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.
Our impact in 2025–2026
With our deepest gratitude to the more than 50 donors, sponsors, and benefactors whose generosity made this year possible.
Tax-Deductible Giving
Student Leadership Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN: 38-2879899). Your donation is fully tax-deductible and goes directly to student programs and school chapters across Michigan.
Corporate Sponsorship
Sponsor the annual Conference, Golf Outing, or a school chapter. Sponsorship packages offer visibility to schools, families, and communities across the state.
See Your Impact
SLS is one of the few youth prevention programs with a 7-year independent validation study. We can show you exactly where your support goes and the outcomes it produces.
Direct support for students and schools
Donor and sponsor support funds the work we do:
- Student leadership training and peer education workshops
- Chapter startup materials and ongoing advisor support
- The annual SLS Conference
- Safe driving workshops with AAA-sponsored driving simulators
- Curriculum development aligned with Michigan standards
Trusted by educators and partners
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.
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.
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.
Our sponsors & partners
Student-led prevention is powered by the organizations and individuals who fund it. We're grateful to every one of them.
With special thanks to our individual contributors
Brad Simmons Trust · Stacey Anklam · David Simmons Trust · SLS Board of Directors · SLS Alumni across the world!
Common questions from donors and sponsors
Yes. Student Leadership Services is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN 38-2879899, and all donations are fully tax-deductible.
SLS has operated as a Michigan non-profit since 1982. Donations are processed securely through PayPal and go directly to student programs and school chapters.
Donations fund student leadership training, peer education workshops, chapter startup materials, advisor support, and the annual SLS High School Conference.
Specific uses include in-school workshops on substance use, mental health, bullying and safe driving; safe-driving workshops using AAA-sponsored driving simulators; and curriculum development aligned to Michigan standards.
In 2025–2026 SLS directly reached 2,232 students in grades 4–12 across 32 schools in 15 Michigan counties, with roughly 22,320 students reached indirectly.
The indirect figure reflects the peer-education model, in which each trained student reaches about ten peers. Since 1982 SLS has trained more than 260,000 students.
Yes. SLS was independently evaluated over seven years, from 2011 to 2018, by Dr. Lisa Ficker of Wayne State University, across 23 Michigan high schools and seven outcome areas.
SLS is one of very few youth prevention programs of its size with a multi-year independent validation study. The evaluation was funded by a SAMHSA Building Evaluation Capacity grant awarded in 2013.
Yes. SLS received the SAMHSA Service to Science Award in 2011 and was listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices in 2016.
SAMHSA retired that registry in 2018, so the listing is historical rather than current. SLS also received a NASADAD award in 2014.
Companies can sponsor the annual SLS Conference, the annual Golf Outing, or an individual school chapter.
Sponsorship packages give visibility to schools, families and communities across Michigan. Sponsorship enquiries go through the contact page or directly to the SLS office in Waterford.
SLS is funded by individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations and alumni, with more than 50 donors and sponsors in 2025–2026.
Named supporters include the JCT Foundation and Petitpren, Inc., alongside individual contributors, the SLS Board of Directors, and SLS alumni.
Yes. SLS accepts planned giving and can be named in an estate plan.
SLS also accepts in-kind donations such as supplies, printing and event space. Contact the office to discuss either.
Ready to support student-led prevention?
Make a tax-deductible donation or get in touch about sponsorship opportunities.