Our Story and Our Mission
In the face of the pressing problems that exist in the world, we created Shoulder-to-Shoulder in 2007 to give students an avenue to explore real-world answers to a pressing question: “What can we do?”
What began as a program with one school, 30 students, and three NGO partners has grown to include 12 sites across four continents, with 18 partner schools, a vibrant network of alumni, for-profit business partners, and generous philanthropists.
Our mission is to inspire and support the next generation of ethical leaders. We believe ethical leadership and citizenship are fundamental resources for addressing society’s most pressing challenges. We need ethical leaders with the skills to work in a globalized world and balance growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Our mission leads to our central purpose: to grow a global network of ethical leaders.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder is an organization of four partner groups: school communities, nonprofits (NGOs), for-profit businesses, and philanthropists. Together, we create opportunities for all our members and alumni to inspire and support ethical leadership. We continue to move forward, having repeatedly seen that collaboration across sectors is a sustainable method for advancing our mission and scaling its impact.
Our Method for Inspiring the Next Generation of Ethical Leaders
Service is at the core of ethical leadership, so we have crafted a model that integrates leadership development with meaningful service work. By engaging teens in projects that address pressing global and local issues, we demonstrate the power of servant leadership, a philosophy in which serving others is the foundation of effective leadership.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s approach to ethical leadership stands out for its emphasis on partnerships between key stakeholders, including schools, NGOs, businesses, and philanthropists. This collaborative model uses today’s leaders in sustainable development and their communities as classrooms for ethical leadership training.
My experience with SStS in Panama was incredible. With Give-and-Surf (SStS NGO partner), I learned about numerous communities in Bocas Del Toro. My experiences in these communities taught me many things, including how to live sustainability, how to be an ethical leader, and how to apply my Spanish skills. One thing I will never forget is all of the smiles on the faces of the kids at the community center; I think those kids taught me more than I taught them, and I am forever grateful.”—Carly Walker (FWCD), Panama: Education, ‘23
High school students who participate in our field study programs learn by engaging with real-world challenges and working alongside experienced professionals, gaining insights into how sustainable, moral decisions are made in practice. These programs foster empathy, compassion, and a global systems outlook by immersing students in local communities. This experience helps them learn to see the world through others’ eyes.
Unlike traditional leadership training, Shoulder-to-Shoulder programs aim to inspire future leaders to prioritize inclusivity and sustainability in decision-making.
Taking it a step further, we aim to shift the focus from “serving” communities to learning from them. Learning service helps students develop a mindset of respect and collaboration.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder alumni often describe these experiences as life-changing. They gain a sense of purpose and realize that leadership is not about authority but about collaboration. Testimonials from program alumni highlight how these experiences inspire them to lead with compassion and determination.
During my trip to Panama with SStS, I learned so much about the overall region of Bocas de Toro, the history of Panama, and the culture of the local Ngobe community. It was a life-changing experience. It helped me see that some communities here in the US face similar challenges and that I can make an impact in people’s lives in big and small ways.”—Alina Palacios (Branson), Panama: Education, ‘23
Authentic experiences paired with structured reflection are at the heart of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder methodology. They leave these programs with a heightened sense of responsibility, often contemplative and ready to apply ethical principles to every aspect of their lives.
The Three Pillars of Ethical Leadership
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s mission is realized through shaping tomorrow’s leaders—hopefully with compounding effects. Our mission is realized through three interconnected initiatives that we believe provide a comprehensive and enduring framework for ethical leadership.
- Experiential Field Studies in Ethical Leadership: These immersive high school programs, developed in collaboration with trusted nonprofit and NGO partners, allow students to engage in fieldwork grounded in “Learning Service.” This methodology emphasizes humility, the starting point for students learning what it means to lead ethically.
- Ethical Leadership Forum: This annual gathering brings together a diverse audience, including students, partners, and the public, to share experiences, deepen insights, and strengthen collaborative bonds. It serves as a platform for inspiring the principles and practices of ethical leadership.
- Shoulder-to-Shoulder Network: A digital platform connecting alums and partners to foster ongoing collaboration and support for ethical leadership. It bridges the gap between high school programs and the professional world, enabling participants to continue developing as leaders committed to social impact.
A Lifelong Path of Learning
We believe that ethical leadership isn’t a destination but a continuous journey. Recognizing this, our goal is to provide ongoing opportunities for college and early career alums to deepen their commitment to ethical leadership and citizenship.
For example, the Applied Ethical Leadership Internship is a 6-month program for juniors and seniors that builds on field study experiences to deepen ethical leadership skills and create change in students’ local communities.
This internship deepens students’ leadership skills and provides tangible, real-world experience that can be a powerful asset for college applications, future internships, and beyond.
We believe ethical leadership matters because it bridges the gap between personal success and social responsibility. By inspiring teens to approach leadership with humility and empathy, Shoulder-to-Shoulder is shaping a generation of leaders prepared to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with integrity and purpose.
Want to learn more about how Shoulder-to-Shoulder inspires the next generation of ethical leaders? Check out our summer programs for students in grades 8-12.