The Research Behind Our Programs
Evidence-based, SAMHSA-recognized, and independently validated across 23 Michigan high schools over seven years.
Prevention through student leadership
SLS integrates prevention, education, youth development, and social-emotional learning into an interactive, peer-led program built on grassroots efforts and community partnerships.
The organization addresses a gap in Michigan public education around alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Most students receive only one health credit during freshman year, yet state surveys show substance use typically doubles from 9th to 11th grade, and in some counties quadruples.
Our methodology engages youth as core, collaborative partners rather than passive recipients. Programming includes bonding opportunities (retreats, advisory boards), skill development (planning assemblies, community service), and mentoring (high school students teaching younger students about ATOD risks). SLS maintains a profoundly positive approach focused on fun, friendships, and belonging, enabling students to develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually while learning to delay, deter, and eliminate substance use.
A 7-year independent evaluation
In 2011, SLS received the SAMHSA Service to Science Award. In 2013, SAMHSA awarded the Building Evaluation Capacity grant to formally evaluate the Students Leading Students programme.
The long-term study (2011–2018) was led by Dr. Lisa Ficker of Wayne State University. Twenty-three Michigan high schools participated, with findings reported across seven outcome areas.
Seven measured outcomes
General Substance Use
Participants were less likely to have used ATOD in the past 30 days and in their lifetime.
Knowledge & Beliefs
Students became more informed about ATOD and more confident recognizing and resisting peer pressure.
School Engagement
Participants were more likely to demonstrate positive feelings about school.
Social Competence
Students felt more comfortable using leadership skills in classrooms and schools, with increased community service involvement.
Disruptive Behaviors
Participants were less likely to bully, less likely to send inappropriate social media messages, and more likely to demonstrate safe driving behaviors.
Family Cohesion
No statistically significant differences between groups in family support levels.
Victimization
Students were less likely to be bullied and less likely to receive inappropriate social media messages.
Aligned with national and state standards
SLS programs, services, and validated outcomes are aligned with the goals of national and state organizations working in youth health, safety, and prevention.
SAMHSA
SLS is nationally recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices listed SLS in 2016, before the registry was retired in 2018.
NACOA
SLS develops resilience skills helping students overcome challenges from living in families affected by addiction, aligned with the National Association for Children of Addiction.
CDC / ACEs Prevention
SLS provides safe, stable, nurturing relationships where students develop leadership and resilience, teaching stress management, conflict resolution, and emotion regulation.
Search Institute
SLS develops the external and internal developmental assets that help students build resilience and reduce high-risk behaviors.
CADCA
Aligned with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America in building community-level prevention capacity.
CDC Whole Child (WSCC)
SLS engages students as active learning participants in a model that connects health and academic achievement through evidence-based practices.
Michigan Top 10 in 10
Aligned with Goal 4: reducing high-risk factor impacts and implementing evidence-based integrated student supports across Michigan.
NHTSA
SLS helps teens build skills for safe driving decisions, aligned with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s mission to save lives and prevent road injuries.
Michigan Model for Health
SLS programs align across all five units: Skills for Health & Life, Social & Emotional Health, Safety, ATOD, and Healthy Relationships.
MDE Social-Emotional Learning
SEL is central to SLS. When students understand and regulate emotions, develop healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions, they lead safer, healthier lives.
MDHHS
Aligned with Michigan Department of Health & Human Services goals: reducing youth access, improving social norms, and increasing prosocial behavior.
Weikart Center
SLS was evaluated using the Youth Program Quality Assessment, ranking among the best of 90 evaluated programs for safe, supportive, interactive environments.
Hart’s Ladder
SLS builds student skills for directing their own activities and assuming shared responsibility, aligned with Roger Hart’s framework for meaningful youth participation.
Awards and certifications
SAMHSA Service to Science Award
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Building Evaluation Capacity Grant
SAMHSA — funded the 7-year Wayne State validation study
NASADAD Award
National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors
NREPP Listing
National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (SAMHSA retired the registry in 2018)
Youth Program Quality Assessment
Weikart Center — ranked among the best of 90 evaluated programs
Want the full validation report?
Get in touch and we’ll send you the complete Wayne State University evaluation, or answer any questions about our evidence base.