What is the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF)?The National Youth Leadership Forum is a nonpartisan, private educational organization founded to help better prepare outstanding young people with outstanding leadership potential and scholastic merit, for bright academic futures and successful professional careers. For more information, click here.

What is the Student Code of Conduct? Click here to read the complete Student Code of Conduct.

Will students have roommates? How many?Yes. To accommodate all of the participants, each student will have at least one roommate, and each student will have his or her own bed. The number of students per room varies by program and housing site.

Can a student and a friend room together or select roommates?No. The Forum staff assigns roommates — roommate requests are not accepted. We strongly believe that learning about — and from — other young leaders from all over the country provides a significant networking and leadership development opportunity.

Where will students eat?Most meals will be eaten at the housing location. When students are responsible for purchasing their own lunches, they will eat in food courts, restaurants or cafeterias during site visits.

Can students use the gym or swim in the pool at the hotel? No, due to safety and security reasons.

Are laundry services available?While most hotels offer laundry service for an additional charge, it is recommended that students pack enough to meet the daily dress requirements. Most college campuses have on-site laundry facilities.

How are students nominated to attend the program? Students are nominated by educators, community mentors and alumni of NYLF programs. We also work with educational organizations such as the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA) to identify high-achieving students who possess an interest in a career in medicine, law, or diplomacy, intelligence and defense, or furthering their education. For more information on eligibility, refer to a specific program page.

How does the enrollment process work? Enrollment in the program is on a space available basis and enrollments are processed in the order they are received. Tuition is due with the enrollment form. We urge you to submit your completed form and tuition promptly, as requests for enrollment generally exceed available space.

How are sessions assigned? Sessions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The more choices you indicate on your application, the more likely you will be enrolled in a session as opposed to placed on a wait list. It is important that you only rate sessions that you are willing and able to attend.

If I send in the enrollment application, am I guaranteed a space? No. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be complete, as incomplete applications will not be processed. Once the program fills, there will be a wait list for each session. Apply early to avoid the possibility of being placed on a wait list.

What if I need to cancel from the Forum? In order for students to cancel out of the Forum, a parent or guardian must mail or fax a statement requesting that their enrollment be cancelled. This letter should include the student’s name and address, dates scheduled to attend, as well as an acknowledgement of the cancellation fee. Students will not be considered cancelled until we receive this request in writing. Each program's cancellation policy is detailed on the back of the application.

Can a student stay with a friend or relative during the program and participate in the activities during the day?No, all NYLF programs are residential in nature and all participants are required to stay on site.

Can parents and/or teachers attend the Forum?No. NYLF provides a safe, structured environment for the students to develop their career building, academic and leadership skills. The opportunity to develop these skills without the presence of parents and teachers (either their own or of others) is integral to this process.

Can a participant attend religious services?Due to the busy forum schedule, students are discouraged from leaving the program for any type of personal activity or visit. However, exceptions may be arranged in advance with the forum staff.

Can participants visit with friends or relatives during the Forum?Due to the very busy schedule, student visits with friends or relatives during the Forum are discouraged; however, on- or off-campus visits will be permitted if arranged through written request from a parent or a guardian. To request visitation, print a Program Leave Request form and submit it to a member of the program staff at registration on arrival day. Requests must be signed by the student’s parent or guardian and include a daytime and evening telephone number. Visitor identification will be checked and recorded for all student visits. We are unable to accept visitation requests prior to registration on arrival day.

What general security precautions do you take? The safety and well-being of the participants is our highest priority during the Forum. Attendees are supervised by professional forum staff. Nightly room checks are conducted to ensure that all students are safely in their rooms at Forum curfew; floors are single sex; Forum personnel and local security staff patrol the student areas throughout the evening. Students must stay with the Forum at all times unless written permission is given by a student's parent/guardian prior to participation. Private motor coaches are used; students never use public transportation. Staff continually monitor external conditions and implement changes in our programs as necessary. All NYLF staff and participants adhere to security procedures in place at facilities visited.

What time is room check? Forum staff will conduct a room check at 11:00 p.m. each evening. After this room check, participants are required to stay in their rooms.

How can a parent contact a student while she/he is at the Forum? NYLF suggests that families make arrangements in advance regarding phone contact. Students will have very little free time during the Forum and spend little time in sleeping rooms. Cell phones are permitted at the Forum and may be used during social times. Calling cards are also strongly recommended. In case of an emergency, parents can contact the field office and speak with the office coordinator. The office coordinator will contact the appropriate member of the staff to locate the student and ensure he/she calls home.

Can NYLF accommodate students who may need special assistance? NYLF encourages participation of students with special needs, including students with disabilities. NYLF may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services to assist students with special needs to benefit from participation in the Forum. Students with special needs and their parents, guardians, legal representatives or educators are encouraged to contact NYLF for more information and to discuss particular needs before they apply for enrollment in the Forum.

Can special dietary needs be accommodated? Yes. Vegetarian options are always available. Kosher meals are available upon request. For any other dietary needs, contact the Office of Admissions for your program.