The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA) today announced the launch of its structured Career Readiness Certification Program, a national initiative designed to help high-achieving students convert academic recognition into demonstrable, employer-validated experience.
The program has officially moved from pilot phase to active campus implementation, with student certification ceremonies now being conducted at participating universities. The milestone marks SCLA’s expansion beyond recognition-based membership toward a completion-driven, skills-focused certification pathway aligned with evolving early-career hiring expectations.
The first student-led certification ceremony under the new framework was hosted at California State University, East Bay, setting a national precedent for how SCLA chapters will recognize members who complete defined leadership and career-readiness requirements.
Addressing Changing Employer Expectations
Early-career hiring has shifted significantly in recent years. Employers increasingly report that traditional academic signals — including GPAs, honor society membership, and leadership titles — are no longer sufficient on their own to differentiate candidates in high-volume applicant pools.
“Recognition still gets attention,” said Julia Orlidge-Diehl, University Relations Campus Manager at ABB and former campus recruiting leader at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. “But what matters most is what students can explain — what they built, led, or completed, and what they learned through that process.”
SCLA’s certification framework was developed in direct response to these shifts, emphasizing verifiable experience, leadership accountability, and completion milestones rather than passive credentialing.
From Recognition to Proof of Readiness
Under the new model, SCLA members complete a structured pathway that includes leadership responsibility, documented contribution, and a formal certification outcome. Students who meet the criteria are recognized through official certification ceremonies, providing a tangible completion moment they can reference in interviews and professional settings.
At Cal State East Bay, student leader Matthias became the first SCLA chapter president in the nation to host a student certification ceremony, recognizing peers who completed the program’s defined requirements.
“‘Honor society member’ is a line on a résumé,” said an SCLA spokesperson. “Leading a certification ceremony for students who completed a structured career-readiness program is an experience — one that demonstrates planning, execution, communication, and accountability.”
Expanding Nationally
Following the successful pilot and initial campus rollout, SCLA plans to expand the certification program to additional chapters nationwide over the coming academic year. The organization is also continuing conversations with employer partners to ensure the certification criteria remain aligned with real hiring signals.
“SCLA’s mission has always centered on recognition,” the spokesperson added. “What’s changed is how that recognition translates into readiness. This program formalizes that bridge.”
About The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA)
The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA), the leading college-to-career honor society, empowers students to excel academically and professionally. We celebrate achievement, foster personal growth, and provide the tools, connections, and credentials needed to build successful, purpose-driven careers. Our members gain the confidence and skills to thrive in their fields while making a meaningful impact on their communities. For more information, visit www.thescla.org.
