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 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?

  Your tuition for NYLF Explore STEM includes housing accommodations on a university, college or school campus (Residential students only), instruction, program activities and materials, a 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 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. 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. 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.

• 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.