Early Bird Registration EXTENSION Closes on April 30, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. EST
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PEACE AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (PALS)
Georgetown University
Sat, July 27th – Sat, Aug 3rd
From Passion to Action: Activating Your Leadership Journey
50 Community Service Hours
Become a leader. Champion human rights. Strengthen your community – and yourself.
The Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) at Georgetown University is a unique leadership program designed for high school students ready to discover their capacity for leadership. PALS at GU offers a rich curriculum that includes workshops on digital advocacy, storytelling, and project development aimed at transforming passion into action. Students are mentored in leadership skills, effective communication, and resilience, preparing them for a pitch session that showcases their projects. The program also emphasizes networking, self-care, and diversity, culminating in a trip to Washington, D.C., to inspire civic engagement and leadership.
Exciting News! NVEEE is now a certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), making the hours you earn at PALS, qualify for the award. Participants aged 14-15 earn bronze awards at graduation; those 16-19 need 100 hours. Multiple PALS attendance can boost hours. Jr. Counselors receive PVSA recognition, too. For higher awards, contact us for pre-PALS volunteering. Awards include an official PVSA pin, coin, medallion, a personalized certificate, and a letter from President Biden.
The program is intricately woven with workshops that inspire students to harness the power of their personal stories for advocacy, teaching them the art of storytelling to captivate and mobilize support for their causes. In an era dominated by digital platforms, “Digital Advocacy 101” empowers participants with the know-how to leverage social media ethically and effectively, transforming them into savvy advocates for their chosen causes.
Central to the PALS experience is the “Project Kickstart: From Passion to Action” workshop, a cornerstone that bridges the gap between passion and practice. Here, students are mentored through the stages of project development—from ideation to execution—culminating in a pitch session that not only showcases their visionary projects but also marks the beginning of their journey from passionate individuals to impactful community leaders.
Moreover, PALS at GU delves into the nuances of leadership styles, effective communication, conflict resolution, and resilience building. These sessions are designed to mold students into versatile leaders capable of navigating the complexities of team dynamics, public speaking, and negotiation, enhancing their personal and professional growth.
other PALS locations
University of Central Florida
June 15-21 | 50 Service Hours
Career Exploration and Interpersonal Development
Tuition: Early Bird $720 Regular $970
+ $50 App Fee + Meal Plan: $230
Learn More →
University of Florida
June 23-27 | 30 Service Hours
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tuition: Early Bird $500 Regular $750
+ $50 App Fee + Meal Plan: $150
Learn More →
Florida International University
July 14-21 | 50 Service Hours
Career, Social, and Life Skill Development
Tuition: Early Bird $775 - Regular $1,025
+ $50 App Fee + Meal Plan: $250
Learn More →
| Name of University | Dates | Service Hours | Tuition + Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC |
July 27- August 3 | 50 | Early Bird: $1750 + Meals: $250 = $2000 Regular: $2000 + Meals: $250 = $2250 |
Tuition includes room and board, meals, workshops, and program materials. Students are responsible for airfare and car or shuttle to and from Georgetown. For housing, each dorm room in McCarthy Hall contains the amount of furniture appropriate for the number of residents (2 or 3), moveable/bunkable beds, movable desks with hutches and lights underneath, desk chairs, built-in wall cabinetry with closets, drawer space, and hutches.
There are seven co-ed floors with single, double, and triple rooms. Each floor has two study rooms, four bathrooms, a common lounge with furniture, TV, and a fully operating kitchen, and a Faculty-in-Residence. Every floor has a full kitchen inside of a large community room where many residents gather to share meals, catch their favorite TV show, or study as a group.
All students who register by March 31 at 11:59 p.m. will receive an early bird scholarship of $250 funded by a generous donor. Additional scholarships are available on a sliding scale based on need. All scholarship awards are reflected in your cart. To be considered, complete the application with the $50 fee.
Residential
Address: 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057
Dates: July 27- August 3
Price: $2,050 / $1,750 Early Bird
Service Hours: 50
Tuition includes room and board, meals, workshops, and program materials. Students are responsible for airfare and car or shuttle to and from Georgetown.
All students who register by March 31 at 11:59 p.m. will receive an early bird scholarship of $250 funded by a generous donor. Additional scholarships are available on a sliding scale based on need. All scholarship awards are reflected in your cart. To be considered, complete the application with the $50 fee.
Participate in hands-on activities that foster personal growth and team building, including art therapy, a pool day, and outdoor team-building events.
GRADUATION
CAPITOL HILL
Talent Show
VISION BOARDS
TEAMWORK
Students take part in hands-on, engaging workshops on topics such as civic engagement, personal branding, healthy relationships, self-esteem, gender and orientation, empathy, public speaking, team-building, and an entire day dedicated to college preparedness or entering the workforce.
DEBATE
PREP
MENTAL
HEALTH
COLLEGE & CAREER DAY
FINANCIAL LITERACY
PUBLIC
SPEAKING
Capitol Hill Day
PALS at Georgetown highlights the significance of civic engagement and social impact. It features Capitol Hill Day, where young changemakers meet with Congressional legislators and senior members of their staff to learn about their journey to working on Capitol Hill, including for the former and current President of the United States.
Students are strongly encouraged to share about local and global issues impacting youth in their districts and any anecdotes they may have. In 2022, students spoke passionately about the mental health crisis among young people, gun violence in schools, and ways to create safer and more inclusive communities.
Ms. Jaida A. Hampton, Press Secretary for Representative Joyce Beatty.
Vincent Evans. Executive Director, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Former Deputy Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the Vice President (Joe Biden)
Public Speaking and Networking
Our program places a strong emphasis on public speaking and networking skills – two critical skills that are essential for success in today’s world.
Public speaking is a crucial skill that enables students to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. At PALS, we teach students how to craft powerful speeches and presentations, overcome nervousness and fear, and connect with their audience. Networking is another vital skill that we focus on, providing students with opportunities to build connections with professionals in various fields, learn about different career paths and opportunities, and build connections that can last a lifetime. By developing these essential skills, students will be well-prepared to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. Join us at PALS and unlock your full potential as a confident communicator and a skilled networker.
NETWORKING 101
DEBATE PREP
Pre-PALS Information and Orientation Sessions
Do you want to learn more about PALS? You’ve arrived at the right place. Attend one of our online or in-person information sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents and prospective students to learn more about PALS from the Executive Director, trained Peer Leaders and Junior Counselors, and college students who serve as mentors. As your PALS date approaches, registered attendees will be able to join us for a private meet and greet to get to know other attendees as well as your Junior Counselors. Scroll below to schedule an appointment.
Monthly Information Sessions are held virtually via Zoom and in person at our office in Plantation, FL, during our monthly training sessions for Peer Leaders and Junior Counselors. Limited to 20 participants.
Group Information Sessions are limited to 30 attendees and are ONLY held virtually through Zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your refund policy?
All refunds will be processed minus the $50 application and credit card processing fees. A full refund must be requested no later than April 1. 50% of tuition will be refunded if requested between April 2-30. If a refund is requested 30 days prior to the event start date or sooner, a refund will not be provided.
How is PALS beneficial to students?
Since 2014, PALS has created a network of hundreds of students that have become peer mentors, college roommates, confidants, and have made a lifelong pledge to be leaders and upstanders rather than bystanders. Experiencing life on a college campus gives students insight into college life, while the PALS curriculum simultaneously prepares them in the areas of critical thinking, interpersonal skills, how to search for grants and scholarships, and the importance of building a community, and learning who their tribe is.
If I apply with payment, am I automatically eligible to attend?
Once you submit the application with your selected payment option, your application will be reviewed and either granted or denied eligibility. Denials usually happen when it’s evident that the student doesn’t want to attend or is being forced to attend by a parent by essentially submitting a blank application.
What does the program fee cover?
The program/tuition fee covers all program and activity fees, t-shirt, room and board, meals, security, and resident assistants in dorms. It also covers program materials, classroom usage, and ground transportation if the event includes a field trip. Tuition does not cover the following: airfare, visa/passport expenses, spending money, and transportation to and from the summit.
Who is eligible to attend PALS?
PALS is beneficial and appropriate for students with a certain level of maturity. The program welcomes any high school student (age 14-18) who genuinely wants to participate, applies, and is accepted into the program.
What if I want to leave early? Do I have to stay the entire time?
Preferably, yes! Students registered for PALS should be able to attend the entire event. If a circumstance does arise that will prevent your child from attending PALS in its entirety, please contact our director to make special arrangements to leave for a summer class, performance, or scheduled vacation. Contact information: pals@nveee.org or 954-866-5880.
Apply Now!
As admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and programs fill up quickly, we encourage prospective students to apply as soon as possible. Click the link below to learn more about the application process and to complete your application.