Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit · 2026
Five campuses. One leadership program. The skills no GPA measures.
A six-to-eight-day residential summer program for high school students. Pick the campus that fits, leave with 50 service hours, a leadership certificate, and a clearer answer to what is next.
Why this work matters
A 2024 Intelligent.com survey of nearly 1,000 business leaders found that 6 in 10 companies fired a recent college graduate that year. The reasons most cited were a lack of motivation, poor communication, and a lack of professionalism. None of those show up on a transcript.
PALS exists to close that gap. Over six to eight days, you practice all three in real workshops on a college campus, before any of it counts against you.
PALS draws students from 30+ states and a wide range of backgrounds. Faith, race, income, school type. The room reflects the country.
What is PALS
Six to eight days that change how a student shows up.
Picking the right summer leadership program is harder than picking a college. The campus, the cohort, the workshop topics, and the deliverable each shape what you walk away with. PALS gives you five different fits at five host universities, all running the same core program, so you can choose the one that matches your goals and your schedule.
PALS, the Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit, is a six to eight day residential program for grades 9 through 12. You live on a major college campus and attend workshops taught by the host university's own professors, admissions officers, financial aid staff, and other on-campus experts. You build and present a real project, complete 50 verified community service hours, and work alongside returning alumni and trained peer counselors who support smaller-group practice and one-on-one accountability throughout the week.
You leave with a leadership certificate and a network of peers and mentors you keep through high school and into college. PALS and PALP alumni in leadership roles have gone on to win the Coca-Cola Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures, the Burger King Scholarship, the Silver Knight Awards, the George W. Jenkins Scholarship, the AABE Florida Scholarship, Prudential Spirit of Community, the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award, the Nat Moore Scholarship, and the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program at UF, among many others. The 2026 Early Bird application closes May 30.
College application prep
The portfolio most students scramble to assemble senior year.
The Common Application asks high school students to document leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Most students scramble to gather those credentials senior year. At PALS, you build them on purpose, with structure, before you need them.
NVEEE's Empowerment & Success Hub (NES) is the portal where you do the real work: a professional resume, 50 documented community service hours, leadership certificates, college essay foundations, scholarship application targets, and a LinkedIn profile built for college admissions. Bring your laptop. Leave with a portfolio that holds up on any application.
"I am more confident in my resume and college essay. Those were two big things I wanted to knock out from the beginning of the summer."
Morgan Connor
PALS at FIU 2025
"I learned how to make a good resume and how to do an elevator pitch."
Olivia Ervin
PALS at Georgetown 2025
"How to deal with conflicts with others, how to write a college essay, what to put on your resume, and emotional intelligence."
Tiffany Man
PALS at FIU 2025
"I have strengthened my skills in communication, and the lessons on how to create a resume and start a service project really helped me prepare for college."
Angelina Perenzuela
PALS at FIU 2025
"How to ace an interview with confidence."
Roy Horne
PALS at UF 2025
"I am more confident in my resume and college essay. Those were two big things I wanted to knock out from the beginning of the summer."
Morgan Connor
PALS at FIU 2025
"I learned how to make a good resume and how to do an elevator pitch."
Olivia Ervin
PALS at Georgetown 2025
"How to deal with conflicts with others, how to write a college essay, what to put on your resume, and emotional intelligence."
Tiffany Man
PALS at FIU 2025
"I have strengthened my skills in communication, and the lessons on how to create a resume and start a service project really helped me prepare for college."
Angelina Perenzuela
PALS at FIU 2025
"How to ace an interview with confidence."
Roy Horne
PALS at UF 2025
Who thrives at PALS
If any of these sound like your student, keep reading.
Eight kinds of high school students who have used PALS to grow into a version of themselves they are proud of.
The quiet one who has things to say.
Has good ideas but rarely speaks up first. PALS is a small enough room to practice being heard without the stakes of a regular classroom.
The advanced student who wants to tour real college campuses.
Already strong academically and ready to see what college actually looks like. PALS puts you in real classrooms and real dorms at five host universities.
The over-programmed junior who has not picked a major yet.
Carrying ten different "maybe" majors and running out of time. PALS gives you a real framework to test them, not another personality quiz.
The student who needs life and social skills more than another AP class.
School handles the academics. PALS handles the part schools skip. Communication, conflict, public speaking, and managing yourself in a room of strangers.
The first-gen student doing this alone.
Family is supportive but cannot answer the college-process questions. PALS connects you to the adults, peers, and alumni who can.
The student who needs to get out of the house and grow.
A summer at home is not going to do it. Six to eight days on a college campus, surrounded by peers and adults who get it, will.
The rising senior who needs college essays + service hours done
You leave with 50 documented service hours and three drafted essays grounded in your real story.
The student told they have potential but never shown how
You practice the skills behind the praise: how to lead, how to argue a point, how to follow through.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
You already have something to say. PALS gives you the skills and the people who will actually listen.
50 verified community service hours. A leadership certificate. Real coaching from college mentors and community professionals.
Voices From PALS
In their own words.
Verbatim from the 2025 Post-PALS Survey. Hover the carousel to pause.
The 2025 program ran at four campuses: UF, FIU, Georgetown, and UCF. PALS 2026 expands to five: Duke, FSU, Georgetown, UCF, and USF.
"I am more confident in my resume and college essay. Those were two big things I wanted to knock out from the beginning of the summer."
Morgan Connor
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I was able to make new friends, experience a slice of college life, and learn about the types of environments I thrive in."
Jaylee Favor
PALS at UF · 2025
"I gained a strong sense of leadership and confidence that I didn't have before."
Camila Teixeira de Oliveira
PALS at UF · 2025
"Becoming more confident in myself, especially when speaking to others. I learned how to be a good teammate by listening and supporting others."
Tiffany Man
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I gained more confidence in my personality and insight on how to use it in my leadership skills."
Olivia Ervin
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
"I improved my social skills and ability to connect with others."
Bria Morejon
PALS at UF · 2025
"I gained new friends and really feel like I got out of my shell in the ability to listen to others as well as lead others."
Emma Yu
PALS at UF · 2025
"Networking was probably the main skill I learned, and I strengthened my social skills."
Carlos Friguls
PALS at UF · 2025
"Stay focused and forge your own path, even though others may not walk with you."
Natalia Balerdi
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I have strengthened my skills in communication, and the lessons on how to create a resume and start a service project really helped me prepare for college."
Angelina Perenzuela
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I learned how to make a good resume and how to do an elevator pitch."
Olivia Ervin
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
"I am more confident in my resume and college essay. Those were two big things I wanted to knock out from the beginning of the summer."
Morgan Connor
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I was able to make new friends, experience a slice of college life, and learn about the types of environments I thrive in."
Jaylee Favor
PALS at UF · 2025
"I gained a strong sense of leadership and confidence that I didn't have before."
Camila Teixeira de Oliveira
PALS at UF · 2025
"Becoming more confident in myself, especially when speaking to others. I learned how to be a good teammate by listening and supporting others."
Tiffany Man
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I gained more confidence in my personality and insight on how to use it in my leadership skills."
Olivia Ervin
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
"I improved my social skills and ability to connect with others."
Bria Morejon
PALS at UF · 2025
"I gained new friends and really feel like I got out of my shell in the ability to listen to others as well as lead others."
Emma Yu
PALS at UF · 2025
"Networking was probably the main skill I learned, and I strengthened my social skills."
Carlos Friguls
PALS at UF · 2025
"Stay focused and forge your own path, even though others may not walk with you."
Natalia Balerdi
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I have strengthened my skills in communication, and the lessons on how to create a resume and start a service project really helped me prepare for college."
Angelina Perenzuela
PALS at FIU · 2025
"I learned how to make a good resume and how to do an elevator pitch."
Olivia Ervin
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
What Makes PALS Different
Five things you will not find at most leadership programs.
Workshops led by university faculty, college mentors, and field experts. Not generic camp counselors. Sessions are taught by university professors, admissions and financial aid staff, college teaching assistants, and trained nonprofit experts. Students also serve in real leadership roles as Jr. Counselors after a 9-month training pipeline.
You leave with finished products, not lecture notes. Through NVEEE's NES Hub, you walk out with a finished resume, a college essay framework, scholarship targets you can start applying for now, a LinkedIn profile, and 50 verified community service hours. Every piece is built with college advisors, professors, and trained mentors guiding you.
A real public-speaking deliverable. Every campus week ends with you presenting a real project on stage to staff, peers, and invited reviewers. Not a worksheet. Not a participation badge.
A cohort that reflects the country. Students come from 30+ states and a wide range of faith, race, income, and school backgrounds. The room you sit in is the kind of room you will lead in later.
Mental health and resilience built into the program. Workshops on mental health, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution are part of every campus week, taught by trained professionals. The 2025 Mental Health workshop at UCF earned a perfect rating from every student who attended.
FIVE CAMPUSES. ONE PROGRAM.
This is not a summer program you attend. It is an experience that changes how you carry yourself.
Workshops led by professors and peer mentors who have been exactly where you are now.
What you build at PALS
Five things every student leaves with.
PALS focuses on the practical skills that determine real-world success.
Professional Communication and Leadership
You learn to inspire others, communicate effectively, and take initiative in any situation. That means practicing public speaking, working through conflict, giving and receiving feedback, and leading groups with different personalities and perspectives.
Academic and Career Readiness
You explore majors and career paths, sit in on sessions led by college advisors, and get practical guidance on college applications, financial aid, and what to expect from college life. You leave with a clearer picture of where you are headed and what it takes to get there.
Mental Wellness and Resilience
PALS builds in real time for mental health. You learn stress management strategies, practice self-care, and have honest conversations about what it looks like to take care of yourself while also showing up for others. These are skills you will use in college and beyond.
Civic Engagement and Advocacy
You dig into social issues that matter to you, learn how to make an argument that moves people, and practice the kind of leadership that creates change in real communities. Whether your interest is policy, community organizing, or learning how to use your voice, this is where that work happens.
Community and Connection
One of the most consistent things students say after PALS is that they did not expect to build the relationships they did. Evening activities, shared meals, and a week of real conversations with students from across the country create connections that last well past the program.
Program Impact
What 2025 students said about PALS workshops.
Real ratings from the 2025 PALS Daily Workshop Surveys at four host campuses.
100%
of the 2025 UF cohort rated the "Visionary Leadership" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UF · 2025
100%
of the 2025 GU cohort rated the "Networking and 30-Second Pitch" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
100%
of the 2025 UF cohort rated the "Conflict Resolution" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UF · 2025
100%
Rated UF's "Branding Yourself & Public Speaking" 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UF · 2025
100%
of the 2025 UCF cohort rated the "Media Literacy" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UCF · 2025
100%
of the 2025 UCF cohort rated the "Mental Health" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UCF · 2025
95%
of the 2025 FIU cohort rated the "Healthy Relationships" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at FIU · 2025
95%
of the 2025 UCF cohort rated the "Emotional Intelligence" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UCF · 2025
95%
of the 2025 GU cohort rated the "Ethics and AI" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
4.25
Average workshop rating across all four PALS 2025 campuses.
PALS 2025 Daily Workshop Surveys
80%
Of all PALS 2025 workshops rated 4 or 5 by students.
PALS 2025 Daily Workshop Surveys
4+
Average rating out of 5 at every PALS 2025 campus.
PALS 2025 Daily Workshop Surveys
100%
of the 2025 UF cohort rated the "Visionary Leadership" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UF · 2025
100%
of the 2025 GU cohort rated the "Networking and 30-Second Pitch" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
100%
of the 2025 UF cohort rated the "Conflict Resolution" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UF · 2025
100%
Rated UF's "Branding Yourself & Public Speaking" 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UF · 2025
100%
of the 2025 UCF cohort rated the "Media Literacy" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UCF · 2025
100%
of the 2025 UCF cohort rated the "Mental Health" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UCF · 2025
95%
of the 2025 FIU cohort rated the "Healthy Relationships" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at FIU · 2025
95%
of the 2025 UCF cohort rated the "Emotional Intelligence" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at UCF · 2025
95%
of the 2025 GU cohort rated the "Ethics and AI" workshop 4 or 5 out of 5.
PALS at Georgetown · 2025
4.25
Average workshop rating across all four PALS 2025 campuses.
PALS 2025 Daily Workshop Surveys
80%
Of all PALS 2025 workshops rated 4 or 5 by students.
PALS 2025 Daily Workshop Surveys
4+
Average rating out of 5 at every PALS 2025 campus.
PALS 2025 Daily Workshop Surveys
"I choose to be in the room with my students every summer because this work is my heart. My goal is for every student to experience leadership up close, helping them realize that these skills are within their reach."
Jowharah Sanders
Founder & Executive Director, NVEEE
I founded NVEEE in 2009 because I saw a gap in how we support our youth, and PALS is the heartbeat of that mission. What sets us apart is that we are founder-led and family-focused. I have made it my priority to stay accessible, not just behind a desk, but on the ground for every PALS campus week and present in our bi-weekly virtual info sessions.
I believe that meaningful growth happens when we work together, and I am here to be a dedicated partner for your family. Please join us for a virtual group info session, think of it as a casual conversation where you can ask me anything. I look forward to meeting you and helping your family feel right at home.
Reserve a virtual info sessionCommunity Service
50 verified hours of real work.
You earn 50 verified community service hours during PALS, working on a real project with real impact in the host city. Each campus runs its own service project that ends with a public service announcement built by your cohort. Visit each campus page to see this year's project and the PSA your peers created.
Awards and Recognition
Six PALS Awards.
PALS values leadership, empathy, collaboration, resilience, advocacy, and service. At the end of every campus week, one student per category is recognized in a private ceremony for the cohort and PALS staff.
Outstanding Leadership Award
For the student who consistently steps up, sets the tone for the cohort, and leads through example.
Empathy in Action Award
For the student who listens deeply, sees what others need, and moves to support them.
Collaboration Champion Award
For the student who builds teams across difference and makes the work happen together.
Resilient Leader Award
For the student who pushes through hard moments and helps others do the same.
Social Justice Advocate Award
For the student who turns conviction into action on the issues that matter to them.
Service Excellence Award
For the student whose service projects show extraordinary thought, follow-through, and impact.
BY THE NUMBERS
98% of PALS participants say the program helped them grow personally and professionally.
That is not a talking point. It is what students reported when we asked them directly. See for yourself. Apply by May 30.
Pick Your Campus
Five campuses. Same program. Pick the week that works.
Each campus runs the same core PALS program with a different signature theme. Need-based scholarships and payment plans are available for every campus.
University of South Florida
College-Ready Leadership
$1,220 Early Bird · $1,320 standard
View campus pageUniversity of Central Florida
Communication & Career Readiness
$1,320 Early Bird · $1,420 standard
View campus pageFlorida State University
Business & Entrepreneurship
$1,320 Early Bird · $1,420 standard
View campus pageGeorgetown University
Voice, Advocacy & Leadership Dev.
$2,400 Early Bird · $2,600 standard
View campus pageAll five campuses include 50 verified community service hours, a Leadership Certificate, and full meals + dorm housing for the week. Payment plans and need-based scholarships are available. Email pals@nveee.org.
From the program
What PALS actually looks like.
Photos from PALS sessions at Georgetown, UCF, FIU, and UF. Swipe to see more.
BUILD SOMETHING REAL
Your college application will reflect who you were. PALS helps you become who you want to be.
A leadership certificate, 50 community service hours, and skills you will use from day one of college and beyond.
Why PALS vs. The Alternatives
More program. Lower price. No comparison.
Swipe right to see all programs →
| What you get | PALS$1,220-$2,600 | For-Profit Conference$2,995-$6,795 | Leadership Dev.$3,070-$5,475 | Ivy Pre-College$4,050-$6,100+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major university campus | ✓ 5 options | Some | Varies | ✓ Yes |
| 50+ verified service hours | ✓ Included | ✗ Not offered | Varies | ✗ Not offered |
| Workshops led by university faculty | ✓ Yes | Varies | Varies | ✓ Yes |
| Real public-speaking project on stage | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered | Varies | ✗ Not offered |
| Leadership Certificate | ✓ Included | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| College advising panel with current college students | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered | ✗ Not offered | ✗ Not offered |
| Life skills + social-emotional development | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered | Limited | ✗ Not offered |
| Led by a nationally recognized nonprofit | ✓ NVEEE | ✗ Not offered | Varies | ✗ Not offered |
| Digital advocacy and social media training | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered | Varies | ✗ Not offered |
| Mental health and youth resilience curriculum | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered | ✗ Not offered | ✗ Not offered |
| Year-round resource platform (NES Hub) | ✓ Year-round | ✗ Not offered | ✗ Not offered | ✗ Not offered |
Program features and pricing based on publicly listed fees for comparable residential teen leadership programs (TeenLife.com, 2025). Ranges represent typical costs across program categories and do not reflect any single organization. Features may vary by session and year. Apply now to reserve your spot for the 2026 session.
Frequently asked questions
Before you apply.
How much does PALS cost, what is included, and are scholarships or payment plans available?
Cost: Tuition varies by campus. PALS at USF, UCF, and FSU starts at $1,220 to $1,420. PALS at Duke and Georgetown ranges $2,400 to $2,600. Early Bird pricing ends May 30, 2026.
What is included: Housing, all meals, every workshop, materials, your Leadership Certificate, 50 verified community service hours, and access to the alumni network. Travel to and from campus is not included.
Scholarships: Yes, partial scholarships are available based on financial need and merit. Visit our website for details.
Payment plans: Yes, payment plans are available. Contact the PALS team for more details.
What grade levels can apply?
PALS accepts students in grades 9 through 12 at all five 2026 campuses. Rising 9th-graders are eligible if they will be at least 14 years old by the program start date. Recent high school graduates from the class of 2026 may also apply for the summer between graduation and college, since program dates fall before most fall-semester move-in. Homeschool, transfer, out-of-state, and international applicants are welcome. All instruction is delivered in English. Eligibility questions for a specific student can be sent to pals@nveee.org.
Is PALS residential? Where do students stay?
Participants and staff are housed in campus dormitories with separate floors by sex. Roommate assignments are based on age and sex, and roommate requests can be made during registration.
How do the 50 community service hours work?
At PALS, you complete 50 verified community service hours during the program week. Hours are earned through the Community Service Project, a real evidence-based service initiative your cohort designs and executes on campus, often partnering with the host university or a local nonprofit. Hours are tracked daily by NVEEE staff and certified at the close of program. The signed certification meets requirements for the Common Application's activities section, NHS membership, and most public-school graduation thresholds. Documentation for college and scholarship applications is included in the post-program packet. Questions on a specific use case can go to pals@nveee.org.
What is the 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 March 1st. 50% of tuition will be refunded if requested between March 2-30. There are no refunds after April 1st. If you are a scholarship recipient and cancel within 30 days, you will be responsible for a portion of the housing fee.
What is the student-to-staff ratio?
The student-to-staff ratio is 8:1, ensuring personalized attention and supervision.
Is there an airport shuttle to campus?
There is no airport shuttle to the campus. The university provides shuttles for their adult registered students only. All other participants may take public transportation or rideshares.
Can international students attend PALS?
Yes, PALS welcomes international students. Participants are responsible for securing their travel arrangements, including visas, and should have travel insurance.
More questions? The full PALS FAQ has answers organized by topic: applications, payments, schedule, packing, and more.
See the full PALS FAQEARLY BIRD DEADLINE: MAY 30
Spots are limited at every campus. The students who apply early are the ones who show up ready.
Five campuses. Dates from June through July. Apply once and choose the week that fits your summer.