Meet the National Council of College Leaders

National Council of College Leaders (NCCL) works to increase awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through youth-focused advocacy and fundraising. Youth leaders become advocates for patients through local and national campaigns. Council members also identify new fundraising opportunities on their campus and are responsible for meeting a minimum fundraising goal each year, while supporting and increasing support for existing programs. NCCL members will develop leadership skills and prepare for even larger roles as advocates for people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

The NCCL application cycle is now closed. Please check back later this year for more information.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE NCCL:

Through a variety of initiatives, the NCCL increases awareness via the following areas:

Advocacy: During the Foundation’s annual legislative Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C., the NCCL will engage (virtually or in-person) with the IBD community.

Marketing and Communications: In an effort to increase awareness and reach to college-aged students, the NCCL will use on-line tools such as social media and the Campus Connection website to help connect patients to helpful resources offered by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Education: Members of the NCCL will introduce their efforts on campus by hosting educational programs and student forums that aim to provide an introduction to inflammatory bowel diseases, told through the experiences of each council member, while connecting patients with other peers. The activity can be used in various formats, including live didactic presentations, webcasts, and theatrical performances.

Revenue: Council members will lead efforts in raising funds to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Council members can participate in Team Challenge Campus, a local 5K program focused on raising mission critical funds while having fun and being physically active.

Applicant Eligibility & Requirements

At the time of application, the applicant must:

1. Be a Freshman or Sophomore in college
2. Be a patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease OR be a sibling, child, or caregiver of a patient with IBD
3. Demonstrate qualifications in the following areas:
   • Dedication to volunteerism (including with the Foundation if applicable)
   • Leadership experience
   • Academic strength
4. Demonstrate enthusiasm for advocacy and impacting the lives of peers in the IBD community

Selected council members are expected to attend at least two annual meetings (selected locations across the country), participate in monthly update calls, become involved with a local chapter, and serve as a Foundation leader/liaison to other youth in the IBD community.

Application Review Process

All applications are reviewed by a review committee based on the demonstrated qualifications outlined above. Qualified candidates will then be scheduled for a phone interview, and final decisions are announced in late-November. Please be advised that incomplete applications are not reviewed or accepted. Youth leaders serve as advocates for patients through local and national campaigns. The NCCL also creates new fundraising opportunities, while supporting and increasing support for existing programs. Members develop leadership skills and prepare for even larger roles as advocates for people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

In addition, the Foundation and its youth leadership also provides support for college students who are living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. When a student goes off to college, they are living on their own for the first time and will face many new challenges including new doctors, new teachers, new friends, as well as new food choices. At most campuses across the country, there is little support to help these students. As a result, the Foundation created an online community to close this gap.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is committed to accelerating efforts within our organization and within the healthcare community to root out systemic racism and support communities of color. IBD impacts everyone regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity and we want to ensure the National Council of College Leaders (NCCL) reflects the diversity of the IBD Community. We are seeking applicants with a wide range of experiences and our goal is to ensure applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to consider applying for and serving on the NCCL.