St. Jude Leadership Society

Apply today to join a remarkable group of students in learning how to make meaningful connections with peers, mentors and business leaders, all while supporting St. Jude patients and families.

Inspired by the vision of our founder Danny Thomas and the ALSAC preamble. St. Jude Leadership Society (SJLS) has been a distinguished membership of high-performing high school and young collegiates who share a passion for leadership, service and community since 2019. During a six-month period, members will have an opportunity to exercise their leadership skills while raising funds and awareness for the kids of St. Jude. View membership expectations.

SJLS gives members an opportunity to give back through service and leadership by promoting and supporting the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.®

There are three unique elements within the SJLS experience:

Leadership development
Members participate in a series of leadership development sessions that engage a variety of successful community and corporate leaders. All session experiences are inspired by St. Jude Founder Danny Thomas and focus on universal leadership traits like good citizenship, gratitude, grit, integrity, empathy and courage.

Shared experience
Throughout the SJLS journey, members will have an opportunity to learn from mentors, peers, and ALSAC St. Jude executives and partners, alike. Through their shared experience members will gain valuable insight to a variety of career paths, improve communication and exercise skills that will set them apart.

Transformational fundraising
All members will receive the tools, training and resources they need to successfully leverage their passion, skills and networks to build and execute a fundraising strategy to benefit the children and families at St. Jude. Every dollar raised ensures that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

Meet our members and mentors

Joyce

“I realized that leadership is much more than having authority over others; it is the ability to inspire and help others to reach a common goal.”
Rachel with mentor and mom, Karen

"While I knew the members of SJLS would be bright, intelligent young adults, I never imagined the level of empathy, maturity and leadership this group has at such a young age. It is truly impressive."
Andy

“Fundraising for St. Jude has been an inspiring and reflective experience for me, as well as my entire family. In working with St. Jude I heard the phrase, ‘Childhood cancer is scary. Fundraising isn’t,’ and when I reflect on this, I’m moved by the idea that with just a little effort and courage, I have the opportunity to help a child and a family in need.”
Vishva with mentor and dad, Mahesh

“People from all different cultures and backgrounds come together when they find a set of morals they agree with and it’s so nice to see that happen firsthand with this wonderful group of kids.”

SJLS Memphis Experience 2022

St. Jude Leadership Society involves high school students who share strong leadership skills and a desire to give back to others. Since the program launched in 2017, 946 young members have collectively raised $2 million.

Help us support the lifesaving work of St. Jude

The fundraising efforts of SJLS leads help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—so they can focus on helping their child live.

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