In the Mock Legislature Track, students role play as Representatives & Senators in the House Chambers of the Capitol Building.
Offered three times each year, SSI's week-long Summer Program is designed to effectively equip students to analyze data, practice critical thinking, develop team approaches to problem solving, utilize effective communication skills and strategies, and deliver effective oral presentations--all in the context of hands-on civics training.
The only faith-based, citizenship-oriented leadership program for high school students in Michigan, SSI reinforces character development based on moral principles. Students gain a strong sense of purpose, as they are challenged to embrace integrity and excellence in their personal lives while developing a strong work ethic in both academic and career endeavors.
"I didn't even consider media. [SSI] has been amazing and made me consider a career in producing or corresponding. One person can make a difference." - Beth V., alumna
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.
Hundreds of young people have come to Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing from throughout Michigan, across America and even Canada, Mexico, England & Israel to be a part of this unique leadership training experience.
Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette speaks with students in the House Appropriations Room of the Capitol Building
In-depth Learning
SSI includes dynamic classroom sessions:
- Ambassadors for Christ
- Biblical Worldview Training
- Debate & Communication
- Science & the Bible
Personal Inspiration
Additionally, prominent Michigan leaders address the students on how to shine for Christ in their culture without compromising their values.
"SSI inspired me to go out into the world and try to make a change...I am now ready to get involved in my community and try to return America to its more godly roots." - Kaitlyn B., alumna
These Michigan leaders from various occupations share the challenges and rewards of standing up for their faith in a secular -- and sometimes hostile -- environment. The list of past speakers includes:
- Michigan's former Lt. Governor, Dick Posthumus
- Executive Director of the Thomas More Centre for Law and Justice, Dick Thompson
- Wife of U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Jane Abraham
- Michigan Supreme Court Justices, Maura Corrigan, Stephen Markman, Robert Young and Clifford Taylor
- Former Michigan GOP Chairman, Betsy DeVos
- Detroit's WXYZ Channel 7 Action News Anchor, Frank Turner
- Founder of Domino's Pizza, Tom Monaghan
- ...and a host of others, including numerous U.S. congressmen and state legislators.
Spiritual Focus
Each day includes time of prayer, worship and testimonies from leaders around the state.
The whole SSI experience is rooted in the principle of putting Christ first in every area of life. To that end, each evening features Christ-centered worship, scripture, testimonies and prayer to encourage students to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.
Hands-on Leadership Training
Woven throughout SSI is are four different tracks designed to challenge students to apply godly principles to current issues.
Legislature (introduced in 1994): Students role play as legislators, sit in committee rooms in the Michigan Capitol building, hear testimony from real lobbyists, and debate bills taken from previous sessions of the Michigan legislature. The capstone is when students assemble as a legislative body in the Capitol Building to debate and cast their votes.
First-year students are Members of the House of Representatives and even hold press conferences to introduce their bills to the public. Second-year students, Senators, have the added benefit of making amendments to their bills, and while Representatives hold press conferences, Senators role play as reporters, drilling the newest legislators with questions about their bills.
"I loved being with a bunch of other Christian youth while learning about how our government runs in a fun and interactive way that makes it interesting." - Jordan S., SSI alumnus
Student attorneys approach the bench while arguing their cases in the Mock Trial Court Room at Cooley Law School in Lansing.
Judiciary (introduced in 2002): The SSI Mock Trial Track is for advanced SSI alumni and features teams of student lawyers, real judges, a jury, and expert witnesses during a hands-on application of law. This exciting track provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain a greater knowledge of the processes of civil society while developing increased leadership, teamwork and critical-thinking skills.
"Being a Mock Trial lawyer has shown me a strength and talent I didn't know I had." - Deanna D., alumna
Business (introduced in 2005): The Mock Business track gives a limited number of third year and qualifying second year students the opportunity to serve on teams as corporate executives (with successful business men and women as coaches) and create business plans that include finance/budgeting, marketing, production and investment strategies.
Media (introduced in 2005): A limited number of third or fourth year and qualifying second year students will participate in a full week-long Mock Media track. Included is special media-related instruction and hands-on work, producing SSI Newscasts & daily newspapers. As in the past, student legislators give press conferences or role play as reporters.
These applied leadership exercises demand that students put all they are learning throughout the week into immediate practice. The combination of learning and doing is an important key for effective leadership training.
