The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) is a pre-college summer enrichment program for high school and middle school students.
Explore Summer Medical Programs for High School Students (nslcleaders.org)
Established in 1989
Offers immersive career exploration experiences on university campuses
Designed for students in grades 6-12 (ages 11-18)
Programs last 6-18 days, depending on the subject
NSLC offers 31 programs across six main categories:
Art and Design
Business
Computer Science
Government and Law
Leadership and Community
STEM
Programs are held at 12 university campuses across the United States, including:
American University
Columbia University
Duke University
Georgetown University
Johns Hopkins University
Northwestern University
University of California-Berkeley
UCLA
University of Miami
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Yale University
Students live in college dorms
Attend NSLC-hosted lectures and activities
Participate in hands-on simulations and workshops
Hear from guest speakers who are industry professionals
Engage in leadership development activities
Take part in off-campus field trips
Career exploration before college
Leadership skill development
College campus experience
Networking with like-minded peers from around the world
Informed decision-making for future academic and career choices
High school programs: Ages 14-18, completed at least one year of high school
Middle school programs: Ages 11+, currently enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
Demonstrable academic excellence and leadership ability
Online application available on the NSLC website
Rolling admissions with suggested seasonal deadlines
Deposit required with application (credit/debit card or check)
Tuition ranges from $2,995 to $6,795 depending on program and location
Covers housing, on-campus meals, course materials, and program activities
Flexible monthly payment plans available
Over $500,000 in scholarships awarded annually
Student Protection Plans offered for tuition insurance
College credit opportunity through partnership with American University
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives
Alumni network and referral program
30-day grace period for full refund after enrollment
Tiered cancellation fees based on cancellation date
Full refund available with Student Protection Plan in case of qualifying events
The NSLC program aims to provide students with valuable pre-college experiences, career insights, and leadership skills. While it offers many benefits, it's important to note that the program is not as selective as it markets itself to be, and participation alone may not significantly impact college admissions decisions