Three Ways to Partner with SLS
SLS works with Michigan schools through student-led chapters, evidence-based curriculum, and parent programs. Forty years of student-led prevention, independently validated.
Student-Led Chapters
Launch an SLS chapter (high school) or STAND chapter (middle school) in your building. Students lead prevention work for their peers, with advisor training and ongoing support from SLS staff.
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Contract with SLS to deliver nationally recognized prevention curricula: Botvin LifeSkills Training, Prime For Life, and Guiding Good Choices. Aligned with Michigan Department of Education standards.
Parent Programs
Strengthening Families and related parent-facing programming that supports the work students are doing — because prevention sticks when it’s reinforced at home.
Student-led prevention in your building
An SLS or STAND chapter trains your students to lead prevention work for their peers — workshops on substance use, mental health, bullying, safe driving, and healthy relationships. Each chapter has a staff advisor who receives full training and direct access to SLS.
Chapters get startup support, ongoing materials, advisor training, and a statewide network of peer schools, including invitations to the annual Conference at Shanty Creek.
Start a chapter →
Evidence-based curriculum delivery
For schools that want a structured curriculum delivered by trained SLS staff. Each program is nationally recognized, research-backed, and aligned with Michigan Department of Education standards.
Botvin LifeSkills Training
Elementary, middle, and high school students · 8–18 sessions
Botvin LifeSkills Training is a nationally recognized, research-backed curriculum that targets the core reasons students engage in risky behaviors. It promotes healthy alternatives to substance use, builds emotional resilience, and strengthens decision-making skills.
SLS embeds Botvin within a student-led framework — real-world application through student voice, deeper reflection on self-esteem and social pressure, and a culture of empathy and inclusion that reinforces every skill taught.
Prime For Life
Students and adults ages 13+ · 8 hours, flexible delivery
Prime For Life is an evidence-based alcohol and drug education program that challenges the beliefs and attitudes contributing to high-risk substance use. It provides a judgment-free way of understanding how alcohol- and drug-related problems develop, how to prevent them, and when help is needed.
Guiding Good Choices
Parents of children grades 4–8 · Five 2-hour sessions
Guiding Good Choices strengthens family bonds and reduces the risk factors associated with teenage drug use. Parents learn how to prevent drug use, set clear family guidelines, manage family conflict, and build a parent support network. Pairs well with whole-child programming at the upper elementary and middle school level.
Programs for the families behind the students
Prevention sticks when it's reinforced at home. SLS delivers parent-facing programming alongside school chapters and curriculum, giving parents the tools to support the work their children are doing.
Strengthening Families
Parents/caregivers and youth ages 10–14 · Seven 2.5-hour sessions
An evidence-based, nationally recognized program designed to help families increase protective factors and reduce the risk factors that lead to both substance abuse and youth depression. Participants work together with their children to learn and practice skills that support healthy family relationships and effective parenting. Sessions also cover stress management and peer pressure. Pairs well with school, church, or community family programming.
Proven outcomes across 23 Michigan schools
SLS is one of the few youth prevention programs with a long-term, independently led validation study. Dr. Lisa Ficker of Wayne State University evaluated SLS from 2011 to 2018, measuring seven outcome areas from substance use to leadership development.
Our programs are recognized by SAMHSA, independently validated by Wayne State University, and aligned with Michigan Department of Education standards.
See the full research →Prevention topics
Evidence-based education across the issues that matter most to young people.
Not sure which fits your school?
Tell us about your school and we’ll talk through which combination of chapters, curriculum, and parent programs makes sense.