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 our Admissions Office 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 is a non-partisan educational organization that sponsors academic-based leadership programs for outstanding high school and middle school students.

Q: What is Lead America's mission?

A: LeadAmerica's mission is to transform our next generation of leaders by inspiring, educating and instilling ethical and principled leadership values, attitudes, and skills. LeadAmerica was founded on the belief that we can change the world through our youth: that we can foster a world in which people - their ideas and their personal and cultural differences - are valued. We believe that we can effect change by creating a generation of dedicated, courageous, visionary and inspirational leaders. It is not a question of whether these young people will lead. Rather it is a question of how they will lead - and what values and principles they will call upon to make important decisions and choices.

Q: What programs does LeadAmerica sponsor?

A: LeadAmerica sponsors high-quality academic programs that provide students with unmatched leadership training. These include:    

• Congressional Student Leadership Conference (CSLC ): LeadAmerica's flagship college accredited, leadership immersion and 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. Learn more  
• National Junior Leaders Conference (NJLC): Academic-based leadership conferences for middle and junior high 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. Learn more
• Ambassadors Abroad: High school and middle/junior high school conferences offered. Students experience leadership in a global context as they discover China, Europe, Australia & New Zealand (this conference is also available middle school students), Italy & Greece or Art in Italy. They learn from local professors and experts, explore the country, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Visit historic treasures and make new friends across the globe during this educational opportunity of a lifetime. Learn more
• Washington Summer Scholars: In partnership with American University and taught by AU professors, this 3-week intensive program is designed for high school students who want a challenging academic experience and the chance to experience college-level academics. Learn more

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

A: LeadAmerica's management team has over 40 years of experience working with students. Our founder and Executive Director has been administrating youth leadership programs for over 19 years and nearly 60,000 students from more than 51 countries have attended those programs.

Q: Who attends LeadAmerica conferences?

A: LeadAmerica seeks outstanding high school, middle school and junior high 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:    

• have greater self-confidence and a sense of purpose
• hold themselves to a higher standard and believe that the status quo is no longer acceptable
• have an enhanced understanding of their particular field of study and the opportunities available to them, giving them a sense of direction for their careers and for their lives
• develop a network of friends and mentors - people from all walks of life, from places and cultures that they have likely not encountered before
• gain new perspectives, an appreciation and respect for diversity, and the need for global understanding and cooperation
• have earned college credit, successfully met new challenges, and received an important head start on college admissions and college studies

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. CSLC and Study Abroad conferences are each accredited for 2 college credits. Washington Summer Scholars is accredited for 3 college credits. Learn more

Q: Can middle school and junior high school students earn credit?

A: College credit is not available to junior high and middle school students who attend our National Junior Leaders Conference. However, these programs 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 programs. All NJLC programs 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, American University, and many more. We are proud to have partnered with leading organizations, such as Friendship Force International, launched by President Jimmy Carter, to provide our students with exceptional conference experiences. Learn More
In addition, nearly 400 Members of Congress, Ambassadors and state Governors support our educational mission and serve on LeadAmerica's Honorary Advisory Board. 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 ($440 value) for all CSLC and Ambassadors Abroad Conferences
• Three College Credits ($2,754 value) for Washington Summer Scholars only
• Certificate of Completion
• Housing accommodations at a University/College dormitory (summer) or Conference Center (spring only)
• All on-campus meals*
• Course materials and lab fees
• Transportation as needed for off-site activities, 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 to all CSLC and Study Abroad programs includes the fee for one college credit, which every student earns upon successful completion of the program. This college credit normally costs $440 but is included in our tuition and is earned through Loras College. The second credit for these conferences is available at a reduced rate. Learn more
Leadership University college credit is optional and is available at a reduced rate of $249.
The tuition for Washington Summer Scholars includes the fee for three college credits, which every student earns upon successful completion of the program. This college credit normally costs $2,754 but is included in our tuition and is earned through American University. Learn more

Q: What is the cost of additional college credit?

A: CSLC and Ambassadors Abroad programs are accredited for 2 college credits. The first credit is included in the conference tuition. Students may elect to receive the second at a reduced fee of $249 (normally $440).

Q: Is transportation covered in the tuition?

A: Transportation to and from the NJLC, CSLC, and Washington Summer Scholars is the responsibility of each student. Tuition includes roundtrip airfare from the designated U.S. departure airport to the Ambassadors Abroad country and all transportation within the foreign country. Students are responsible for their airfare or transportation costs to and from the domestic departure city. Ambassadors Abroad attendees are responsible for the cost of obtaining a valid passport and VISA (if required).

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 program location for a fee of $25 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: LeadAmerica provides substantial financial assistance to students and their families. A substantial percentage of our students receive financial support to assist them with conference tuition. Through a combination of family contributions, scholarships and fundraising virtually all students who are eligible and desire to attend a LeadAmerica conference are able to do so.   Lead America offers a range of assistance for students and their families:

Fundraising: LeadAmerica provides 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: For students who have demonstrated financial need, the LeadAmerica Foundation provides need-based financial aid. Each year, the Foundation awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial aid. Students must submit a Financial Aid Application (pdf) along with their enrollment application.

Educator-directed scholarships: LeadAmerica awards $100,000 annually in scholarships to educators who identify recipients from their school.

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.

Spring Conferences: For cancellations prior to and including February 15, 2008 there is a cancellation fee of $500; after February 15, 2008 there are no refunds.

U.S. Summer Conferences: For cancellations prior to and including April 1, 2008 there is a cancellation fee of $350; after April 1, 2008 and prior to and including May 15, 2008 there is a cancellation fee of $500; after May 15, 2008 there are no refunds.

Ambassadors Abroad Conferences: For cancellations prior to and including April 1, 2008 there is a cancellation fee of $750; after April 1, 2008 and prior to an including May 1, 2008 there is a cancellation fee of 40% of total tuition; after May 1, 2008 are no refunds.

• Any cancellation and refund request must be submitted either through the LeadAmerica website (requires PIN) or by written notice to the Admissions Office in Boca Raton, Florida 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 BerkelyCare 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 program for disciplinary reasons or leave the program early for any reason are not eligible for a refund. Parents are responsible for any expenses incurred for housing or transportation after dismissal.

Q: Does LeadAmerica offer Tuition & Travel insurance?

A: Yes. Tuition & Travel Insurance must be purchased at the time of enrollment and 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: How are students selected to attend LeadAmerica conferences?

A: Admission to LeadAmerica conferences is selective. LeadAmerica seeks outstanding students from across the United States and internationally who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic promise and will contribute to the quality and diversity of the Conference. There are several ways in which students are selected: Student Talent Identification Programs & Surveys, Student Surveys & Listings, Educator Nominations, Alumni Nominations, and Clubs & Activities. Students who are not pre-selected may apply through the Merit Application process (see below).

• Student Talent Identification Programs & Surveys: National Student Talent Identification Programs & Surveys identify students based on their academic achievements, school and extracurricular activities and future ambitions. Qualified students are pre-approved for admission and receive an invitation to enroll in the LeadAmerica session of their choice.
• Student Surveys & Listings: National student surveys and listings identify students based on one or more of the following criteria including grade level, academic achievements or interests, school and extracurricular activities and future ambitions. Students identified through these programs or surveys receive an invitation to enroll in the LeadAmerica session of their choice.
• Educator Nominations: Schools from across the United States and 51 countries internationally participate in our Educator Nomination Program. Teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators who participate submit nominations of students who meet LeadAmerica's admissions requirements: scholastic achievement, involvement in community or extra-curricular activities and leadership potential. Nominated students are pre-approved for admission and receive an invitation to enroll in the LeadAmerica session of their choice.
• Alumni Nominations: LeadAmerica Alumni may submit nominations of outstanding students based on the same criteria as educator nominations. These students are pre-approved for admission and receive an invitation to enroll in the LeadAmerica session of their choice.
• Clubs & Activities: Invitations are also sent to students who participate in certain clubs or activities (e.g. Academic Honor Societies, Mock Trial, Debate, Model UN, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Student Government, Athletics, etc.)
• Merit Applications: Students with a minimum "B" average, a record of involvement in community and extra-curricular activities, or demonstrated leadership potential may apply directly to LeadAmerica. A written recommendation from a teacher or counselor is also required.

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

• American University - Washington, DC
• Bentley College - Boston, MA
• Catholic University - Washington, DC
• Columbia University - New York, NY
• Fordham University - New York, NY
• Gallaudet University - Washington, DC
• Georgetown University - Washington, DC
• Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC
• Lake Forest College - Lake Forest/Chicago, IL
• Military College of Georgia at North Georgia College and State University Dahlonega/Atlanta, GA      
• Frank W. Olin College of Engineering - Boston, MA
• Pace University – New York, NY
• San Diego State University - San Diego, CA
• San Francisco State University
• St. John's University - New York, NY
• Stanford University

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. Transportation during the program is by air-conditioned chartered motor coach. During certain field trips and off-site activities students may have limited supervision. This means students have freedom to visit specific sites within designated areas without direct supervision, utilizing designated check-in and check-out procedures (e.g. - Capitol Hill visits, Faneuil Hall, Miracle Mile, 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. They each carry a 2-way radio that allows them to remain in constant contact with one another and with our on-site office. 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.

A:  Yes. Business 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.