NYLF Explore STEM Program for Middle School Students (2024)

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 doingas they take part inhands-on simulations, workshops, and competitions, while making new friends and having unforgettable adventures as they plan for a "Mission to Mars."

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.

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 STEMis your springboard to achieving tremendous success in high school, in college, and in life.

  To attendNYLF Explore STEM, you must be in grades 6-8 during the 2023-2024 school year. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships. However, we also accept students through our application process. If you haven't been nominated or selected but are interested in taking advantage of the life-changing opportunities that the program provides, we encourage you to submit an application today.

• What is included in tuition?

  Yourtuition forNYLF Explore STEMincludes housing accommodations on a university, college or school campus (Residential studentsonly), instruction, program activities and materials, aCertificate 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:

  • Greeting students at the designated airport upon their arrival, providing shuttle service directly to the program site, and providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
  • 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

  *There is an additional fee for shuttle service.

• Do I need to make my own flight arrangements?

  Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation to and from your home and the program location. We recommend that you make necessary flight arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled.

• 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 theOffice of Admissionsfor more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

• Can my parents attend the program?

  Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program. Because of this, your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you during the program; however, they and your other family members are welcome to enroll in the NYLF Explore STEM Family Program. Available for select sessions, the NYLF Explore STEM Family Program allows attendees to enjoy their own unique curriculum.

• 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 theStudent Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

• What are the pre-program assignments? Do I have to do them?

  The first step of your leadership journey includes assessing your strengths and opportunities for growth. As part of your program, you'll have access to WorldStrides' newest digital platform: MyActionPath.

  WorldStrides has partnered with PAIRIN, a leader in career and life planning and assessment, to help our students along their lifetime learning journeys. The result of this partnership is MyActionPath–a personalized, virtual GPS that guides you along your desired career pathway and helps you identify ways to enhance your skills and achieve your goals. MyActionPath can assist you in deciding which professional field might suit you best, makes recommendations based on your goals and dreams, and provides you with educational and supportive resources. Before you arrive to your program location, you'll receive more information via email on how to begin this exciting career-planning journey.