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ABOUT LEADAMERICA






LeadAmerica has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102; (703) 506-3275.



Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the questions we're asked most frequently. If you're having trouble finding the information that you need, please send us an e-mail at info@lead-america.org or call one of our Program Advisors at 1.866.FYI.LEAD (394.5323). We'll be happy to help you in any way we can.

Q: What is LeadAmerica?

A: LeadAmerica hosts college accredited, academic and career focused youth development conferences that deliver tangible improvements in college and career readiness and personal learning effectiveness through experiential learning. Each year, LeadAmerica helps thousands of outstanding Middle School and High School students discover their inspiration and potential in an experiential learning environment that is stimulating, fun, and exciting.

Q: What is LeadAmerica's mission?

A: To inspire and empower all young people to achieve their full potential and to instill in them a sense of purpose, integrity, self confidence, and personal responsibility.

Q: What is LeadAmerica's academic philosophy?

A: LeadAmerica works to provide its students with an intellectually solid and success skill orientated foundation that will enable the life long pursuit of learning and personal development. This foundation is constructed through a unique approach to experiential learning that fosters confidence, inquiry, investigation, corporate dialogue, and self discovery. As a result, LeadAmerica's academic programs are active as opposed to passive and require the complete engagement of both faculty and students in the learning process. Therefore, LeadAmerica's academic and developmental curriculum emphasizes self understanding, critical thinking, independent analysis, global engagement, teambuilding, and communication skills, and the construction of a personal vision for each student and the society in which they live.

Q: How is LeadAmerica's academic philosophy incorporated into the program experience?

A: The program curriculum is designed to support and encourage students to Explore, Discover, and Achieve.

Explore your future path. With LeadAmerica, outstanding Middle School and High School students can explore their interests in an exciting and interactive learning environment.

Discover what inspires you. LeadAmerica conferences offer outstanding Middle and High School students the opportunity to discover what inspires them the most. They gain valuable knowledge and the experience of real college life, on campus, at some of the greatest schools in the country.

Achieve your passions. Students can depart the conference feeling more independent, better informed, and are able to make the important choices that lie ahead including what college is best for who they are and what they love to do.

Q: What conferences does LeadAmerica host?

A: LeadAmerica sponsors high-quality academic programs that provide students with tangible improvements in college and career readiness and personal learning effectiveness through experiential learning. These include:

  • High School Programs: LeadAmerica's college accredited, career-focused programs for outstanding high school students. Students delve into a specific field of study, attend special briefings and lectures by prominent leaders and professionals in the field, and participate in realistic simulations.
  • Middle School Programs:  Academic-based leadership conferences for middle school students. While learning about a specific field of study, students explore potential careers, attend briefings and lectures by prominent professionals, and participate in hands-on simulations designed to give them a realistic sense of the topic they are studying.

Q: What is LeadAmerica's experience in running youth education programs?

A: LeadAmerica's management team has over 40 years of experience working with students and includes talented individuals with backgrounds in academics (curriculum development & pedagogy), corporate leadership, and military service (logistics & risk management). Over 60,000 students from every state in the U.S. and 55 countries have attended LeadAmerica programs.

Q: Who attends LeadAmerica conferences?

A: LeadAmerica seeks outstanding high school and middle school students who have demonstrated academic excellence, extracurricular or civic involvement, and leadership potential. LeadAmerica conferences attract students from many different backgrounds and cultures from across the country and around the world. The one thing they all have in common is that they come to LeadAmerica to learn, have fun, and make lifelong friendships.

Q: How do students benefit from attending a LeadAmerica conference?

A: Students who attend LeadAmerica conferences benefit in many ways. In surveys, students and parents tell us that a LeadAmerica conference is an experience of a lifetime and that students leave the conference with:

  • Increased Confidence: Parents routinely tell us that their student returns home with a greater sense of self confidence. Every element of the LeadAmerica experience is designed to empower students to take responsibility and achieve their full potential. Students depart the conference more independent, and with a greater understanding of and excitement for their future.
  • Direction; Vision; Sense of Purpose… These elements are at the core of the LeadAmerica experience. Students hold themselves to a higher standard and no longer accept the status quo. They gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses and begin to build a vision for their lives and their careers.
  • Further Developed Life & Career Skills: In addition to leaving the conference with an enhanced understanding of career field, the LeadAmerica experience provides students with an environment focused on skill building. Incorporating skills like time management, decision making, team building, conflict resolution, public speaking, and communications, students lay the foundation for skills that will make them successful in any career choice and throughout their lives.
  • A Collegiate Experience: High school students receive the rare opportunity to not only earn college credit, but more importantly, experience college life. From challenging academics to dormitory living, the LeadAmerica experience empowers students to meet new collegiate challenges, giving them an important head start in the preparation for college and the college admission process.
  • Friends and Support for a Lifetime: The LeadAmerica experience fosters the development of a network of fellow scholars and mentors, people from literally all walks of life around the globe. Beyond the often life-long friendships, students gain an appreciation for diversity and the need for global understanding and cooperation. Additionally, the LeadAmerica Alumni Association provides personal development resources and networking opportunities beyond the conference itself.

Q: Are LeadAmerica's conferences college-accredited?

A: Yes. All LeadAmerica high school conferences are college-accredited. The conference curriculum itself is accredited, so when students successfully complete a high school conference, they have completed all requirements for college credit. No additional outside reading, research or papers are required in order to receive credit. Conferences eight (8) days or greater are accredited for two (2) college credits. Tuition includes the first college credit from Loras College. A second college credit is available at a reduced fee of $299. Six (6) day and seven (7) day conferences are accredited for one (1) college credit which is not included in tuition and is available at a reduced fee of $299. Learn more

Q: Can middle school students earn credit?

A: College credit is not available to middle school students who attend. However, these conferences are designed to the highest academic standards. The fact the LeadAmerica's high school conferences are college-accredited is a testament to the quality of all LeadAmerica conferences. Additionally, all middle school conferences are approved activities of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Q: Who supports and endorses LeadAmerica?

A: LeadAmerica is honored to have the support, endorsement and recognition of many outstanding and respected organizations, such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the American Mock Trial Association, and many more. Learn More

Q: Are LeadAmerica conferences approved by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)?

A: Yes. LeadAmerica programs are approved activities of the NASSP. Learn More

Q: What does the LeadAmerica conference tuition include?

A: Tuition to LeadAmerica covers a full schedule of classes, briefings, lectures, discussions, simulations, and includes:

  • One College Credit ($475 value) for all high school programs (8 days or greater)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Housing accommodations at a University/College dormitory (summer)
  • All on-campus meals*
  • Course materials and lab fees
  • Transportation as needed for field excursions, briefings and events
  • Field trips and social events
  • Program Faculty and on-site staff for supervision
  • LeadAmerica T-shirt

* Students will need spending money for several off-site meals, souvenirs and incidentals.

Q: Does the tuition include college credit?

A: The tuition for all eight day (and greater) conferences includes the fee for one college credit, which every student earns upon successful completion of the program. This college credit normally costs $475 but is included in our tuition and is earned through Loras College. The second credit for these conferences is available at a reduced rate of $299. Learn more

College credit for six and seven day conferences is optional and is available at a reduced rate of $299. Learn more

Q:  Who is Loras College?

A:  In recognition of its academic quality, all LeadAmerica high school program curricula is accredited for up to two credits by Loras College. One college credit is included in the tuition for all conferences of 8 days or greater. Loras College has excelled in academics for over 170 years; ranking #11 out of 319 liberal arts colleges in the Midwest for academic quality by US News and World Report, 2012 Edition; ranked in the top 5 graduation rates in the same US News listing; ranked #13 in the country among baccalaureate college & universities for students committed to service by Washington Monthly.

Q: What is the cost of additional college credit?

A: Eight day (and greater) conferences are each accredited for 2 college credits (1 college credit is included with tuition). Six and seven day conferences are accredited for 1 college credit (no credit is included in the tuition). Students may elect to receive the additional college credit at a reduced fee of $299 (normally $475).

Q: Is transportation covered in the tuition?

A: Transportation to and from the conference is the responsibility of each student.

Q: Does LeadAmerica provide airport pick-up and drop-off?

A: During certain designated times, LeadAmerica provides an airport shuttle between the designated airport and the conference location for a fee of $35 each way. Complete information on the airport shuttle is included in the student's Pre-conference Handbook that is provided after registration.

Q: What types of assistance does LeadAmerica offer to students with financial need?

A: The LeadAmerica experience can be affordable for most every family through a combination of fundraising opportunities, financial payment plans, scholarships, family contributions and financial assistance, virtually all students who are eligible and desire to attend a LeadAmerica conference are able to do so. Fundraising: LeadAmerica offers an online fundraising program that gives students a simple means of communicating with potential donors and monitoring their fundraising progress. We also provide students with a Fundraising Guide (PDF) to assist them in raising tuition through contributions from local businesses and civic organizations. This guide offers step-by-step instructions on how students can create and execute a fundraising plan. We have found that students have great success in securing funds through their local community.

  • Financial assistance: LeadAmerica offers several financial payment options to make its conferences more affordable. For students with demonstrated financial need, need-based financial aid may be available. To apply, students must submit a Financial Aid Application (PDF) along with their enrollment application.

Q: What is LeadAmerica's cancellation and refund policy?

A: Because the operation of LeadAmerica programs requires extensive advanced planning, costs are incurred long before the start of the conference. Accordingly, the following Cancellation & Refund Policy will apply.

For cancellations prior to and including April 1, 2013 there is a cancellation fee of $350; after April 1, 2013 and prior to and including May 15, 2013 there is a cancellation fee of $500; after May 15, 2013 there are no refunds.

  • Any cancellation and refund request must be submitted either through the LeadAmerica website (requires PIN) or by written notice to LeadAmerica, 1919 Gallows Road, Suite 700, Vienna, VA 22182 received by email, fax, U.S. Postal Service, or overnight delivery signed by the Parent/Guardian who signed the enrollment application. Additionally, if you have the Payment Protection Plan you must also immediately notify the Plan Administrator at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company of your cancellation.
  • Optional Tuition & Travel Insurance premiums are non-refundable.
  • Tuition payments will be refunded in full in the event the Student's application is not accepted or if space is not available in the selected program.
  • In the event that LeadAmerica cancels a program, all tuition will be refunded. LeadAmerica shall not be responsible for any expenses incurred by student other than tuition paid.
  • There is a $50 administrative fee if the Student transfers to another LeadAmerica session or program after enrollment. Transfers within 60 days of the start date of the session the student is registered to attend will be subject to other terms and conditions.
  • Students who are dismissed from the conference for disciplinary reasons or leave the conference early for any reason are not eligible for a refund. Parents are responsible for any expenses incurred for housing or transportation that result for either conference dismissal or early departure.

Q: Does LeadAmerica offer Tuition & Travel insurance?

A: Yes. Tuition & Travel Insurance must be purchased at the time of enrollment and a non-refundable payment submitted with the tuition deposit. The Tuition & Travel Insurance provides cancellation protection that safeguards the Student's tuition and other covered expenses while traveling. Students who cancel for covered reasons, as set forth in the Description of Coverage, will be reimbursed for non-refundable tuition and airfare cancellation charges associated with the program. The Plan also includes coverage for Medical Protection, Baggage Protection, Trip Interruption and Delay and Emergency Assistance Services. Learn more

Q: Where are LeadAmerica programs held?

A: All summer programs are held on college campuses. Living and learning on a college campus contributes to the students' conference experience. (Spring and fall conferences are held at a hotel/conference center.) Depending upon the conference and session, 2013 conferences are held at one of the following college campuses:

  • Babson College | Wellesley, MA
  • Columbia University | New York, NY
  • DePaul University | Chicago, IL
  • Fordham University | New York, NY
  • Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering | Boston, MA
  • The Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD
  • Loras College | Dubuque, IA
  • Stanford Law School | Palo Alto, CA
  • Stanford University | Palo Alto, CA
  • St. John's University | New York, NY
  • University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
  • University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA
  • University of California, San Francisco | San Francisco, CA
  • University of Texas at Dallas | Dallas, TX

Learn more

Q: How are students housed?

A: Students reside in dormitories on the campus of the college at which the conference is held. Students are housed 1, 2, 3, or 4 to a room depending on the program and location. LeadAmerica encourages students to accept roommate assignments as meeting and living with students from different parts of the country and the world contributes to the overall conference experience.

Q: How are students supervised?

A: The safety and supervision of our students is of paramount importance. Students are carefully supervised throughout the program by LeadAmerica faculty and staff. Resident Advisors and administrative staff reside on-site and are available to students at any time. Students are not permitted to leave campus on their own. During certain field trips and off-site activities, high school students may have reduced supervision. This means students have freedom to visit specific sites within designated areas in groups of three or more without direct supervision, utilizing designated check-in and check-out procedures (e.g. Faneuil Hall, Miracle Mile, Pier 39, etc.).

Q: How does LeadAmerica ensure the safety of its students?

A: The safety and security of our students is of the utmost importance to us. We recognize that the first step to safety is prevention, and we ensure that safety plans are ready to be implemented if the need arises. LeadAmerica has comprehensive security and emergency communications plans in place. Our plans are regularly reviewed and updated. Our staff is trained and experienced. Each staff member remains in constant contact with one another and with our on-site office team. The on-site administrative staff is available 24-hours a day and regularly monitors local, national and world events. Students wear identification badges at all times. Most of the time our students are under our direct supervision. This is true even when they are on field trips. Occasionally, when students are on their own for a short time, we utilize strict check-in and check-out procedures to ensure that students are properly accounted for. Learn more

Q: Do you have rules regarding student conduct?

A: Yes. All students and their parents agree to comply with LeadAmerica's Code of Conduct. LeadAmerica expects its students to act responsibly and respectfully at all times and conduct themselves in compliance with the Code of Conduct. In addition, LeadAmerica follows a "zero tolerance" policy with respect to its Code of Conduct. Certain violations will result in immediate dismissal without refund. These include the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

Q: Is there a dress code?

A:  Yes. Professional attire is required for certain events during each conference. At other times, students may wear business casual attire. During free time and in the evenings, students may wear casual clothing. Certain types of inappropriate clothing are not permitted. Complete information on the dress code is included in the student's pre-conference handbook that is provided after registration.