This handbook was developed to guide participants in the Student Literacy Corps (SLC), a federal program in which college students participate in literacy education. Written by people involved in the movement, it is organized in four chapters. The first chapter defines why student leadership is essential, using theoretical and practical justifications for involving students in program leadership. Chapter 2 describes four essential components of student leadership: student initiative; support from faculty, administrators, community members, and others; building structures to develop new leadership among young students; and the "backwards" nature of student leadership. Chapter 3 documents specific areas in SLC programs in which students have been and will continue to be effective leaders. The final chapter describes problems and pitfalls associated with student leadership. Appendixes list contact information for campuses and details the history of the Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE). (KC)