We empower students.
Since 1989, our inspired, interactive summer programs have allowed students to experience their dream career before heading to college.
Explore 2025 Dates & Locations
an ecologist
a lawyer
an engineer
a fashion executive
a game designer
a doctor
a psychologist
a diplomat
a journalist
a sports agent
a marine biologist
a nurse
an intelligence officer
an architect
a neurologist
a start-up founder
a senator
a filmmaker
a data scientist
an actor
a graphic designer
a surgeon
a cybersecurity agent
a theater director
a psychiatrist
a digital artist
an entrepreneur
an aeronautical engineer
an ambassador
a veterinarian
a forensic scientist
a campaign manager
a music mogul
a tech CEO
a photographer
a stage manager
Active Learning
Gain a deeper understanding of new concepts through hands-on experience.
A New Approach to Education
Dive into your favorite subjects in ways traditional classwork can’t offer.
Explore a Career Path
Gain valuable knowledge for your future by test driving a potential career.
Meet the Experts
Get inspired by the dedication of successful working professionals.
Diverse Perspectives
Gain unique viewpoints on your future career from speakers with a variety of backgrounds.
Real-World Experience
Get practical advice on pursuing your path from people who have been in your shoes.
Behind the Scenes
Field trips tailored to your area of interest let you see the industry from a new point of view.
Real-World Environments
Discover how the concepts you’re learning in the classroom translate to real-life applications.
Explore the City
When choosing a college, the city can be as important as the campus itself. Explore your surroundings with new friends.
Personality Styles
Identify your natural strengths, develop your skills with intention, and empower those around you to do the same.
Communication & Listening
Learn ways to effectively express your ideas and genuinely understand what others have to say.
Conflict Resolution
Discover techniques to find clarity and solutions in emotionally charged discussions.
Choose from 14 prestigious university locations in the United States and abroad.
Why choose NSLC?
Create worldwide connections
Meet students from all 50 states and over 110 countries, building a network of like-minded new friends who share your aspirations and interests.
Improve as a leader
Gain confidence and independence through leadership workshops that emphasize the positive impact you’re capable of creating on the world around you.
Make informed decisions
Spending time on a college campus, diving into a potential career, and exploring new city surroundings enable you to make educated decisions for your future.
Feel ready for college
Tackling advanced course material, adapting to a new environment, and living more independently prepares you - and your family - for the transition from home to university.
Enroll today.
Our online application easily guides you through the enrollment process.
Begin your applicationTry our quiz.
Deciding between programs? We can help. Take our quiz to find the best program for you.
Take the quizExplore scholarships.
Learn about our summer program scholarships and the application process.
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
NSLC believes that all students have the right to an education, and that a diverse learning environment is an education in itself. We strive to ensure that students of all races, genders, backgrounds, and abilities have equal access to our programming.
The National Student Leadership Conference provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond middle and high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate a campus, and experience living with roommates. Students are able to explore a career concentration they are interested in before going into college and declaring a major. Each NSLC program also contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life.
We encourage all 6th-12th grade students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership ability to apply to our summer programs.
For high school programs, students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school. Students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation.
For middle school programs, students must be at least 11 years of age and currently enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
Click here to get started! NSLC applications are completed online and require a deposit with a credit or debit card. If you would like to place your deposit with a check, please email info@nslcleaders.org.
While we have suggested seasonal deadlines, NSLC will continue to accept applications if space is available in a program or on a program’s waitlist. The online enrollment application will display all current availability.
Students are selected for NSLC in a variety of ways. Teachers, counselors, and NSLC alumni nominate students from across the United States and around the world each year. Students may also be selected from one of several national talent identification surveys, including the College Board Student Search Service and the ACT EOS.