn: Katherine Travis 1600 Duke Street, Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314-2720
2401 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Access Rd Arlington, VA 22202
Hotel Shuttle: a hotel shuttle is not provided to and from the nearby airports.
Parking: the Capital Hilton offers self-parking and valet parking. On-site parking is $75 per day plus tax, with in-and-out privileges.
Rideshare: Lyft and Uber offer pickup and drop-off at all Washington, DC–area airports. Estimated one-way fares to and from the airport are about $25–$75.
Taxicabs: readily available and serving the Washington, DC area — check with your taxi company or driver for fares and destinations. For local group transportation, we recommend Reston Limousine.
Traveling to a new place is exciting — here are some tips to keep you and your students safe so you can enjoy all that Washington, DC has to offer.
Stay alert and aware: remain attentive to your surroundings and avoid being distracted by your phone.
Keep valuables secure: keep belongings out of sight, especially in crowded areas. Consider a cross-body bag or keeping wallets and phones in front pockets.
Plan your route: familiarize yourself with the area and plan your route before heading out.
Use trusted transportation: opt for licensed taxis, rideshare apps, or public transit. Verify your driver's identity and that the vehicle matches the description provided.
Stay connected: keep in touch with your travel group — a group chat is an easy way to stay in the loop.
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