Students Today, Leader Forever is an organization formed in 2003 by a group of U of M students. Since 2003, they have expanded their organization throughout the nation to college campuses, recruiting eager college students looking to make a difference to their communties.
Founded in the spring of 2014 by a group of freshman at Gustavus. The eager Gustavus students formed their Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow chapter and began their journey to make a difference.
The chapter strives to educate students sought out new experiences, opportunities and relationships through service and action.
While most college students were soaking up on the sun vacationing on beaches, the STLF Gustavus chapter participated in their first Pay It Forward Tour last spring.
They embarked on an adventure to 6 different cities including, but not limited to, Chicago and Pittsburgh, only to finish in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. with several other chapters.
Each city they proved their impact by volunteering, completing service projects, educating themselves on diversity and expanding their leadership knowledge.
“I originally joined Students Today, Leaders Forever when I was a Junior in high school and went on a Pay It Forward Tour. The tour is the original reason I became involved as it was extremely empowering.” Fouding chapter member, Grace Holbrook said.
Students Today, Leaders Forever is a nationwide non-profit organization so anyone can join, as well as, lead. The srudents plan all of their own activites, coordinate their own lodging, service and contact the communities on their own to get a sense of where their services are needed the most in order to make the biggest impact.
“I originally joined Students Today, Leaders Forever when I was a Junior in high school and went on a Pay It Forward Tour. The tour is the original reason I became involved as it was extremely empowering.”
— Grace Holbrook
The organization encourages all students to join and provides them with ample opportunities for personal growth and development through leadership skills.
“Students Today, Leaders Forever wants to change the light shed on college students by showing that college students can be agents of change too.”
— Grace Holbrook
Pay It Forward might be one of their biggest events of the year but STLF hosts many events that showcase the students skills. The other service projects they’ve participated in include volunteering at nursing homes, lake conservation, tying blankets for children, building homes and helping out at the humane society.
A significant part of the program is unveiling leadership qualities in students and inspriing them to take action within their lives and communities.
“Students Today, Leaders Forever wants to change the light shed on college students by showing that college students can be agents of change too.” Holbrook said.
This year’s Pay It Forward Tour includes stops in St. Louis, Memphis, Jackson and New Orleans, to name just a few. Many students who have expressed interest in joining even fundraise their own registration fee. STLF leaders will be tabling all next week outside the cafeteria answering questions.