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Ethical Leadership Illustrated

Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder is founded on a simple concept:

 

For students to become the next generation of ethical leaders, they need to engage their intellect, curiosity, and sense of obligation to address fundamental global issues. For 14 years, we have been partnering with nonprofit leaders, role models of ethical leadership, to create transformative courses that allow students to discover the complexity of global challenges while working and learning alongside local communities.

 

We believe The Shoulder-to-Shoulder experience is critical in creating a worldview

shaped by universal values of justice, responsibility, and compassion.

The SStS Experience

Authentic. Educational. Experiential.

Are Compassionate

We work with trusted nonprofit organizations who are our partners “on the ground.” These inspiring global leaders and their grassroots initiatives are the central force for our courses in ethical leadership.

Are Compassionate

Our courses are led by professional educators from schools across the country who are trained by SStS in risk management procedures and experiential learning techniques. 

Deep Connection

To build relationships, we keep our group sizes small and maintain at least a 1:5  leader to student ratio. Small groups allow us to immerse ourselves in the community. All of our courses are tech-free, allowing students to be fully present and build relationships.

Courses not trips

Our programs are grounded in an experiential education approach. Before departure, students learn about their course site through our online curriculum. During immersion, our experienced course instructors put the experience in context through reflection and readings.

WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR SSTS. WE KNOW YOU MUST HAVE HEARD THIS BEFORE, BUT THESE EXPERIENCES ARE LIFE CHANGING FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE. OUR SON LOVED THIS COURSE.

DONALD CARTE, CHAIRMAN, VIRGIN AMERICA AIRLINES

FAQ

The safety of our students is the highest priority for Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Although inherent risks exist in immersion programs, SStS has a variety of tested policies for managing and mitigating any challenges that arise. Central to our risk management strategies are the relationships that exist with our nonprofit partners, which are well-respected organizations with deep roots in the local communities they serve. Additionally, our course instructors are experienced and well-traveled professional educators, trained by SStS staff in experiential methodology, including risk management. If we determine that an unacceptable level of risk exists, we alter itineraries without hesitation, including the cancellation of a course.

We pride ourselves on our small groups. Our group sizes range from 8-14 students maximum. Our application process results in a roster of gritty, curious, and compassionate students with similar interests who are invested in the social good. We limit the number of students from any one school to encourage students to step outside their comfort zone and meet new people. 

No prior travel experience is necessary. We have many students who travel internationally for the first time with us. A Shoulder-to-Shoulder program is a great way to travel internationally with experienced instructors and like-minded students. Additionally, while language skills are beneficial they are not required as we have translators and course instructors to help students navigate the local language.

On our domestic courses, students meet the group and course instructors at the destination airport. On our international courses, students meet the group and course instructors at the gateway city and fly together to the destination as a group.

Questions?

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

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