St. Jude Leadership Society

Join a group of high-performing high school students who share a passion for leadership, service and community in supporting the kids of St. Jude. We won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

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Contact us to learn more about St. Jude Leadership Society.

 
 
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What is the St. Jude Leadership Society?

 St. Jude Leadership Society (SJLS) is a program for high school students who, during a six-month period, will have an opportunity to learn and to exercise their leadership skills while raising funds and awareness for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Join more than 1,000 SJLS members who've collectively raised more than $2 million.

 
 

The 3 core elements of SJLS

leadership icon.
 

Leadership development

You and a parent or legal guardian will participate in a series of sessions with community and corporate leaders.  All session experiences focus on universal leadership principles like grit, integrity, empathy and courage.

 
 
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Shared experience

Through shared experience, members will gain valuable insight into a variety of career paths, improve communication and exercise skills that will set them apart.

 
 
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Fundraising to help save lives

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 help the kids of St. Jude.

 
 
 
 
 
St. Jude Leadership Society Leading with Purpose badge illustrating the seven core principles of Inspire, Awareness, Grit, Courage, Integrity, Gratitude, and Empathy.
 

Learn to further steward leadership and excellence during your tenure as a member of SJLS, inspired by St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, with 7 core principles: awareness, grit, courage, integrity, gratitude, empathy and inspiration.

 
 
 
St. Jude patient Miguel sits with his mom in a hospital corridor.

St. Jude patient Miguel with his mom

 

Why St. Jude?

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 Leadership Society cohorts

If a listed cohort doesn't apply to your location or group, choose the National Online option on the application.

 
  • Atlanta
  • Charlotte
  • Chicago
  • Eastern Florida
  • Gulf Coast
  • Hilton Head
  • Indianapolis
  • Memphis
 
  • Miss Teen Volunteer America
  • Nashville
  • National Online
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Raleigh
  • Sigma Gamma Rho
 
 

Apply for Membership

 
 
 
 

Other helpful details about SJLS

 

  1. Dedicated and high-performing high school students like you who want to learn and exercise leadership skills. 

  2. Participation in SJLS includes but is not limited to:
    • leadership development sessions on various topics
    • brainstorming sessions with other students and peer advisors
    • community service within your community
    • incentive-based experiences such as exclusive swag and the St. Jude Next Gen Experience (SJNGE), which is held in the summer to celebrate and educate young philanthropist and leaders.

    Each member is also expected to fundraise as part of their leadership development and will be challenged to raise a minimum of $3,000 by June 1, 2026. Don't worry, we will provide resources to make fundraising easy!

    Members who raise $3,000 or more will have the chance to experience St. Jude in person at the St. Jude Next Gen Experience to attend workshops, network and celebrate your efforts.

  3. The St. Jude Leadership Society takes place for 5 to 6 months during the school year.

    The leadership development sessions happen in person, virtually and/or in a hybrid setting depending on where you are geographically located. If there is not a cohort that meets in your general vicinity, then the National Online Cohort will be an option, as that cohort meets virtually only and is comprised of students and mentors from all across the country. 

 

  1. This shared experience is an opportunity for you to learn from mentors, peers and ALSAC/St. Jude executives and partners. As a member, you will gain valuable insight into a variety of career paths, improve communication and exercise skills that will set you apart no matter what career path you choose.

  2. Although $3,000 unlocks several incentives, including a trip to St. Jude for the St. Jude Next Gen Experience, that fundraising threshold is not required. We trust that your passion and personal commitment to the St. Jude mission will drive your goals and ultimately how much you raise. 

  3. While only the SJLS fundraiser counts toward your goal, we appreciate your valued commitment to the kids of St. Jude and fundraising for our lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

 
 
 

St. Jude Next Gen Experience

We want to celebrate you!

To show our gratitude, when you raise $3,000 or more for St. Jude during your cohort, you and your mentor receive an invite to the St. Jude Next Gen Experience in Memphis, Tennessee, where St. Jude is located.

Learn more about SJNGE >

 
 
 
 

FAQs about SJNGE

You've got questions? We've got answers!

  1. The St. Jude Next Gen Experience brings together the future of supporters of St. Jude. It is a celebration of your incredible fundraising efforts throughout the year, and an opportunity to learn from peers and team members about new and engaging ways to fundraise for the year ahead. Together, we will hear from inspirational speakers and take part in interactive workshops while networking with fellow supporters from across the country to unite behind the mission of St. Jude. Through the sharing of our ideas, challenges and successes, we will elevate peer-to-peer events to increase awareness and fundraising to support the mission of St. Jude. 

  2.  SJLS members who raise $3,000* or more and complete all of their sessions will be invited to complete their training on the St. Jude campus in Memphis, Tennessee, during the St. Jude Next Gen Experience event.

    Lodging and meals are included for the qualifying member and their mentor (must be a parent or legal guardian).

    *The $3,000 fundraising minimum is not a requirement to take part in St. Jude Leadership Society. It is only required to attend the St. Jude Next Gen Experience Memphis event.

  3. The event is a celebration of your fundraising efforts as well as an opportunity to learn. You can expect:

    • interactive workshops
    • networking with peers and other St. Jude supporters
    • special guests including St. Jude families and St. Jude and ALSAC leadership
    • visits with community leaders
    • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital experience
    • additional development sessions
    • National Civil Rights Museum tour
    • and more …

     

  4. Registered students participating in the St. Jude Leadership Society who have attended all development sessions and raised a minimum of $3,000 by June 1, 2026, are able to attend St. Jude Next Gen Experience. Each student will be required to bring one mentor (must be a parent or guardian) with them to Memphis for this experience. 

  5. The St. Jude Next Gen Experience is the culmination of your leadership journey through St. Jude Leadership Society. This experience celebrates your learnings and fundraising efforts over the past few months, while allowing you to see the mission you are supporting firsthand.

    From this experience, you will continue in your professional growth and deepen your connection to the St. Jude mission. We hope you can join us!

 
 

Join the St. Jude Leadership Society

Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can help save more lives.

Apply for Membership

 
St. Jude patient Olivia sits in a wheelchair in a room with a colorful wall in the background.

St. Jude patient Olivia 

 

Still have questions?

Please email latonya.matheney@alsac.stjude.org

 
 
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