About National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM Alumni

NYLF Explore STEM Alumni FAQs

• Is NYLF Explore STEM Alumni for me?

  The NYLF Explore STEM Alumni program is for you if you've previously attended the NYLF Explore STEM, you're in seventh or eighth grade during the 2022-2023 school year, and you'd like to continue exploring the variety of career options available to you in science, engineering, medicine, and technology. If you're interested in exploring STEM careers and building valuable success skills but haven't attended NYLF Explore STEM before, we recommend enrolling in that program first.

• What is included in tuition?

  Tuition for NYLF Explore STEM Alumni includes housing accommodations at Villanova University, instruction and supervision by professional faculty advisors, program activities, curriculum materials, private motor coach transportation to all locations during the program, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (with the exception of Arrival Day and Departure Day). Students will need money for souvenirs and other incidentals.

  Transportation to and from home and the program location is NOT included in tuition.

• Where will I stay?

  For the summer 2023, NYLF Explore STEM Alumni program, students will reside on the campus of Villanova University near Philadelphia, PA.

• How many students share a room?

  Each room will house two to three students. You will have your own 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. Other Envision safety measures include:

  • Greeting students at the designated airport upon their arrival, providing shuttle service directly to the program site, and providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
  • 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

  *There is a $100 nonrefundable roundtrip fee for shuttle service or a $50 fee for one-way shuttle service.

• Do I need to make my own flight arrangements?

  Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation to and from your home and the program location. We recommend that you make necessary flight arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled.

• 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 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.

• Can special dietary needs be met?

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

• What are the pre-program assignments? Do I have to do them?

  The first step of your leadership journey includes assessing your strengths and opportunities for growth. As part of your program, you'll have access to WorldStrides' newest digital platform: MyActionPath.

  WorldStrides has partnered with PAIRIN, a leader in career and life planning and assessment, to help our students along their lifetime learning journeys. The result of this partnership is MyActionPath–a personalized, virtual GPS that guides you along your desired career pathway and helps you identify ways to enhance your skills and achieve your goals. MyActionPath can assist you in deciding which professional field might suit you best, makes recommendations based on your goals and dreams, and provides you with educational and supportive resources. Before you arrive to your program location, you'll receive more information via email on how to begin this exciting career-planning journey.