40th Annual SLS High School Conference

Each spring, hundreds of students and advisors from SLS and STAND chapters across Michigan come together in Bay City for the SLS High School Conference — the highlight of the SLS year. Students lead workshops for their peers, build their skills in prevention and leadership, and carry new energy back to their schools.

What to expect

• Peer-led workshops on substance use, mental health, healthy relationships, safe driving, and more

• Keynote sessions and leadership training for student leaders and chapter advisors

• A statewide network of chapters sharing what is working in their schools

• An optional pre-conference day on March 5, 2027, for advisors and new chapters

The Student Advisory Board

Established in 1986, the Student Advisory Board (SAB) is the trained student face and voice of SLS. SAB members train SLS chapters to replicate proven peer-led strategies using SLS validated standards, building the executive functioning skills that prepare students for their futures. They focus on the issues students most want to influence in their own schools and across Michigan, and they develop and lead the conferences, assemblies, and workshops that bring chapters together. With their award-winning skills, the SAB sets the vision for SLS chapters statewide.

Conference traditions

The conference is as much celebration as it is training. Returning chapters look forward to the traditions that make it the highlight of the SLS year:

• The "Big" Dance

• SLS The Musical

• The Door Decoration Contest

• Happy and Perky, the SLS mascots

• Awards and celebrations recognizing standout students, advisors, and chapters

• The all-conference group photo