As students seek new ways to enter the national conversation on topics such as school safety, many state boards of education are asking how to best incorporate student input into their decision making. Some state boards seek such input from designated student board members who participate regularly at state board meetings. At least seven other states have set up student advisory councils that meet separately and make presentations to the board. This policy report outlines the advantages to having a student at the state board table, not the least of which is having direct input from the very people that education policies are meant to benefit, increasing stakeholder engagement, and developing civically engaged youth leaders.