About National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM

NYLF Explore STEM FAQs

• Is National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM for me?

  This summer STEM exploration program is for you if you are a middle school student interested in building, tinkering, solving problems, and exploring a variety of career options available to you in science, engineering, medicine, and technology. NYLF Explore STEM is your springboard to achieving tremendous success in high school, in college, and in life.

  To attend NYLF Explore STEM, you must be in grades 6-8 during the 2024-2025 school year. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships. If you have not been nominated or selected but are interested in taking advantage of the life-changing opportunities that the program provides, we encourage you to contact the Office of Admissions today.

  
  
• What is included in tuition?

  Your tuition for NYLF Explore STEM includes housing accommodations on a university, college or school campus (Residential Students Only), instruction, program activities and materials, Certificate of Completion, supervision by professional faculty advisors, and private motor coach transportation to all locations during the program. Your meals and snacks during the program are also covered (excluding lunch on arrival and departure days for Residential students and breakfast on all days for Day students).

  Transportation to and from home and the program location is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you'll need money for lunch on Arrival Day and Departure Day plus any personal spending you plan to do for items such as souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals.

• Where will I stay?

  Students who choose the Residential program option will reside along with Envision team members at safe, secure locations that include universities and conference centers.

• How many students share a room?

  Each room will house two to four students. Depending on the housing venue, students may be in individual rooms or suites with bathrooms either ensuite or communal, in the hall. You will have your own bed, which may include a roll-away bed.

• How will I be supervised?

  Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside in a safe, controlled environment. You'll be closely supervised by professionally trained staff, including faculty advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, operations personnel, and a program coordinator.

  For over 35 years, Envision has achieved a stellar record of safely and successfully enriching the lives of students, providing them with superb educational experiences and professional supervision. Envision safety measures include:

  • Maintaining a classroom ratio of 20 to 1
  • Requiring all students to attend all activities
  • Checking rooms nightly and ensuring that students remain in their rooms
  • Having night monitors in place to support students who may become ill or who have an emergency during the night
  • Equipping all staff members with two-way communication devices
• Can my parents attend the program?

  No. Your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you during the program. Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program. However, it is perfectly fine for your family to travel with you to the program location and stay in the area while you are attending the program.

• I am a student requiring specific accommodations. Can I still attend?

  Yes, we encourage you to enroll. Envision by WorldStrides believes in working with families to accommodate student needs and encourages the participation of students who feel prepared to meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional demands of the program environment. We may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary staff and services to assist students as needed if notified in advance. We encourage families, guardians, legal representatives, or educators to contact the Office of Admissions for more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

• Can special dietary needs be met?

  Vegetarian options are always available. Vegan, kosher, and halal meals can be made available to you, provided your request is submitted prior to the start of the program. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.