NYLF Pathways to STEM FAQs

• Who is the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM for?
  This summer program is for elementary school students interested in exploring future career possibilities within the exciting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. NYLF Pathways to STEM is a springboard to investigating career pathways and learning to be a leader at school and in the community.
  
  

  To attend NYLF Pathways to STEM, students must be in grades 3–5 during the 2022-2023 school year. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships. However, we also accept students through our application process. If you haven't 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?

  The tuition for the Residential program at NYLF Pathways to STEM includes all curriculum and instruction, program activities and evening events, overnight housing, program materials, and all breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners during the program.

  Tuition for the Day program includes all curriculum and instruction, all program activities, program materials, and all lunches and snacks during the program.
  
  Transportation to and from home and the program location is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, students will need money for souvenirs and other incidentals.
• How is safety and security managed at the program?

  Student safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that students will reside in a safe, controlled environment. They'll be closely supervised by professionally trained staff, including advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, a scholar experience team, and program leads.

  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:

  • Maintaining an overall student-to-staff ratio of 8 to 1
  • Attendance is taken throughout the program, and students are required to attend all program activities
  • Checking rooms nightly and ensuring that students remain in their rooms
  • Staff member rooms are interspersed among student rooms on each hallway in residential housing
  • A licensed nurse is available on site each day of the program
  • Equipping all staff members with two-way communication devices
• Where will the students stay?

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

• How many students share a room?

  Each room will house one to four students, depending on the housing location. Students will have their own bed. The bathroom is shared either communally or by the suite.

  
  
• How can families contact their child while they are attending the program?

  Students are permitted to bring a mobile phone to keep in touch with family, but the mobile device must be turned off during program activities. Students may call home before activities begin in the morning and after they have ended in the evening.
  
  Parents or guardians will have the telephone number to the program’s site office, where they can leave their child messages. Additionally, parents and guardians may email the office should they need to relay information to their child.

• Can a student requiring specific accommodations attend?

  Yes. 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?

  At NYLF Pathways to STEM, we make every effort to meet the dietary needs of all our students, provided the request is submitted prior to the start of the conference. When students complete their Student Information Form, they will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.