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 have previously attended the NYLF Explore STEM, if you are in seventh or eighth grade during the 2020-2021 school year, and if you would like to continue exploring a variety of career options available to you in science, engineering, medicine, and technology. If you are interested in exploring STEM careers and building valuable success skills but have never attended an Envision program before, you may be interested in attending the NYLF Explore STEM program.

• 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 and departure days). Students will need money only 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 2021 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 will 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 30 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, and providing shuttle service directly to the program site as well as providing shuttle service back to the airport on departure day*
  • Maintaining a classroom ratio of 20 to 1
  • Providing single-sex rooms and single-sex floors
  • 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 $80 nonrefundable roundtrip fee for shuttle service or a $40 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?

  The first step of your leadership journey includes assessing your strengths and opportunities for growth. To aid in this assessment, you must complete the PAIRIN scholar survey and the Feedback for Understanding Emerging Leaders (FUEL) assignment.

  Envision has partnered with PAIRIN to help students understand their strengths, develop soft skills, measure soft skill growth and explore different career paths. PAIRIN utilizes a simple process to create lasting impact: measure 102 soft skills through a survey, map the soft skills attributes to the relevant context (career readiness or a specific career path), and then develop soft skills through curriculum and coaching tips. Students should complete PAIRIN prior to arrival at the program and bring their Readiness Report with them.

  The FUEL assignment will be available on your personal MyEnvisionExperience.com web page after you enroll. It simply requires that you choose five mentors – teachers, coaches, youth group leaders or other trusted adults – to complete a short survey about your leadership strengths. You also will complete a short self-assessment as part of the FUEL assignment.