The Onsite Program

The Onsite Program is a two- or three-day abbreviated version of LEAD (SSI’s week-long summer program) for schools, homeschool groups, and youth groups throughout Michigan and beyond. This dynamic hands-on legislative experience integrates a Judeo-Christian worldview curriculum and provides students the opportunity to quickly learn to analyze data, practice critical thinking, develop team approaches, and improve their debate and communication skills.

The Onsite Program is available on your time frame, at your location, and customized for your group.

Watch this video as SSI President, James Muffett, walks you through the Onsite Program.

 

Upcoming Onsite Events:

 

Canton, MI

Held in March 2021, a closed event will be sponsored by Plymouth Christian Academy and will be hosted at their school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Onsite programs have been successfully conducted in Adrian, Battle Creek, Brighton, Flint, Lansing, Lake Orion, Jackson, Monroe, Grand Rapids, Harbor Springs, Kalamazoo, Novi, Saginaw, Southfield, Traverse City and other locations across Michigan

If your school, homeschool group or youth group is interested in this dynamic program, please contact SSI at 517-321-6233 or email us at programs@ssionline.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I determine whether my student should attend the Onsite versus the LEAD Summer Program?
We encourage students to attend both if they can! There are differences between the two:

 

 

The LEAD Summer Program offers much more in terms of spiritual emphasis and leadership development, and provides an overall greater lasting impact in the lives of students. There is also more of a sense of realism in LEAD, as various tracks have the privilege of meeting in the Capitol Building and other professional facilities.

Onsites are held during the school year rather than in the summer, and are only held for two to three days rather than a week. There are no overnight accommodations and only one track (the House) is offered. Otherwise, the Onsite is basically a condensed version of LEAD held for schools and homeschool groups across Michigan.

There are many parents who send their student to LEAD after attending the Onsite. This gives the student a better opportunity to benefit from the full program and gives them an idea of what to expect. However, if you can’t commit to a whole week, the Onsite would be a good second choice.

What are the age requirements to attend the Onsite? What do you recommend?
Any teenager entering 9th grade through the age of 19 is eligible to attend. Deciding which age is most appropriate to send your student is up to the parent, considering the maturity level, whether the student can engage him/herself, and whether he/she will benefit from the program.
What is the dress code for the Onsite?
Each Onsite can be different depending on the dress code of the host school/group. However, at a minimum, students should wear neat, modest clothing for the general sessions, and business attire during the committee meetings and final Session.

 

 

While a sport coat or suit is not required, the guys should at least wear dress slacks, with a dress shirt and tie. Girls should wear a dress, or a skirt or dress slacks with a nice top. We just want them to be dressed for the occasion.

As a parent, is there any way I can participate in the Onsite?
Yes! Parents are welcome to attend any of the sessions, and often the host school/group is looking for help with hospitality and other areas. You can indicate on the registration form when you are available to help. It is especially important for family and friends to come and support the students during the final Legislative Session, which is the last event of the program.
How would I go about hosting on Onsite in my community?
Contact the SSI office and you will be sent a Presentation Packet further explaining the program. If you wish to speak to someone about the program, contact our Programs Director at 517-321-6233 or email programs@ssionline.org.
What LEAD Summer Program track can students who have participated in an Onsite attend?
If a student is attending the LEAD Summer Program for the first time, but has participated in one of our Onsite programs, he or she will be placed in the Senate track instead of the House.