The following questions are most frequently asked by educators or mentors. If you are a parent or student, please click here for more FAQs.

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 9-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

How did you get my name/my Institution’s name? There are several different ways we may have gotten your name. We provide an opportunity for students who attend our conferences to name educators who might wish to nominate for our program. We also ask educators who have previously nominated students to our program to recommend colleagues who would like to learn more about NYLC.

Please explain what the comprehensive cost will be and who pays this cost. Tuition covers the expenses incurred by CYLC in planning and implementing the program. Tuition for the program includes lodging, all meals, curriculum materials and compensation for the faculty advisors. The only costs not covered by the tuition are transportation to and from the conference location and any personal spending money used for souvenirs, snacks and other incidentals.

Who pays for students’ travel to and from NYLC? Students are responsible for arranging and financing their own travel costs. Once enrolled, students may contact our Office of Admissions to learn if other students from their area will be attending as well.

Is there scholarship funding available? The National Young Leaders Conference is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to students. Through the scholarship program, CYLC opens the door to young leaders who deserve the opportunity to participate in NYLC. Access to the scholarship application will be available here once students are formally invited to the Conference. The application specifies the information and materials students need to submit to be considered for a scholarship, such as a list of extracurricular involvements and achievements. Scholarship applicants receive their results via e-mail within two weeks of the scholarship application deadline.

For nominees who are interested in fundraising to help offset the cost of tuition, CYLC has prepared an online, interactive Sponsorships & Student Fundraising Guide featuring helpful, step-by-step suggestions and activities that will enable nominees to fundraise. Approximately one-third of our students fundraise for part or all of their tuition.

Can educators come to NYLC? NYLC is a student program, and we do not have the resources to arrange for accommodations and travel for educators who wish to observe. The conference is not available for observation, as students may be more inhibited with additional adults in attendance.

Can we speak to educators at schools from our area that have previously nominated students? We are happy to provide the contact information of parents whose students have previously attended other CYLC programs. Unfortunately, we cannot provide contact information for educators or institutions. However, if you speak with parents of former students, you may be directed to an educator or other school official.

How do I nominate my student? As an educator, you may recognize your students by nominating them to attend the National Young Leaders Conference. We ask that you personally select only those students who can meet the challenge of our academic curriculum and who merit the distinction of a nomination. To nominate your students, click here. You may also complete and return the nomination certificate you received in the mail.

If I nominate a student, how can I be sure his or her information is safe? NYLC protects, secures and never shares your nominees' information. For over 25 years, we have been recognizing the highest-achieving students in the nation, and we maintain the strictest, most comprehensive privacy policy possible. Click here to view our privacy policy.

Need more information? Contact the Office of Educator Relations by e-mail at educator@cylc.org.