The following questions are most frequently asked by parents or students. If you are an educator or mentor, please follow the link on the left for more FAQ's.

What is CYLC, and how long has the organization existed? The Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), an independent, educational organization, was founded in 1985 and is located just outside of Washington, D.C. in Vienna, VA. Our mission is to foster and inspire young people to achieve their full leadership potential. To date, over 200,000 young people representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, American Territories and over 100 countries have participated in CYLC programs.

How is CYLC funded? CYLC is a tuition-based, self-supporting organization, with many students securing financial support from local business, civic, community and leadership organizations. The CYLC Student Fundraising Guide helps students identify funding sources and outlines steps for a successful fundraising effort.

Does CYLC have any political affiliation? No, the Congressional Youth Leadership Council is a nonpartisan organization.

What is NYLC? Sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) takes place in the nation’s capital and is designed to motivate and inspire top high school students from across the United States. Six-day sessions are held throughout the school year, and 10-day sessions are offered in the summer. The theme of the conference is The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today. NYLC offers young people an opportunity to discuss current issues with the men and women who shape our policies and laws. NYLC challenges participants to assess problems, contribute to group discussions and take on roles in educational simulations. Through these hands-on experiences, students develop important leadership skills by learning to evaluate critical information, form and advocate positions and make decisions.

Who participates in NYLC? NYLC accepts high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who meet the highest criteria in academics and leadership. These remarkable scholars are nominated by high school educators or CYLC alumni in conjunction with school officials. In addition, Achievement Nominations are granted based on information provided on voluntary pre-college surveys, such as the National Research Center for College & University Admissions Post-Secondary Planning Survey. Survey participants have requested that the survey information be made available to colleges, universities and other approved educational organizations.

What does NYLC tuition cover? Tuition covers the expenses incurred by CYLC in planning and implementing the program. Included in the tuition costs are lodging, all breakfasts and dinners (including arrival and departure days), curriculum materials, compensation for the faculty advisors and private motor coach transportation within Washington, D.C. Transportation to and from Washington, D.C. is not included. Students will need money for lunches, souvenirs and other incidentals (phone calls, snacks, etc.).

Does CYLC offer financial assistance? For nominees who are interested in fundraising to help offset the cost of tuition, CYLC has prepared an online interactive Student Fundraising Guide featuring helpful, step-by-step suggestions and activities that will enable nominees to fundraise.

If there is a limited number of spaces in NYLC and applications are processed in the order in which they are received, what if no spaces are available by the time I am able to accrue full tuition through fundraising? We recognize that fundraising may delay the submission of your application, so we encourage you to contact the Office of Admissions once you initiate fundraising efforts. While we cannot guarantee a space in the Conference, your call will make us aware of your fundraising efforts and intent to attend.

Where will I stay while at NYLC? Students and staff reside at at local universities, hotels or conference centers in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

What if my scholar loses something, or forgets to bring a personal item home after the Conference?
All lost and found items are retained by conference staff for 2 weeks following the Conference. Items of higher monetary value are retained for 30 days after the Conference concludes. After 30 days, all items remaining are discarded or donated. We strongly recommend following the advice provided in the suggested packing list, which includes placing your scholars name on all personal belongings that he or she will be bringing to the Conference.

How are students supervised? Students are closely supervised 24 hours a day. Our staff includes the program director, faculty advisors, who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel and operations personnel. The student-to-staff ratio is 17-to-1. Faculty advisors take attendance several times a day at every conference site and perform security checks every evening. Hall monitors are employed to ensure that students remain in their rooms and to provide support for students who become ill or have an emergency at night.

Where can I get a sample schedule? Please click here to view a sample schedule, which is provided to demonstrate the pace and composition of a typical session.

Once I submit an application and tuition payment, what happens? Is a space guaranteed? Once you have been invited to attend NYLC, you should follow the guidelines below to ensure that you are enrolled in the program. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply early.

• You and your family should complete the personalized application located in the invitation, and return it along with full tuition payment to our Office of Admissions.
• Once your application and tuition are complete, we will review availability. Should NYLC be full, you will be placed on a waitlist and payment will not be processed.
• If you are accepted, we will send an acceptance letter within approximately four weeks. In addition, we will provide a detailed packet of information approximately four weeks prior to the start of the program.

Can special dietary needs be met? Vegetarian options are always available, and kosher meals can be made available upon request. Please contact the Office of Admissions to make special request.

What safety measures does NYLC follow?

• We greet students at the airport and provide transportation to the conference site.
• We only provide single-sex dorm or hotel rooms. 
• The student-to-staff ratio is 17-to-1.
• Students are supervised at all times.
• Our staff is comprised of highly trained and experienced faculty advisors.
• Security officers or late night hall monitors are on duty each evening.
• Evening room/security checks occur each night.
• Students travel by private motor coach and never use public transportation during the Conference.