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Your Mission: Exploring New Environments

Future innovators, engineers, doctors, and investigators begin building their path to success and get real, hands-on STEM experience at NYLF Explore STEM. Over six impactful days* at one of our program locations, students explore career opportunities, gain increased confidence and leadership skills, and Envision their future among like-minded middle school students from around the country.

*Day program offering is five days.

Middle School Students explore a career in STEMAbout National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM

Explore the Frontiers of Science and Technology with a Mission to Mars

NYLF Explore STEM is a unique learning experience for bright, forward-thinking middle school students—the next generation of innovators, roboticists, engineers, doctors, forensic scientists, mathematicians, and physicists.

During this immersive experience, students learn by doing as they take part in hands-on simulations, workshops, and competitions, while making new friends and having unforgettable adventures as they explore new environments.

Few fields are more important to the future of mankind than STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—and few show as much promise for future career opportunities. Virtually all career fields today require a solid foundation of STEM, and that’s precisely why these are the fastest growing areas of study—and the reason that STEM professionals are in the highest demand throughout the world.

NYLF Explore STEM is built on a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to help students find their passion through hands-on activities in forensics, robotics programming, medicine, and civil engineering. The program provides an invaluable opportunity for curious and high-achieving students to explore the frontiers of 21st century science and technology.

Featured Curricular Component

Outdoor Medicine Simulation: When Care Is Hours Away 

Created by the late wilderness medicine expert Dr. Paul Auerbach and simulation expert Dr. Rebecca Smith-Coggins while professors in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine, this realistic simulation allows students to learn and practice potentially life-saving medical techniques. These skills will come into play as they plan their next hiking or camping expedition.

2025 Dates & Tuition

ENROLL NOMINATE
View Sample Schedule
Location Residential Dates Day Dates* Tuition
Atlanta, GA - Emory University July 20-25 July 21-25 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Berkeley, CA - University of California, Berkeley July 5-10 July 6-10 Res  $3,545
Day  $3,045
Boston, MA - Bentley University July 5-10 July 6-10 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Bowling Green, OH - Bowling Green State University July 5-10 July 6-10 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Chicago, IL - Loyola University July 5-10 July 6-10 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Dallas, TX - University of Dallas July 5-10 July 6-10 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Denver, CO - University of Denver July 20-25 July 21-25 Res  $3,345
Day  $2,845
Houston, TX - Rice University July 20-25 July 21-25 Res  $3,545
Day  $3,045
Los Angeles, CA - Occidental College July 13-18 July 14-18 Res  $3,345
Day  $2,845
Miami, FL - University of Miami June 22-27 June 23-27 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Minneapolis, MN - North Central University July 13-18 July 14-18 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Nashville, TN - Vanderbilt University July 13-18 July 14-18 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
New York, NY - St. John's University July 13-18 July 14-18 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Raleigh, NC - Campbell University July 13-18 July 14-18 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
San Diego, CA - University of California San Diego June 22-27 June 23-27 Res   $3,345
Day   $2,845
Seattle, WA - Seattle University June 22-27 June 23-27 Res  $3,245
Day  $2,745
Washington, DC - University of Maryland, College Park Updated Dates: June 22-27 Updated Dates: June 23-27 Res  $3,345
Day  $2,845

*Day programs are for students who live within daily commuting distance of the program location, and who do not wish to reside with other students during the program.

Residential tuition includes room & board, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, and staff. Day tuition does not include room & board, but does include daily lunches.

Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of NYLF Explore STEM and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.

Program Highlights VIEW MORE

Former NASA astronaut who may speak at NYLF Explore STEM
Keynote Speakers
Renowned experts in medical, technology, engineering, and forensics fields will share their stories and experiences from their STEM careers. They'll share how they innovate, overcome challenges, and more.   LEARN MORE
Students process a staged crime scene at NYLF Explore STEM
Forensic Science Simulation
Process a staged crime scene; identify, collect, and examine finger and shoe prints; and perform blood stain pattern analysis. LEARN MORE
Students learn about engineering and robotics during a simulation at NYLF Explore STEM
Engineering Simulations
Apply what you learn about engineering and robotics to design and program a Mars rover. You will also test your engineering design skills while creating a floorplan using CAD software. LEARN MORE
Students look at x-ray images during an NYLF Explore STEM medical simulation
Medical Simulation
Learn about medical care foundations, how to prevent medical emergencies, and body systems through hands-on workshops and intriguing dissections. LEARN MORE

Tuition

Tuition Tuition for NYLF Explore STEM covers most of the expenses incurred during the Forum. Tuition DOES NOT cover transportation to and from the program. LEARN MORE


Scholarships

Scholarships Envision by WorldStrides awards partial tuition assistance to qualified students each year based upon financial need, scholastic merit, leadership achievement, and other factors. LEARN MORE

Fundraising

Fundraising

Let us show you how other students use fundraising to cover some or all of their tuition costs. Make fundraising part of your personal success story. LEARN MORE


Payment Plan

Payment Plan

You may pay in full today or choose to use one of our payment options.
PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

NYLF Explore STEM FAQs

  • Is National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM for me?

    This summer STEM exploration program is for you if you are a middle school student interested in building, tinkering, solving problems, and exploring a variety of career options available to you in science, engineering, medicine, and technology. NYLF Explore STEM is your springboard to achieving tremendous success in high school, in college, and in life.

    To attend NYLF Explore STEM, you must be in grades 6-8 during the 2024-2025 school year. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships. If you have not been nominated or selected but are interested in taking advantage of the life-changing opportunities that the program provides, we encourage you to contact the Office of Admissions today.


  • What is included in tuition?

    Your tuition for NYLF Explore STEM includes housing accommodations on a university, college or school campus (Residential Students Only), instruction, program activities and materials, Certificate of Completion, supervision by professional faculty advisors, and private motor coach transportation to all locations during the program. Your meals and snacks during the program are also covered (excluding lunch on arrival and departure days for Residential students and breakfast on all days for Day students).

    Transportation to and from home and the program location is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you'll need money for lunch on Arrival Day and Departure Day plus any personal spending you plan to do for items such as souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals.

  • Where will I stay?

    Students who choose the Residential program option will reside along with Envision team members at safe, secure locations that include universities and conference centers.

  • How many students share a room?

    Each room will house two to four students. Depending on the housing venue, students may be in individual rooms or suites with bathrooms either ensuite or communal, in the hall. You will have your own bed, which may include a roll-away bed.

  • How will I be supervised?

    Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside in a safe, controlled environment. You'll be closely supervised by professionally trained staff, including faculty advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, operations personnel, and a program coordinator.

    For over 35 years, Envision has achieved a stellar record of safely and successfully enriching the lives of students, providing them with superb educational experiences and professional supervision. Envision safety measures include:

    • Maintaining a classroom ratio of 20 to 1
    • Requiring all students to attend all activities
    • Checking rooms nightly and ensuring that students remain in their rooms
    • Having night monitors in place to support students who may become ill or who have an emergency during the night
    • Equipping all staff members with two-way communication devices
  • Can my parents attend the program?

    No. Your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you during the program. Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program. However, it is perfectly fine for your family to travel with you to the program location and stay in the area while you are attending the program.

  • I am a student requiring specific accommodations. Can I still attend?

    Yes, we encourage you to enroll. Envision by WorldStrides believes in working with families to accommodate student needs and encourages the participation of students who feel prepared to meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional demands of the program environment. We may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary staff and services to assist students as needed if notified in advance. We encourage families, guardians, legal representatives, or educators to contact the Office of Admissions for more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

  • Can special dietary needs be met?

    Vegetarian options are always available. Vegan, kosher, and halal meals can be made available to you, provided your request is submitted prior to the start of the program. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

Have more questions? Check out the Envision FAQs.
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