Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the NSLC and how long has it offered programs?
• How does the selection process work?
• Who is eligible to attend the NSLC?
• Tuition: What is the program tuition?
• What does the cost of the program include?
• Is the NSLC a member of the Better Business Bureau/Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program?
• Transportation: How do I arrange transportation to and from the conference?
• How will I benefit from attending the NSLC?
• What about supervision?
• What does a typical day at NSLC?
• What is AU Credit?
• What is the NSLC’s refund policy?
• The session I want to attend says Waitlist Only. How does the Waitlist work?
• If I enroll in a Waitlist, do I have to submit a deposit? What happens if I don’t get into the program?

What is the NSLC and how long has it offered programs?

Since 1989, The National Student Leadership Conference has been the premier provider of career-focused leadership conferences. Tens of thousands of high school students from across the globe have come to the NSLC for an unparalleled opportunity to meet with and learn from world leaders, academic experts and, just as importantly, each other. Each program helps students develop their own leadership potential while exploring some of today's most exciting professions.

How does the selection process work?

There are several ways in which students are selected to participate in the NSLC. Teachers, counselors, and NSLC alumni nominate outstanding high school students from across the United States and around the world to participate in the NSLC. Candidates may also be selected from one of several national talent identification surveys, including the College Board Student Search Service and the ACT EOS. Interested students who possess a strong academic record and have demonstrated leadership potential may also apply for admission to the NSLC.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. As programs fill quickly each year, students are encouraged to apply for admission at www.nslcleaders.org/enroll.html to speed the application process and help ensure first choice of session.

Who is eligible to attend the NSLC?

The NSLC seeks outstanding high school students from around the world who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership ability. Students must be attending 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and maintaining at least a "B" average at the time of enrollment.

What is the program tuition?

What does the tuition include?

The tuition is all inclusive. It covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation in air conditioned motor coaches throughout the program. Each student is responsible for the cost of travel to and from the program as well as individual spending money.Please Note: Study Abroad policies differ. Please see the seperate Study Abroad Details and Fees for specific information regarding the Study Abroad program.

Is the NSLC a member of the Better Business Bureau? Is the NSLC a member of the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program?

Yes, the NSLC is an invited member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. A copy of our Reliability Report can be found online at www.bbb.org by searching for either National Student Leadership Foundation or National Student Leadership Conference. Unfortunately at this time the NSLC is not a member of the Online Reliability Program. Nonprofit organizations are ineligible for participation in this program at this time; however, we look forward to participating as soon as possible.

How do I arrange transportation to/from the conference?

Students are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the conference. NSLC offers transportation from a designated airport near each program to the conference center on the start date of the program for a minimal fee of $35 each way. If your application is accepted, you will receive a NSLC Acceptance Packet that will include information on airports, rates, maps and other important information. You will need to complete the Airport Transportation Request Form in time for us to arrange transportation. We have a special staff familiar with the local area and airport that meet the students at baggage claim and then escort students to a reserved shuttle service that will transport attendees directly to registration at the University or Conference Center.

How will I benefit from attending the NSLC?

NSLC is a truly unique experience. No matter which program you attend, you will gain essential leadership skills while learning about group dynamics, team building, goal setting, communication and conflict resolution. Additionally, you will gain a true insider's perspective into a future career. You will also enjoy exclusive field trips, engaging academic activities and discussions with national and world leaders. College admission officers find participation in the NSLC and earning college credit while in high school of interest when evaluating applications.

The NSLC experience is one that our students say they will “remember forever.”

What about supervision?

The safety of our participants is our first concern. Our Directors have decades of experience administering programs for students. The student to staff ratio is approximately 15 to 1. Our administrative staff, faculty and resident advisors stay on campus with the students. Male and female students are housed in separate housing facilities and/or floors. During the day, students are with their groups and supervised by our trained Team Advisors; in the evenings they have mandatory floor checks by their assigned Resident Advisor who sleeps on the same floor.

What is a typical day at the NSLC?

At the NSLC each day is different and varies by specific conference, but each conference does include several components each day.

For example:

• Classes/Topic lectures
• Off campus briefings and tours
• Guest speakers
• Simulations
• Relaxation/social event
• Leadership exercises/workshops

Please take a look at the sample schedules for each program to see more specific examples of daily activities.

What is AU Credit?

All of the courses offered by the National Student Leadership Conference offer a college credit option. Through our unique partnership with The American University, NSLC students have the opportunity to earn up to three hours of college credit. There is an additional cost for these credits that is paid to American University. Students who choose to take AU credit need to complete an AU Credit Application. This application is made available to enrolled students.

Students who opt to take AU credit will meet with an AU faculty member several times throughout the conference, beginning with a first-day seminar at 2pm on the opening day of their NSLC program (before NSLC festivities get underway). In order to receive credit from AU, each student will complete an assignment after their departure from the NSLC program. Visit American University's website for more information.

What is the NSLC’s refund policy?

A tuition deposit is due with all applications. The deposit amount and payment schedule for each program is listed on the Enrollment Application. Upon written notification of cancellation received by the NSLC prior to April 1, 2008, all fees paid less $250 will be refunded. Upon written notification of cancellation received by the NSLC prior to May 1, 2008 and after April 1, 2008, all fees paid, less $500 will be refunded. If a student cancels after May 1, 2008, or leaves while a program is in session, no refunds will be permitted. If after registration, a student wishes to switch into another program or session that has space available, there will be a $25 processing fee. Please Note: Study Abroad policies differ. Please see the seperate Study Abroad Details and Fees for specific information regarding the Study Abroad refund policy.

The session I want to attend says Waitlist Only. How does the Waitlist work?

In order to provide the best experience for each student, it is necessary to limit the number of participants in any given session. Once enrollment in a session reaches its capacity, students will be offered the opportunity to enroll on a waitlist. Each year, a small number of students will cancel prior to the start of a session. Once a cancellation is received, the NSLC will offer the space to a student currently on the waitlist. Once offered a space, students will have 24 hours to confirm their enrollment before the space is offered to the next student on the waitlist. While the NSLC anticipates a few students will be offered spaces off the waitlist each year, there is no guarantee a space will become available. Occasionally the NSLC is able to work with our university and conference partners to make available additional spaces in a particular session. If this occurs, students on the waitlist will be contacted and offered a space in the expanded session. It is not necessary to contact the NSLC Enrollment Office regarding your status on the Waitlist. If a space becomes available, the NSLC will contact you immediately. The NSLC highly recommends that students able to attend another session date that is open enroll in the open session to ensure their participation in the program.

If I enroll in a Waitlist, do I have to submit a deposit? What happens if I don’t get into the program?

In order to hold a space on the Waitlist, students must submit a $250 deposit with their application. If a student is not eventually offered a space in the session, or is unable to attend the program when a space becomes available, the student’s $250 deposit will be refunded in full.