Nonprofit Leadership Alliance students at their annual retreat
Lead the change

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

Join a movement of leaders working for change across the country


In preparation for a dynamic career in the nonprofit sector, there is no better undergraduate education and experience than the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and earning its Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. Arizona State University is one of the leading programs in the nation that offers this preferred national certification.

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance logo


Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, formerly American Humanics, is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations dedicated to educating, preparing and certifying professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations.

At ASU, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association (NLASA) engages with local, national and global nonprofit organizations. Through activities inside and outside the classroom, we help students build competencies leading to their earning the CNP credential. The CNP is the only nationally recognized credential that prepares students for leadership in the nonprofit sector. It can be earned alongside any undergraduate degree.

The program is ideal for students wishing to complement their majors with a strong core of nonprofit management knowledge and skills. National and local nonprofit organizations actively seek our members as program interns and job candidates.

Along with the required academic courses, active participation in the NLASA is required for the CNP credential. Activities throughout the year include:

  • Fall and spring retreats
  • Community service events
  • NLASA and community fundraisers
  • Dinners and alumni mixers
  • and more!

Get involved

2023 NLASA students pose for a photo

Support our students

This year, our 44th cohort of 18 students aspires to attend the UPSWELL conference in Dallas, Texas, powered by The Independent Sector. Students in our program will hear from experts, academics and community leaders about issues of local, state, national and global social justice issues. Acting as an incredible professional growth opportunity, UPSWELL 2023 will develop our student's 10 Core Competencies of effective leadership and management through workshops, spark talks, guest speakers, and focus groups.

Invest in future nonprofit leaders

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance student

How will you lead the change?

ASU's Nonprofit Leadership Alliance members stand ready to make an impact in the nonprofit sector. The NLASA focuses on the development of nonprofit management and leadership skills, driven by student leaders under the guidance of the Program Coordinator. It is designed to help students gain leadership experience outside of the classroom and build a network of professional contacts.

Earning the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential

Get certified to change the world. The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance's CNP program has four core components.

Learn more
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance students

Local and national nonprofit partnerships

Vibrant partnerships with both local and national nonprofit organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership, interaction with professionals, internships and job placements. National and local nonprofit partners of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance include, but are not limited to: American Red Cross; Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Boy Scouts of America; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Camp Fire USA; Corporation for National & Community Service; Feeding America; Girl Scouts of the USA; Junior Achievement, Inc.; March of Dimes; National 4-H Council; National Urban League; United Way; The Y (YMCA); and more!

Internship requirements

Internships must be 20-40 hours per week for no less than 12 weeks.

Host organizations must hold 501(c)3 status.

Host organizations must provide an on-site, full time, paid staff member as mentor and supervisor.

High-performing interns are competitive, so paid internships are often a priority.

Internships may not take the place of an existing position.

Internships follow the semester time frame: Fall (Aug.-Dec.), Spring (Jan.-May), Summer (May-Aug.).

Nonprofit organizations interested in local partnership or becoming a host site for an intern must follow the internship requirements. Internships are restricted to graduating seniors; placements are limited. The interests of the students take priority, and placement is not guaranteed. Post your openings on our Job Board.

Program history

Arizona State University's Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program was founded in 1980 as a chapter of the national American Humanics program, with the support of the Phoenix Rotary Club 100 and local nonprofit organizations that recognized the need for highly skilled leaders in the nonprofit sector. American Humanics officially changed its name to the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance in 2011. Through the dedication of students and the support of the community, ASU has evolved into the nation's leader among the more than 50 universities affiliated with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. (Photo: American Humanics students in 1984.)

American Humanics students in 1984