About National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security–Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense

NYLF National Security FAQs

• Is NYLF National Security—Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense for me?

  If you are a high school student ready to build a path to success in college and a career in National Security, this program is for you.

  To attend NYLF National Security, you must be in grades 9-11 during the 2023-2024 school year for the 2024 summer sessions. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships; however, we do accept a limited number of students through our competitive application process. 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 submit an application today.

• What is included in tuition?

  Your tuition for NYLF National Security includes housing, on-site meals, supervisory personnel, program materials, all program activities, site visits, a Certificate of Completion and local transportation during the program.

  However, your transportation to and from home and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you will only need money for off-site meals, souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals.

• 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 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, and providing shuttle service directly to the program site as well as providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
  • Maintaining a student-to-staff ratio of 17 to 1, with a classroom ratio of 25 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 an additional fee for shuttle service.
• Where will I stay?

  For the NYLF National Security program, you will reside at the University of Maryland, College Park for all summer 2024 sessions.

• How many students share a room?

  Each suite will house four students and consists of two bedrooms, with two beds in each room, and a shared bathroom.

• What is the dress code for this program?

  You should plan to wear professional attire during most program events. Professional attire includes suits, dresses, skirts, or slacks paired with a button-up collared shirt or blouse and a suit jacket. Skirts/dresses must fall at or below the knee. Participants who choose to wear a button-up collared shirt should also wear a tie. There will be opportunities during the conference for you to wear relaxed professional attire or casual attire, including jeans.

  Comfortable dress shoes are essential (heels are not recommended). You will be walking a great deal throughout the program.

  Students who belong to organizations or attend military schools with an official professional military uniform may wear their uniforms during the program. Fatigues and casual uniform attire, however, will not be permitted at events requiring professional attire.

• What is the code of conduct for this program?

  You are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. You also must abide by and uphold all conference rules. We expect you to conduct yourself as a mature and responsible leader who represents your school and community.

• 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 in accommodating 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 they apply for enrollment in the program.

• Do I need to make my own flight arrangements?

  Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation to and from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). We recommend you make necessary flight arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled.

• 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.

• 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.