2013 Summer Program

Five Life-transforming Days!

June 23 - 28, July 7 - 12, July 21 - 26



Preparing teenagers to live out and defend their faith in
high school, college and in the marketplace of ideas!





Space is limited!
Click the "Register Now" button to get the week and track you want.


Hands-on Leadership & Biblical Worldview
Training for High School Students!

Develop Your Full Leadership Potential!

SSI is a life-transforming week featuring authentic, real-world leadership simulations in the legislative, media, judicial, business and campaign fields. During this dynamic experience you will learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, strategic planning and effective communications. While being engaged in high-level leadership roles, you will also be inspired to apply Biblical and moral principles in your own life and the world around you. Instead of a boring classroom exercise, SSI is a unique, challenging, hands-on and fun opportunity to discover your full leadership potential and gain a solid Biblical worldview approach to every area of life. It is an experience that you won’t want to miss!

In the Mock Legislature Track, students role play as Representatives & Senators in the House Chambers of the Capitol Building.

In the Mock Legislature Track, students role play as Representatives & Senators in the House Chambers of the Capitol Building.

The only week-long, 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 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.

Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette speaks with students in the House Appropriations Room of the Capitol Building


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 former 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.

In-depth Learning

SSI includes dynamic classroom sessions:

  • Ambassadors for Christ
  • Biblical Worldview Training
  • Debate & Communication
  • Science & the Bible

Spiritual Focus

Each day includes time of prayer, worship and testimonies from leaders around the state.

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 are various tracks designed as real-world simulations used to challenge students to apply godly principles to current issues and everyday situations.

Legislature (introduced in 1995): Students role play as legislators, sit in committee rooms in the Michigan Capitol building, hear testimony from lobbyists, and debate bills taken from 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.

Student attorneys approach the bench while arguing their cases in the Mock Trial Court Room at Cooley Law School in Lansing.

Judiciary (Mock Trial introduced in 2002, Moot Court 2005): The Mock Trial and Moot Court are advanced tracks where teams study elements of our legal system through instruction and coaching provided by gifted attorneys and law school professors. The Mock Trial features teams of student lawyers, judges, a jury, and expert witnesses to try a criminal or civil case. Moot Court students have the opportunity to argue case law before a panel of three Appellate Judges. Legal Professors, attorneys, and judges provide SSI students with critiques and instructions on their presentations in court and throughout the week. These exciting tracks provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain a greater knowledge of the legal process 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 eligible 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.

Campaign (introduced in 2011): The Campaign track allows teams of student to run a campaign for governor, studying all the elements of a campaign under the instruction of campaign operatives and professional consultants. Students participate in a debate, raise funds, produce TV ads, and solicit votes.

Media (introduced in 2005): A limited number of eligible students will participate in a three available weeks of the Mock Media track. Included is special instruction from media personalities and professional journalists,and a hands-on application of media producing SSI Newscasts & daily newspapers covering all elements of the SSI week.

For additional explanations on eligibility requirements for all the advanced tracks, see the eligibility page.

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.