Student-led Prevention - Student Leadership Services

Our Mission

Student Leadership Services, Inc. (SLS), is a nationally certified, Michigan-based, 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to ensuring our youth remain safe from drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure and thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. SLS accomplishes its goals through innovative and evidenced-based prevention programming within student-led, adult-supported school chapters while also leveraging technology and collaboration with community partners to evolve and grow continually.

Vision: Every youth can lead toward positive change in peers’ thoughts and behaviors.

When it comes to student-led prevention and youth development, we focus relentlessly on three key strategies.

Listen to students. Above all, youth voice matters. Students want to make their schools and communities better. They want to help their friends stay safe and they undoubtedly know what the most pressing problems are. We ask, then listen.
Engage students. SLS students aren’t helpers in adult-created projects. They decide what is meaningful to them and create their own projects, seeking adult guidance and expertise as needed.
Coach students in leadership skills and then let them lead. Youth have the desire, the capacity and the passion, but they don’t yet have all the knowledge and skills. Therefore, we work alongside students to provide them with the education and tools they need to bring their projects to life. Then, we give them a platform to implement their ideas and we get out of the way and let them lead.

How we do it

Our mission in Action

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we Appreciate
our Contributors

Since 1982 we have relied on the generosity of our donors, sponsors and alumni. We are grateful that they continue to support our commitment to student-led prevention. It saves lives.

The SLS experience

The SLS workshops presented a beneficial program allowing students to look at topics that included important information, relevant to their age. The presenters made sure to use age appropriate material and ensured a safe environment for learning. They brought forth information through discussion and activities surrounding topics that may not always get discussed in all kids homes. They kept kids engaged in serious topics like vaping, trafficking and safe relationships, all things 8th grade students should be made aware of to protect their wellbeing. This program offers a safe platform that is inclusive for students to share and ask questions about topics that students their age are facing. It was beneficial for all who took part.

TeriWaterford Schools 2024

SLS provided a fantastic training - it left a positive impression on all of us and gave some practical tools to use right away.

TonyEssexville-2023

A few months ago I lost contact with a close friend of mine because she started acting out and hanging around different people. After the workshop Tuesday I realized many of the things she was doing were considered warning signs. I sent her a simple text asking if she was ok, and she instantly responded with everything that has been happening. She was really grateful that I reached out because she needed someone to talk with. I thought you would love to hear how impactful your workshops really are.

StudentFreeland High School

When Dawn comes to our school and trains our students it is fun and interactive. As a matter of fact, students comment on how she is able to put them at ease right away and create a warm and fun environment.

School CounselorMidland, Michigan

Once again, you have proven the relevance of SLS and why you and your agency are SO IMPORTANT to our kids and families today. Thanks for your really hard work at staying alive for the last three decades and providing world class resources for all of us.

Prevention Network

This was an excellent workshop! I can't believe you kept our kids' attention and made it fun! More people need to know about this program.

Parent AttendeeGuiding Good Choices Parent Workshop

The Life Skills Program is going very well. SLS is able to maintain students attention and provides a warm and inviting environment. Students are learning key things beyond the Life Skills curriculum such as learning to take a turn, raise hands and interact with each other.

DirectorBoys & Girls Club, Troy, MIchigan

Thank you so much Dawn! I am so honored to be a part of this organization and I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity. God bless you guys!

Student