St. Jude Leadership Society
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
Since 2019, 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. 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.
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.
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.
Read St. Jude Inspire stories featuring students across the country who are using their creativity, talent and passion for helping others to support the St. Jude mission.
Streetside Serenades
Nathan Rastovac organized an acapella concert at his high school to raise funds for St. Jude, but the pandemic forced him to change his plans.
Students leading with compassion
Isabella Ramos-Berdugo chose to fundraise for St. Jude patients and families to honor the memory of a friend.
SJLS Leadership Principles
SJLS is structured around seven principles. Program participants have exhibited excellence in these areas, and will learn how to further steward servant leadership during their tenure as an SJLS member. Read the stories below about St. Jude patients, families and volunteers who have modeled SJLS leadership principles.
Emmanuel was treated for retinoblastoma at St. Jude, which required the removal of one of his eyes. He was determined to play football at the highest level, and worked his way to a college scholarship to play.
Dr. Vernon Rayford's St. Jude support stems from the integrity of the St. Jude mission, with an emphasis on our inclusive principles and the kinship he felt to the story of Dr. Rudolph Jackson.
Tony Reed, co-founder of the National Black Marathoners Association, runs as a means to good health and helping others.
Moira — volunteer, honor student and cancer survivor — spends a lot of her time helping people because of the care she received at St. Jude.
Three St. Jude dads, who do not consider themselves endurance athletes, ran the St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 in honor of their children.
Charlotte's mom describes her daughter's experience with cancer and her gratitude toward the work of St. Jude.
Kevin Dong, a dedicated St. Jude volunteer, honors his father's legacy by helping others.
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.
St. Jude patients Olivia and Natalie
Members who achieve or exceed their St. Jude Leadership Society development goals will be invited to experience St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee.
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