- Step onto campus, feel the energy as navigate through registration lines, meet new friends, and feel your nerves transform into excitement for the week ahead
NYLF
Pathways to STEM
Tailored for elementary students, this exciting program introduces young scholars to STEM foundations through interactive labs and real-world simulations while building confidence, friendships, and college campus experience.
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Jump Start Their Future in STEM
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM program begins with students as shipwrecked explorers on STEM Island, solving daily challenges to make it home. From investigating missing maps to engineering robotic rovers, every activity connects to the engaging storyline.
Students explore medicine through calf heart dissection, dive into forensic science with fingerprinting, and tackle engineering challenges like bridge building and amusement park design. Outside the lab, they form teams, create chants, and compete in rallies, with residential students enjoying evening games and variety shows.
Offered in residential and commuter (with an optional extended day) formats, NYLF Pathways to STEM provides flexibility for families while students leave with new friendships, stronger confidence, and a deeper love for learning.
Grades:
3-5Duration:
5 - 6 DaysFormat:
Commuter, ResidentialStarting Price:
$2,899.00Locations, program content, and speakers are subject to change.
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
Build and Code Robots
Students learn the basics of engineering and programming by building and coding their own VEX robot—then put it to the test in the Pathways to STEM Robotics Challenge.
Solve a STEM Mystery
Students become forensic detectives in a fictional mystery, using observation, inquiry, fingerprinting, and blood pattern analysis to crack The Case of the Missing Map.
Build Leadership and Confidence
Students grow as leaders through daily challenges and interactive group activities, collaborating on team names and cheers while practicing leadership recognition through a supportive, confidence-building team-based approach.
Time to Play and Recharge
At this age, movement and play are essential for learning. Students enjoy daily Rec Time with activities like soccer, arts and crafts, and creative writing, while residential evenings feature trivia, game nights, and variety shows that build community.
Designed to Spark Curiosity and Confidence
Hands-On STEM Adventures
Students explore forensics, engineering, medicine, and robotics through active, age-appropriate simulations that bring science to life.
College Campus Experience
Students live or learn on real college campuses like Emory, Vanderbilt, or the University of Maryland—getting early exposure to higher education in a supportive environment.
Leadership and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Daily sessions help students develop core social-emotional skills like self-management, collaboration, and responsible decision-making.
Goal Setting and Teamwork
Through group challenges and guided reflection, students set goals for the week, track their progress, and discover leadership strengths that will extend well beyond the classroom.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
What does the price include?
What does the price include?
Residential tuition includes room & board, all meals, simulations, curriculum & materials, and staff. Commuter tuition does not include room & board, but does include daily lunches.
Regions:
Occidental College
Los Angeles, California, United States
$3,399.00Residential
Dates: July 13-18
Duration: 6 Days
$2,999.00Commuter
Dates: July 14-18
Duration: 5 Days
Seattle University
Seattle, Washington, United States
$3,399.00Residential
Dates: July 5-10
Duration: 6 Days
$2,999.00Commuter
Dates: July 6-10
Duration: 5 Days
University of California San Diego
San Diego, California, United States
$3,399.00Residential
Dates: June 27 - July 2
Duration: 6 Days
$2,999.00Commuter
Dates: June 28 - July 2
Duration: 5 Days
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado, United States
$3,499.00Residential
Dates: July 21-26
Duration: 6 Days
$2,999.00Commuter
Dates: July 22-26
Duration: 5 Days
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States
$3,599.00Residential
Dates: July 5-10
Duration: 6 Days
$3,099.00Commuter
Dates: July 6-10
Duration: 5 Days
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
$3,299.00Residential
Dates: July 13-18
Duration: 6 Days
$2,899.00Commuter
Dates: July 14-18
Duration: 5 Days
*Commuter programs are for students who live within daily commuting distance of the program location and do not wish to reside with other students during the program.
Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of NYLF Pathways to STEM and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.
This event is not sponsored by or otherwise endorsed by Occidental College.
NYLF Pathways to STEM is operated independently of Vanderbilt University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not the official positions, statements of advice nor opinions of Vanderbilt University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Vanderbilt of any such views or statements.
This program, while located at the University of Miami, is neither the responsibility of, nor endorsed by, the University of Miami.
Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of NYLF Pathways to STEM and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.
This event is not sponsored by or otherwise endorsed by Occidental College.
NYLF Pathways to STEM is operated independently of Vanderbilt University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not the official positions, statements of advice nor opinions of Vanderbilt University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Vanderbilt of any such views or statements.
This program, while located at the University of Miami, is neither the responsibility of, nor endorsed by, the University of Miami.
Featured Extras
Tuition & Travel Protection
Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.
Makeblock mBot
Students take home a Makeblock mBot robotics kit, allowing them to continue learning about electronics, robotics, and computer programming after their program is complete.
Extended Day Experience
Day students can extend their experience with early breakfast drop-off and dinner plus evening activities.
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 classroom group while you participate in ice breaker activities and expectation setting.
Day 2
- Scholars learn effective team-building strategies and goal-setting best practices by collaborating to create a team identity and developing personal SMART goals.
- Scholars explore the Engineering Design Process by assembling and driving a VEX GO robot, laying the foundation for future programming and problem-solving challenges.
- Scholars explore vital signs and clinical skills through hands-on activities in heart rate, temperature, and diagnostic tools.
- Scholars get a chance to relax, recharge, and build friendships through fun, supervised activities.
- Get to know your fellow scholars through fun and interactive activities like trivia, a talent show, or a variety show that spark connection and build community
Day 3
- Scholars learn the importance of self-management.
- Scholars identify the functions of a simple circuit and recognize the objectives and goals of their design challenge. They apply the Engineering Design Process to create an amusement park ride prototype and assemble an electrical circuit to power a motor.
- Scholars explore the components of the VEX Go robot and use key functions to allow the robot to move, sense its environment, and perform tasks.
- Scholars learn how the heart has multiple parts that serve specific functions. Scholars will safely and accurately identify parts of a heart during a dissection.
- Scholars get a chance to relax, recharge, and build friendships through fun, supervised activities.
- Get to know your fellow scholars through fun and interactive activities like trivia, a talent show, or a variety show that spark connection and build community
Day 4
- Scholars will discover how to step into someone else’s shoes and show kindness and empathy towards others.
- Scholars investigate how blood splatter helps solve crime scene mysteries. They will measure drops, learn about the metric system, and discover how the height of a fall changes the shape of a splatter.
- In teams, scholars design a moving amusement park ride, discovering how creativity, teamwork, and the right materials can bring the team’s ideas to life.
- Scholars work with their peers to use coding blocks to program robots to perform tasks to complete missions and solve real-world problems.
- Scholars understand the purpose of a splint and discover when and how emergency medicine is used to keep people safe and healthy.
- Scholars get a chance to relax, recharge, and build friendships through fun, supervised activities.
- Get to know your fellow scholars through fun and interactive activities like trivia, a talent show, or a variety show that spark connection and build community
Day 5
- Scholars learn how important it is to have social skills like trust, talking to others, and really listening. They will work on these skills to improve their bonds and learn how to solve problems as a team.
- Scholars learn how motors and circuits bring prototypes to life, use engineering design, and work together to succeed.
- Scholars discover how fingerprints can help solve crimes, how they are gathered as evidence, and how to lift and analyze prints to identify a suspect.
- Scholars apply their learned knowledge of how to program their VEX GO robots and provide precise commands to participate in competitions with their peers.
- While on STEM Island, scholars learn about the components of a 2-in-1 lantern, how to make one, and how it may be used for disaster preparedness.
Day 6
- Scholars learn how to make smart decisions, set SMART goals, and solve problems in the real world in responsible ways.
- Scholars learn how the Engineering Design Process helps them make their ideas better, think about how far they've come, and talk about the problems they faced while planning and building an amusement park ride.
- Scholars will reflect on their experiences, share thoughts with peers, and develop self-awareness as they realize how the program has influenced their future route.
- Say goodbye to new friends and advisors as you reflect on your experience and begin your journey home, inspired by all you've learned and accomplished.
Health & Safety
Travel with confidence knowing you're never alone out there. When you choose Envision by WorldStrides, you've got an entire support network working around the clock to keep you safe.
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Safety Monitoring
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Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects will students explore?
Students rotate through engaging workshops in robotics, medicine, engineering, and forensic science. Each activity is designed to be age-appropriate, exciting, and rooted in real-world skills.
What’s the difference between residential, commuter and extended day?
Residential students stay overnight in college dorms and enjoy a full campus experience with meals and evening events. Commuter students join for daytime programming and lunch. Extended day students can join breakfast early and stay late for dinner and evening team activities.
What’s included in the cost of the program?
Tuition includes academic programming, meals (varies by program format), materials, evening events (for extended day and Residential), and 24/7 staff supervision. Transportation is not included.
Is this a good program for first-time attendees?
Absolutely. Pathways to STEM is designed for younger students, many of whom are attending their first overnight program. The staff and structure ensure a welcoming, safe, and fun environment.
Are there opportunities for my student to make friends?
Yes! Social activities are built into every day—from team challenges to talent shows. Many students stay in touch long after the program ends.
How do I enroll?
Families can enroll online at EnvisionExperience.com or call our Admissions team. Early enrollment is recommended, as spots fill quickly.
Who should attend Pathways to STEM?
Elementary school students in grades 3-5 who are curious, creative, and ready to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on setting.
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For over 40 years, Envision’s programs have helped students discover their passion, test drive careers, and develop as leaders. Give students an opportunity to reach their full potential by nominating them today.