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Nominate for National Security
Exploring How to Make the World a Safer Place

At the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): National Security, your students will get an insider’s look at the fields of diplomacy, intelligence, and defense during exclusive site visits, keynotes and panel discussions with industry professionals, a career fair with government agencies and branches of the military, and an intense national security simulation. Attendees also enhance their leadership skills and experience campus life at the University of Maryland, College Park.

NYLF National Security Curriculum

Students attending NYLF National Security The NYLF National Security curriculum provides a well-rounded view of diplomacy, intelligence, and defense careers as well as the variety of educational and professional paths one may pursue in this important and rewarding field.

Interactive Speaking Events

Guest speaking events at NYLF National Security include keynotes as well as panel discussions. Students learn from leaders in the fields of diplomacy, intelligence, and defense operations from both governmental organizations and private sector companies. Previous speakers have come from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Homeland Security, U.S. Senate, Northrop Grumman, and the Washington Cyber Center.

Site Visits

In previous years, NYLF National Security attendees visited distinguished government agencies, foreign embassies, and military facilities, where they met with civilian, military, and intelligence officers to get an inside view of duties and daily operations.

Some past site visits have included:

  • U.S. Department of State*
  • Pentagon*
  • FBI Headquarters*
  • The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)
  • A Foreign Embassy
  • Arlington National Cemetery

*Indicates a secure site visit, which requires information from a government-issued form of photo identification be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the program session and the student's possession of that form of identification while at the program.

National Security Crisis Simulation

Near the end of NYLF National Security, students will face a simulated national security threat requiring them to use the knowledge they’ve gained about intelligence, diplomacy, and defense operations and take action. Working in teams, they will confront the challenges of interagency coordination, decision making, evaluating a wide range of alternatives, weighing risks, considering possible adversary counter-measures, and determining opportunity costs before finalizing a strategy to neutralize the threat.

National Security Career Fair

During this exciting networking opportunity, attendees will explore careers in national security and meet representatives from federal agencies, military academies, private companies, and all branches of the military.

Past career fair participants have included:

  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • FBI
  • CIA
  • World Bank Group
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • U.S. Department of State
  • Peace Corps
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Marines
  • U.S. Air Force
  • U.S. Coast Guard
 
Envision by WorldStrides’ Promise to You

Health & Safety: Our Top Priority


The health and safety of our students is, and always will be, our top priority. We are currently evaluating all aspects of our programs and incorporating the most up-to-date health and safety standards. We will continue to make changes as new learnings and guidance evolve from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our program partners. For the most up-to-date answers to FAQs and procedural details highlighting our COVID-19 protocols, visit our COVID Health & Safety page.

The Impact of Nominating

 
Since 1985, Envision by WorldStrides has helped more than 800,000 high-achieving students, ranging from elementary school through college, expand their leadership abilities, discover their passion for a future career, and realize the power of their potential. A majority of those students were nominated by caring, inspiring teachers who recognized their potential for a bright future and rewarded them with a nomination to an Envision program.

The value and positive impact your nomination has on a student cannot be overstated. Even if your nominees decide not to attend a program, just being selected is an empowering and often a life-changing event. You have the power to make an impact—your vote of confidence in their hard work and dedication builds confidence and inspires them to keep reaching their goals.

 

Educator Testimonials

“I looked at Envision and saw something special, an extraordinary opportunity to empower kids, let them explore a career, and develop the skills they need to succeed.”

– Thomas S. Tucker, PH. D, Superintendent Princeton City Schools, Ohio and AASA National Superintendent of the Year, 2016

“Diedra's experience was positive, and I believe she grew in many ways, one of the most important being that the Forum help her define what she really wants to do with her career.”

- J. Syltie, MST, Math/Engineering Teacher and National Honor Society Adviser, Brookings, SD

“Amber had a life-changing experience in your program. Upon her return, she came in to all of my Anatomy classes and spoke to them in detail of the knowledge and experience she gained, the contacts she made, and overall how wonderful the event was. Thank you for providing our students with this great opportunity!”

- T. Caracciolo, M.Ed., Science Department Chair, North Port, FL

Additional Information

  • Supervision

    The safety and well-being of each student during the program is our highest priority. NYLF National Security is directed by professional educators and maintains a student-to-staff ratio of 17:1. Attendance is taken throughout the program, and all students are required to attend all activities. A member of the Envision team is on location and available 24 hours a day via cell phone for any parent who has questions or requires information at any time.

  • Location and Travel

    Attendees will be housed at the University of Maryland, College Park, near Washington, D.C. The campus setting allows students to experience college life and form lasting relationships with like-minded peers in a safe and well-supervised environment. All transportation during the forum is by private motor coach.

  • College Credit

    Students who complete NYLF National Security are eligible to receive one college credit through George Mason University. While the average cost of a college credit at a four-year institution is $600, the cost of an NYLF National Security credit is just $100. Students may apply for this credit by selecting the College Credit option during the online enrollment process.

  • Selection

    Envision by WorldStrides seeks to identify students who demonstrate leadership potential, have a history of academic achievement, and will contribute to the strength and character of NYLF National Security—outstanding individuals representing a variety of backgrounds and possessing an interest in the fields of diplomacy, intelligence, or defense. Envision also hopes to attract the most mature and independent individuals possible. Educators are asked to nominate high school students who can meet the challenge of our academic curriculum and who merit the distinction of a nomination.

  • Tuition

    Tuition includes all housing, on-site meals, instruction, supervisory personnel, program materials, all forum activities, and private motor-coach transportation during the forum. Students will only need money for off-site meals and incidentals they wish to purchase. Travel to and from Washington, D.C. is not included in tuition.

  • Scholarships

    Do not hesitate to nominate students who can benefit from this program but who have limited financial resources. Envision by WorldStrides offers a limited number of partial scholarships to qualified students each year based upon financial need, scholastic merit, leadership achievements, and other factors. Submission of a scholarship application is required to be considered for an award. Nominees who are interested in fundraising to help offset the cost of tuition will have access to our step-by-step suggestions and activities for raising funds, as well as fundraising success stories submitted by past Envision students.

  • About Envision by WorldStrides

    For over 35 years, Envision by WorldStrides has empowered extraordinary students to become their best selves through programs that enable them to discover their passion, explore a career, and positively impact their world. In 2018, Envision became part of the WorldStrides family. The largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, WorldStrides works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world—and themselves—in new ways.