About SSI

The Seeds Are Sown

The Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) is a dynamic Biblical worldview and leadership training program established by the Foundation for Traditional Values (FTV) to further the mission of affirming and restoring America's Judeo-Christian heritage.

Through the years, thousands of adults benefited from FTV's Greatest Story Never Told Seminars and materials, highlighting the central role played by Christian thought and ideas in the foundations of America. The fact that this nation has drifted far from those moorings over many decades makes it clear that restoring those moral foundations as a nation will be a long and incremental process.

The Birth of SSI

Where should this restoration start? With our own children, of course. As a direct response to requests from many parents, teachers and pastors, the Student Statesmanship Institute was launched to reach and train the next generation of American leaders.

"Do you realize most young people faced more challenges to their faith in the last 12 months than you have in your entire lifetime? I’m here because I believe in [SSI]. I want to be around people who are part of the answer." - Josh McDowell

The explosive growth and success of SSI confirmed the importance and need for this novel approach to reaching and training a new generation of leaders. In fact, since 2001, when the Board of Directors decided that SSI deserved the focus of 100% of our efforts, the program has continued to grow at an incredible pace.

"If we are successful in restoring values today, but neglect to teach them to our youth, we may have won the battle, but ultimately, we have lost the war." - James Muffett, SSI President

The Ministry Today

From small beginnings with 14 students, SSI has grown to include: three separate week-long summer camps, serving more than 300 students each year; a traveling, two-day, on-site program for Christian, public and home-school students; and an exciting, discipleship program for SSI alumni called the Ambassador League.

In 2004, more than 800 young people, aged 14 to 19 years from a variety of denominations and backgrounds, were touched by the ministry of SSI.

The result? Today, SSI is Michigan’s Premier Biblical Worldview & Leadership Training Program for high school students.

SSI represents a whole new way of thinking. Young people come to understand that God has a destiny and purpose for their lives. They start to realize that faith is not a 'crutch' for weak people, but rather it has relevance to every area of life. They begin to see themselves as Christ's Ambassadors, who have been commissioned to influence the world for His Kingdom. They learn to give themselves as servant leaders in a bankrupt culture. They are equipped to counter the narrow-secular worldview that is so pervasive in our society.

The mission of restoring traditional values to our society is most effectively accomplished by making an eternal investment in young people--the next generation of leaders--our primary focus.