Student-Led Prevention Since 1982

Students keeping students safe

SLS trains Michigan students to lead peer prevention in their own schools. They build leadership, resistance skills, and the confidence to look out for one another before problems become crises.

Our Impact

40+

Years of student-led prevention programming

260k+

Students trained in peer resistance skills since 1986

16k+

Peer educators trained across Michigan

National awards including SAMHSA and NASADAD

Three ways to work with SLS

Chapters

Bring student-led prevention to your building

Launch an SLS or STAND chapter in your school. Students lead prevention work for their peers, with advisor training and ongoing support from SLS staff.

Start an SLS or STAND chapter
Advisor training and ongoing materials
Statewide network and annual Conference

Explore chapters → Curriculum

Contract with SLS to deliver evidence-based curriculum

For schools that want a structured curriculum delivered by trained SLS staff. Nationally recognized programs, aligned with Michigan Department of Education standards.

Botvin LifeSkills Training
Prime For Life
Guiding Good Choices

Explore curriculum → Fund the Mission

Fund the mission that keeps students safe

Since 1982, SLS has relied on the generosity of donors and sponsors. Your gift directly supports training students in the leadership and prevention skills that save lives.

Make a tax-deductible donation
Become a corporate sponsor
Sponsor the Golf Outing or Conference

Explore for funders →

Not sure yet? Explore Programs and Training →

How we empower students

We listen to students, engage them as partners, then give them the platform to lead.

A peer educator presenting during an SLS workshop session

1

Listen to Students

Youth voice matters above all. Students know what the most pressing problems are in their schools and communities. We ask, then listen.
2

Engage Students

SLS students are not helpers in adult-created projects. They decide what is meaningful to them and create their own initiatives, seeking adult guidance as needed.
3

Let Them Lead

We coach leadership skills and provide the tools and platform. Then we get out of the way and let students lead.

In their words

“

A few months ago I lost contact with a close friend because she started acting out. After the workshop I realized many of the things she was doing were warning signs. I sent her a simple text asking if she was ok, and she instantly responded with everything that had been happening. She was really grateful that I reached out because she needed someone to talk with.

SLS Student · Freeland High School

“

Dawn creates a safe space for students to try on the mantle of leadership. I love seeing students engage that have been limited in the past.

Chapter Advisor Alcona HS, 2025

“

Once again you have proven the relevance of SLS and why your agency is so important to our kids and families today. World class resources for all of us.

Prevention Network Partner Organization

What’s happening at SLS

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Event

40th Annual SLS High School Conference

Students Leading Students from across Michigan gather for three days of leadership training, peer-led workshops, and statewide networking, with an optional pre-conference day for advisors and new chapters.

March 5, 2027