- Arrive on campus, check in, get settled into your residence hall, and get ready for an exciting week ahead.
Engineering
Discover, design, and build your way to a future in engineering by tackling real-world challenges while experiencing campus life at universities like Yale, UCLA, Michigan, and more.
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Your Blueprint for Engineering Excellence
Imagine collaborating with future innovators on a university campus, designing and building solutions that address United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Engineering, you'll gain hands-on experience with CAD software and microcontroller programming while exploring the many disciplines of engineering.
Each day brings new opportunities to explore engineering through hands-on experiences, including designing 3D model rockets with CAD software, programming robotics and autonomous systems, building electrical circuits, and exploring artificial intelligence and neural networks. You'll also collaborate with a team throughout the Capstone Impact Challenge, applying your skills to solve real-world problems and presenting your final project in a professional showcase.
Whether you dream of designing sustainable cities, developing medical devices, or creating renewable energy breakthroughs, this program gives you the tools, confidence, and connections to turn dreams into reality. You'll return home with new skills, a clearer vision of your engineering future, and lasting friendships.
NYLF
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) was founded with the vision of preparing high school students for college and future careers. The very first forum, focused on National Security, set the stage for what would become a nationally recognized series of immersive learning experiences.
Envision acquired NYLF in 2007 and has continued to uphold its flagship brand and mission. Today, NYLF still inspires the nation’s most promising elementary, middle, and high school students through immersive, interactive, and hands-on learning experiences.
Why Students Choose Envision
Real-World Engineering Design Challenges
Prototype and test engineering solutions through hands-on experiences, including designing 3D model rockets, programming robotics systems, and exploring how engineers solve complex problems.
Campus Life Immersion
Experience what college life is really like by staying in dorms, exploring the campus, and getting a taste of university life that will help you feel confident and prepared for your own college journey.
Expert Speaker Series
Gain insights into engineering careers and future opportunities by engaging with professionals from various disciplines through speaking events

Collaborate, Compete, Create
Join team challenges that strengthen your creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, culminating in the multi-day Capstone Impact Challenge.
Designed to Launch Your Future
Hands-On Engineering and Design
You'll use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to design and 3D print your own model rocket, program a microcontroller to fly a drone autonomously, and build electrical circuits just like the ones used in electric vehicles.

Develop Critical Social-Emotional Skills
You'll learn the five CASEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These essential skills will help you build the emotional intelligence and people skills you need to succeed in school and your future career.

Certificate of Achievement
Earn a Certificate of Achievement upon successful completion of the program and leave with projects, presentations, and experiences that can help you showcase your skills and tell your unique story in college applications, interviews, and future opportunities.

Service-Driven Impact Challenge Capstone
Your week culminates with the Capstone Impact Challenge, where you'll select a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and apply everything you've learned to create, prototype, and present an innovative solution designed to make a positive difference in the world.

Dates, Locations, & Tuition

College Credit
College Credit is included with tuition. Students attending select high school programs are eligible to receive college credit(s) through George Mason University. Credits are included in the cost of tuition and are awarded for successful completion of the program and credit requirements
Featured Extras
Private Airport Shuttles
We’ll take care of the ride. Let us handle the airport transportation so your student can start their adventure stress-free. Our private shuttle brings them straight to the housing site and returns them to the airport at the end of the session. Safe. Supervised. Comfortable. Add the airport shuttle in your account after registration, for an additional fee.
Tuition & Travel Protection
Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.
Full Refund Program
For an additional fee, WorldStrides offers protection for your investment through the Full Refund Program (FRP). Should you need to cancel your trip for any reason after the 24-hour grace period from registration, or in the event that your program is cancelled as a result of Uncontrollable Circumstances (as defined below), the FRP protects your investment by reimbursing you for 100% of the amounts you’ve paid in, minus the FRP enrollment fee, any other Non-Refundable Fees.
Sample Itinerary
* Exact itinerary will vary by session and location. Participants should reference the itinerary provided as part of their enrollment package.
Day 1
- Meet your Advisor and fellow student groups. Participate in icebreakers, set expectations, and begin your journey as a team.
Day 2
- Get an overview of the week ahead and the opportunities you'll explore throughout the program.
- Apply creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills during an interactive engineering challenge.
- Kick off your team’s Capstone project by exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals and defining the real-world challenge you’ll tackle.
- Work with your peers to explore campus in a fun challenge that builds collaboration and camaraderie.
Day 3
- Use CAD software to design a model rocket, then bring it to life through 3D printing as you learn the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and prototyping.
- Explore how AI systems learn through text, images, and data, then debate the ethics of AI and its impact on engineering and society.
- Collaborate with your team to set project goals and begin generating innovative solutions to address your chosen challenge.
- Hear from professionals about diverse opportunities in engineering fields, from civil and mechanical to chemical and electrical engineering.
- Whether you're performing or cheering from the audience, enjoy an evening of creativity, camaraderie, and lasting memories with fellow scholars.
Day 4
Step into the shoes of a professional engineer by tackling a design challenge that combines creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Dive into electronics and coding as you design circuits, program a microcontroller, and see your work come to life in a drone flight.
Examine real-world case studies and learn how ethics influence engineering decisions that shape our world.
Experiment with wiring and circuit design as you learn how electrical systems drive innovations from vehicles to clean energy.
Bring your ideas to life by building prototypes, testing designs, and learning how engineers refine their solutions.
Test your knowledge in a lively trivia competition while building friendships, practicing your teamwork skills, and enjoying the fun side of the college experience.
Day 5
Walk through your host campus, explore academic spaces, and get a taste of what it’s like to be a future college student.
See how engineering is applied in the real world as you tour a local business, facility, or industry site.
Take in local sights and landmarks, then share a meal with peers as you explore your host city together.
Day 6
Begin constructing and programming a robot, applying engineering concepts in a fun, hands-on challenge.
Push your prototypes further as you refine, build, and prepare for your final Capstone presentation.
Gain insights into cutting-edge advancements like AI, robotics, and renewable energy that are shaping the future of engineering.
Spend time with your team reflecting on your progress, sharing feedback, and experiencing the campus community like a college student. Then begin planning your Lip Sync Battle routine—collaborating, choosing music, and preparing for the next night’s performance.
Day 7
Bring your robot to life by testing, troubleshooting, and running challenges that showcase your engineering and coding skills.
Finalize your projects, rehearse your delivery, and then take the stage to present your team’s solution. Share your ideas, demonstrate your prototype, and celebrate your achievements with peers and advisors.
Gather with your peers and advisors to celebrate achievements and receive recognition for your hard work.
Share highlights, laughter, and final memories with your team as you prepare for departure. Cap off the evening with a lively Lip Sync Battle, where you and your peers showcase your routine, celebrate your week together, and enjoy one last night of fun and connection.
Day 8
Head home with new memories, lifelong friends, and experiences you’ll carry into the future.
Students flying home will be escorted to the airport; all others will remain on campus until pick-up.
Health & Safety
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope. This is a serious, immersive experience for high school students who want to explore engineering at the next level. You’ll work with real tools and collaborate with peers who are just as driven as you are.
This program is perfect for high school students interested the diverse field of engineering, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, or civil engineering. No prior experience is required. Just curiosity and a passion for STEM.
You'll participate in rotational workshops focusing on CAD rocket design, robotics (drones and rovers), artificial intelligence, and electrical engineering. You'll also work on a program-long Capstone Impact Challenge.
Absolutely. You’ll walk away with hands-on project experience, college credit from George Mason University, and insights into college-level engineering, demonstrating your passion for STEM.
It’s a pre-college program that blends hands-on engineering challenges, team-based design projects, and real campus living. You’ll explore the engineering design thinking process, build prototypes, and gain experience that looks great on college applications.






