National Youth Leadership Forum

CKoehler21

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
4
Hey everyone,
I just got a packet in the mail about the National Youth Leadership Forum. I have looked it up online and talked it over with my parents, it is a possibility for me, but only if it is really worth my while and gives me a very informational and unique experience. I am interested in the USAFA and the USNA, I am a sophomore in high school right now, but if anyone can give me feedback or personal experience on this topic, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
Hey everyone,
I just got a packet in the mail about the National Youth Leadership Forum. I have looked it up online and talked it over with my parents, it is a possibility for me, but only if it is really worth my while and gives me a very informational and unique experience. I am interested in the USAFA and the USNA, I am a sophomore in high school right now, but if anyone can give me feedback or personal experience on this topic, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Although they say in the packet that you have been "nominated" (or some such language), that is a marketing technique. Everyone who fills out an app and can pay the money is accepted. I am a teacher and have had a couple students take part in this. They enjoyed it and found it informative, but it isn't that unique. If you love govt and policy and would enjoy a visit to DC and cost is not an issue, it's probably a worthwhile option, but it is not selective or "prestigious" and I've always thought their marketing approach a little slick for suggesting otherwise.
 
I got an offer for NYLF too. As I recall, it was awefully expensive (as in several thousand dollars all total) simply to put that on your resume.
 
It is very expensive, but if you can afford it do it IMPO. You are only a sophomore, thus you can't go to SLS this summer so there will not be a scheduling conflict.

Our DS did it yrs ago for the Govt program in DC. It really cemented his decision that this was the major he wanted. Additionally for him he matured over that month. He was on his own for the 1st time and they live in the college dorms, eat in the cafeteria (Johns Hopkin for his program). It allowed him to have a glimpse of college life.

It is not for everyone, especially because it is so expensive, and I would not consider it a hook for college applications by any means, but if your summer is going to be hanging out at home and working as a bagger at Harris Teeter's than IMPO it will look better on your resume. Plus, as I said it also gives you a glimpse into college life, just a glimpse, but still a glimpse. College becomes a reality to you now, and not something to just think about a yr from now when you start the application process. Those SAT/ACTs and AP classes take on a new importance after you have enjoyed that freedom from the folks for a month.

OBTW my opinion would be different if you said you were a jr. because as a jr. you can go to SLS, which is a much better resume builder than NYLF. In that case I wouldn't spend the money.
 
I used to coordinate this for the U.S. Coast Guard. NYLF is well done.
 
This is a complete money grab with no benefit for college applications or anything else. You'd be better served getting a job and showing the development of work ethic. In fact, I'd go as far to say that putting this particular activity on a college app would work against you and show only that your parents can buy a resume line. I also have a bridge for sale.
 
Our oldest son did People to People which is a similar program. The experience is really what you make of it.

Our son saw the brochure in 7th grade and decided for himself that this is what he was going to do.While doing the People to People trip to Great Britian itself was not a great accomplishment, the results of it did affect his entry into USAFA. When our son was interviewing for his appointment to USAFA nearly everyone noted that he had travelled overseas with the group at age 12 without parents, and they started lines of questioning about how independent he is. He is highly motivated and doesn't let much stand in his way when he wants to accomplish something. I think the trip highlighted what was already there rather than being an accomplishment in itself. So in that respect, these programs can help a candidate.

Stealth_81
 
This is a complete money grab with no benefit for college applications or anything else. You'd be better served getting a job and showing the development of work ethic. In fact, I'd go as far to say that putting this particular activity on a college app would work against you and show only that your parents can buy a resume line. I also have a bridge for sale.

It is the only youth outreach program supported, officially, by the Pentagon (that I know of).

Our offices used to coordinate a few other youth programs, but those programs lost support. This one hasn't (yet, or at least was still supported in 2011...but now I'm out of that loop).

That said, if you can find a job, that never looks bad either. Will NYLF open your eyes more than working at a movie theater? Probably.
 
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