student leaders initiating change (slic)

SLIC is a coalition of high school students from Ottawa County that develops leadership skills and promotes community service. Students take part in local service projects, gain valuable leadership experiences, and share positive messages with their peers. Participants also have the chance to attend a youth leadership summit at the end of the year.

Apply for SLIC

What slic does:

SLIC members work within a coalition of students from Ottawa County high schools to participate in local service projects, carry out school/community leadership projects, and provide positive messages to their peers. SLIC was created as a subcommittee of the Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) Coalition, providing valuable youth input for OSAP’s community efforts and expanding substance use prevention work to youth. Many of SLIC’s projects are based on preventing mental health and substance use challenges with their peers. The specific focus, topics, and projects are decided by the students each year based on their interests and goals.

If you would like to learn more, please contact us.

benefits of joining slic:

Volunteer & training opportunities
Counts for service hours
Resume builder
Getting involved within your school and greater community
Eligible students have the chance to attend a youth leadership summit at the end of the year

student testimonials

“Meeting new people from other schools with similar goals was the most significant learning experience I have had. I was able to gain a new perspective about different schools and apply that to my own personal life.”

“I learned a lot of factual information about drugs/drug use, which is very important when it comes to having an accurate view of the world around me in relation to substance use.”

“I went on our school news and promoted Red Ribbon Week. This led to growth in leadership for me because I was unashamed to promote this truth and other people were able to identify me as a person they can come to with questions.”

slic staff members

Frida Chico

Frida has been with Arbor Circle since 2024 as a Youth Prevention Specialist, where she works closely with youth throughout Ottawa County. In her role as a SLIC Team Lead, she partners with Youth Leaders across multiple schools, supporting volunteer initiatives, peer education, and networking opportunities within their communities. Frida is passionate about creating meaningful connections and empowering young people as they grow into confident leaders. She is continually inspired by the creativity, passion, and dedication of the youth she works alongside and values the opportunity to learn from them every day.

Zach Yokom, LLMSW, MPA

Zach earned both his LLMSW and MPA from Grand Valley State University and brings more than 12 years of experience working within nonprofit organizations and public schools serving culturally diverse and underserved communities. His background includes working alongside individuals experiencing disabilities, as well as leading efforts in program development, mental health services, and administrative support across a variety of settings. Zach’s expertise includes strategic planning, fund development, change management, and budget management, with a strong focus on building systems and services that support community impact.