The North Carolina Student Legislature (NCSL), founded in 1937, is the oldest active student legislature in the country. More than 5,000 students from more than 25 public and private universities, colleges, technical schools, and community colleges across the state have experienced the educational opportunity offered by the NCSL. Individual member school delegations of NCSL research and write bills and resolutions for presentation and debate throughout the year. Individual delegations meet weekly on each campus to prepare for statewide meetings and plan special activities. Once a month, September through April, all the schools come together for an Interim Council, at which resolutions are passed and prominent speakers heard. The highlight of the NCSL year is the Annual Session in March, where delegates present bills researched year-long to the NCSL body in the chambers of the Old Capitol Building in Raleigh. Activities during the week-long Session include a reception for state legislators and alumni, extensive bill debates, election of state officers, and speeches from state and national officers. Once NCSL legislation has passed both houses at the Session and is signed by the Student Governor, it is compiled into a Compendium. The Compendium is presented to the General Assembly and prominent state leaders for their consideration each year. NCSL took a dramatic step toward organizational maturity by incorporating in 1973. NCSL is now recognized by the State of North Carolina as a non-profit, non-partisan educational corporation. NCSL, Inc. is financed by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations across the state.