Everyone Has A.I. Not Everyone Can Think Critically.
Eight days at Duke University in Durham, N.C. You leave with the analytical skills, research mindset, and critical reasoning that colleges and careers demand. When the world asks what you know, you prove it.
About PALS at Duke University
Theme: STEM, Critical Thinking, and Ethical Decision‑Making
Research, analysis, problem‑solving, and leadership through evidence and ethics
Eight days at Duke University in Durham. Critical thinking is at an all-time low, and the students who build it stand out. At Duke, you work the Fact Lab, tackle Case Study Challenges, and learn the questions that separate confident answers from correct ones. You leave with 50 service hours, a leadership certificate, and a way of thinking that holds up when AI gets it wrong.
Who This Program Is For
You are smart. You have the grades. But are you ready to think like a professional?
Research on Generation Z (students born after 1997) consistently shows a gap between academic performance and the professional reasoning skills employers actually look for. PALS was designed to close that gap before students ever set foot on a college campus.
Check any that apply to you:
- You Google it or ask A.I. when you don't know something, rather than finding primary sources on your own.
- When there is conflict, your first move is to ghost, block, or go quiet.
- You assume strong grades mean you are ready for a real career.
- You have never had to defend your position out loud to someone who disagreed with you, face to face.
- You are not sure what people in STEM careers actually do on a day-to-day basis.
PALS is designed to close exactly those gaps.
STEM Is Not a Subject. It Is a Way of Thinking.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. But the most valuable part of any STEM education is not the content. It is the process. Researchers across every field ask the same core questions: What is the evidence? What assumptions am I making? What does the data actually show? That framework applies equally to medicine, law, business, policy, and every career that requires clear thinking under pressure.
PALS teaches students to think this way. Not just to memorize it, but to practice it in real time, with real people, across real problems.
Every PALS location delivers the same core curriculum. Whether you attend at Duke, Georgetown, USF, UCF, or FSU, you graduate with the same researcher framework and the same professional communication skills. The campus changes. The training does not.
Researcher Thinking Works in Every Career
PALS does not train students for one path. It builds the analytical foundation that every professional field requires.
Applied to
Medicine
A physician reviewing a new treatment does not go with their gut. They evaluate the study design, check the sample size, and weigh competing evidence before recommending anything to a patient.
Researcher ThinkingApplied to
Law
An attorney building a case does not argue from emotion. They identify the facts, locate contradictions in testimony, and anticipate every counter-argument before entering a courtroom.
Researcher ThinkingApplied to
Business
A product manager deciding whether to launch does not assume they know what customers want. They test a hypothesis, analyze real data, and revise their strategy based on what the evidence shows.
Researcher ThinkingApplied to
Journalism
A reporter covering a complex story does not repeat what they were told. They verify sources, check credentials independently, and ask what critical information might still be missing from the narrative.
Researcher ThinkingIs PALS at Duke the right fit for you?
You will thrive here if...
- You ask "how do they know that?" before you repost something.
- You would rather understand why ChatGPT got something wrong than just copy what it said.
- You can sit with a hard problem for more than 90 seconds without reaching for your phone.
- You want to handle disagreements by speaking up, not by ghosting someone the moment you cannot defend your point.
- You want to defend what you believe out loud, in front of people, without a screen between you.
- You want a summer that changes how you write papers, evaluate sources, and use AI in September.
- You would rather be wrong out loud and learn something than be right in your head and stay quiet.
PALS may not be for you if...
- You only want a resume line.
- You think "I saw it online" counts as evidence.
- You want ChatGPT to do the thinking for you.
- You only enjoy subjects where the answer is in the back of the book.
- You expect to be on your phone during workshops.
- You want to stay in your comfort zone.
- You would rather ghost someone than have a hard conversation.
Signature Experiences
Every session, every workshop, every conversation is designed to build one thing: a version of you that knows how to lead.
College Prep
Workshops
Practical guidance on college applications, financial aid, major exploration, and what to expect your first year. Led by current college students and advisors.
College ReadinessCase Study
Challenges
Work through real problems in science, technology, society, and ethics. Analyze evidence, form arguments, and present your thinking to peers.
STEM + EthicsEthics & Leadership
Debates
Explore how values, data, and consequences intersect in real decisions. Build and defend arguments on complex topics with people who think differently.
Critical ThinkingThe PALS Fact Lab
Teams choose a viral media claim, verify or debunk it using primary sources, and produce four deliverables: a research log, a formal fact-check brief, a slide deck presentation delivered to the group, and a short PSA published by NVEEE. This is the service project that earns participants 50 verified community service hours.
50-Hour Service ProjectAll four experiences are included in your program fee. No add-ons. No extras.
Apply Now. Seats Are Limited.High School Leadership Development | PALS at Duke University
What You Come Here to Learn
Personal & Group Leadership Development
Identify your leadership style and develop the skills to motivate, delegate, and hold a team accountable. Applied in live group challenges throughout the program, not a worksheet.
Research Design & Evidence Challenge
Build a research question, collect real data, analyze it, and present findings to a panel that will push back. Students learn to distinguish correlation from causation, evaluate sources, and defend conclusions under scrutiny. It is the same process researchers at Duke use every day.
Civic Literacy and How Systems Work
Explore how institutions, universities, and local governments make decisions that affect your community. Students examine real examples from Durham and the Research Triangle to build the civic awareness and critical thinking skills to understand, navigate, and engage with the systems around them.
Professional Identity & Digital Presence
Build a polished elevator pitch, a LinkedIn profile recruiters actually respond to, and a digital presence that works for you before you ever submit a college application.
Ethical Decision-Making Under Pressure
Navigate real scenarios with genuine financial and social consequences. Build the judgment that separates effective leaders from those who freeze when it counts.
Emotional Intelligence & Mental Wellness
Develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the resilience to lead through conflict and pressure. At PALS, mental wellness is treated as a leadership competency, not an afterthought.
Science Communication & Public Persuasion
Learn to translate complex technical findings into arguments that move non-expert audiences. Practice communicating data-driven conclusions to people who disagree. It is a skill every STEM professional needs and almost none are taught.
Research Triangle Innovation Lab
Durham sits inside one of the largest tech and biotech hubs in the world. Students examine how companies in Research Triangle Park were built on university research, then propose an evidence-based solution to a real community or industry problem. Not a pitch deck. A defensible argument backed by evidence.
Core Leadership Skills in Practice
Sharpen public speaking, critical thinking, and time management through repeated live application, not lectures. Every session at Duke is a performance opportunity.
College & Career Readiness Portfolio
Leave with a polished resume, documented community service hours, and a leadership profile through the NVEEE Empowerment and Success Hub. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Peace Ambassador Leadership Program (PALP).
10 focus areas.
June 25-30 at Duke University.
One leadership identity built to last.
Leadership Workshop Themes
PALS delivers eight core workshop themes at every campus, covering the full range of skills today's leaders need -- from personal growth and mental wellness to digital literacy and civic action. Duke University adds a ninth signature theme rooted in entrepreneurship and venture creation.
Leadership & Personal Growth
- Crafting Your Leadership Identity
- SMART Goal Setting
- Personal Strengths
- Visionary Leadership & Personal Vision Statement
- Investing in Yourself as a Leader
- Fear of Failure
- Manifesting Success
Communication & Public Speaking
- Public Speaking
- Networking & Your 30-Second Elevator Pitch
- Active Listening & Constructive Feedback
- Effective Communication in Advocacy
- Group Dynamics & Teamwork
Life & Social Skills
- Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
- Emotional Intelligence & Emotional Regulation
- Professionalism & Workplace Etiquette
- Financial Literacy (Budgeting, Credit & Investing Basics)
- Empathy & Perspective-Taking
- Time Management
Mental Health & Wellness
- Mental Health Awareness & Destigmatization
- Conflict Resolution & De-escalation
- Managing Burnout & Stress Resilience
- Mindfulness & Wellbeing
- Adolescent Mental Health
Civic Engagement & Advocacy
- Advocacy and Social Movements
- Implicit Bias & Breaking Barriers
- Allyship
- Civic Responsibility & Voting Awareness
College & Career Preparedness
- College Financial Aid & Scholarships
- College Essay Writing & Personal Statement
- Resume Writing & LinkedIn
- College Admissions Overview
- Career Readiness & Mock Interviews
Research & Critical Thinking
- Building Evidence-Based Arguments
- Research Methods & Information Literacy
- Critical Thinking in Leadership
Digital Literacy & AI
- AI Tools, Ethics & Your Digital Future
- Media Literacy & Body Image
- Digital Advocacy 101
- Media and Peer Pressure
- Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Reasoning
- Evaluating Sources for Credibility
- STEM Case Studies in Society
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Logical Reasoning & Structured Analysis
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
* Workshop topics rotate each session. Participants will engage with a curated mix of themes from across all workshop categories throughout the program.
Program Impact & Participant Voices
Collected from PALS participants across all 2025 host campuses: University of Florida, Florida International University, University of Central Florida, and Georgetown University.
College Prep at PALS. Welcome to the NVEEE Empowerment and Success Hub.
PALS gives you a digital portfolio of college-readiness assets. Resume, brag sheet, essay vault, and a verified service-hours record. So you walk into senior year ready, not scrambling.
The Common Application requires high school students to document leadership experience, community service hours, and extracurricular activities. Most students scramble to gather these credentials during senior year. At PALS, students build their complete college application portfolio systematically through the NVEEE Empowerment & Success Hub (NES). Participants graduate with verified documentation: a professional resume, 50 documented community service hours, leadership experience certificates, college essay brainstorm materials, scholarship application targets, and a LinkedIn profile optimized for college admissions.
Created by college interns and PALS alumni who successfully navigated the admissions process, NES is an interactive digital platform that transforms college preparation from stressful uncertainty into systematic academic and leadership development. Every module produces tangible materials students use for university admissions, scholarship applications, and freshman year success.
HOW NES WORKS. Modules Unlock in Phases:
- Before PALS: College preparation modules open to help high school students get ready for the summer leadership program
- During PALS: Additional college readiness modules unlock throughout the summit as students progress through leadership workshops
- Post-PALS: Advanced college application modules become available if students join our 9-month Peace Ambassador Leadership Program (PALP)
| What Common App requires | What you build at PALS |
|---|---|
| High school transcript and course list | Self-Reflection and Readiness worksheet. Document your academic record and experiences clearly |
| Activities list with roles, hours, and impact | Life Skills Tracker. Articulate your contributions and leadership in a format ready to transfer |
| Personal essay (choose from 7 prompts) | College Essay Brainstorm Vault. Work through every prompt and identify your strongest story before you write a word |
| Letters of recommendation | Brag Sheet. Give your recommender what they need to write a letter that actually stands out |
| College list with requirements and deadlines | College Planning and Ranking worksheets. Build and compare your college list |
| Scholarship and financial aid research | Scholarship Readiness Checklist. Track deadlines, eligibility, and required materials |
| Resume for scholarships and interviews | Resume Builder. Complete a real resume ready to submit |
| Professional online presence | LinkedIn Prep. Build your profile step by step with guidance on what to include |
Additionally, we add many other resources not limited to: a Mental Health and Resilience Toolkit, a Proactive Time Management system, and a Financial Aid Comparison Template for when your acceptance letters arrive.
Source: commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students
Also Available Through NVEEE
Letter of Recommendation -- The Executive Director of NVEEE writes select letters of recommendation for Jr. Counselors and PALP graduates for college and scholarship applications. This is one of the most impactful credentials a student can carry into admissions season.
Academic Honors Documentation -- Leadership certificates earned at PALS are eligible to be listed in the Academic Honors section of the Common Application, separate from the Activities section.
Viewing on a phone? You are seeing a condensed version -- open on a tablet or desktop for the full table.
Why PALS Takes a Holistic Approach
Campus pre-college programs offer real academic value. PALS goes a step further by directly addressing what the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey identifies as the top challenges facing high school students today: persistent sadness and hopelessness (40% of teens), poor mental health, social isolation, and the inability to think critically under pressure. Every PALS curriculum module is designed around these evidence-based priorities.
More Program. Lower Price.
No Comparison.
We looked at the most well-known teen leadership programs in the country. PALS at Duke University costs less than half of most comparable programs, and delivers credentials, service hours, and resources that none of the others offer.
| What you get | PALS at Duke UniversityFrom $2,400 | Conference Programs$2,995–$6,795 | University Civic Programs$3,070–$5,475 | Ivy Pre-College Programs$4,050–$6,100+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University campus, Durham, NC | Yes | Some locations | Various locations | Various locations |
| 50+ verified community service hours | Included | Not offered | Online only | Not offered |
| Recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record | 4 times | No | No | No |
| Youth-facilitated by trained peer leaders | 9-month trained facilitators | Adult-led only | Adult-led only | Adult-led only |
| College advising panel with current college students | Included | Not offered | Not offered | Staff advisors only |
| Life skills + social-emotional development | Integrated throughout | Not offered | Reflection only | Not offered |
| Capstone advocacy project (Project Kickstart) | Every participant | Simulations only | Partner task | Academic coursework |
| Led by a nationally recognized nonprofit | NVEEE (mission-driven) | For-profit operator | University dept. | University dept. |
| Digital advocacy + social media training | Included | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
| Mental health + youth resilience curriculum | Integrated daily | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
| Year-round resource platform (NES Hub) | Full access | No post-program access | No post-program access | No post-program access |
| Total cost (residential, all-inclusive) | $2,400–$2,600 | $2,995–$6,795 | $3,070–$5,475 | $4,050–$6,100+ |
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.
Mark Your Calendar
Enrollment is limited. Review key dates below and take your next step toward the PALS experience.
Tuition: $2,400 Early Bird through May 30 · $2,600 Regular
Scholarships & payment plans available. email pals@nveee.org to apply or request details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about PALS at Duke University
PALS at Duke University is an 8-day residential leadership and college preparedness program for high school students in grades 9-12, hosted July 9–16, 2026 on the Duke University campus in Durham, NC The program is organized by NVEEE (National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served youth for more than 15 years and has been recognized four times in the U.S. Congressional Record for youth leadership and advocacy work. Students live in campus dorms, attend workshops in public speaking, civic advocacy, and leadership, complete a service project, and earn 50 verified community service hours and a PALS leadership certificate.
Yes. Every PALS participant earns 50 verified community service hours through the program. These hours are documented in the NVEEE Empowerment and Success Hub, PALS's structured digital portal, and can be submitted for school, scholarship, and college application requirements. Community service at PALS is embedded in the program through the PALS Fact Lab, a structured service-learning project embedded in the curriculum. Teams research a viral media claim using primary sources, produce a formal fact-check brief, build a slide deck presentation, and create a short PSA published by NVEEE. All four deliverables are reviewed and documented by program staff.
PALS participants receive a PALS Leadership Certificate upon completing the program. At the Awards Banquet held at the end of the week, standout participants are recognized with campus-specific awards including the Resilient Leader Award, Empathy in Action Award, Service Excellence Award, and Leadership Award, among others. These recognitions are presented in a formal graduation ceremony and can be listed on college applications, resumes, and scholarship applications.
PALS at Duke is for high school students in grades 9-12 who want to build communication skills, develop their leadership voice, and strengthen their college application through real hands-on experience. You do not need to be interested in politics, law, or government. Students interested in journalism, business, education, healthcare, social work, psychology, and any field where communication and leadership determine your success have all attended and benefited. The one common thread is students who want to grow.
Early Bird pricing for PALS at Duke 2026 is $2,500 total (Early Bird, through May 30, 2026), which includes tuition, housing, and the meal plan. Regular pricing is $2,600. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. To be considered, select the scholarship option within your application. Payment plan options are also available.
Students attend daily workshops in public speaking, civic engagement, community leadership, advocacy, and college preparation. They complete the PALS Fact Lab, a structured service project where teams research a viral media claim, document their findings, build a slide deck presentation, and produce a short PSA published by NVEEE. They attend a guided tour of Durham, NC museums and monuments. Guest speakers, professors, and community leaders come directly to the Duke campus. Evening activities include a recognition ceremony, art therapy, karaoke, movie night, and team-building events. Students also complete modules in the NVEEE Empowerment and Success Hub, building a real resume, LinkedIn profile, college essay brainstorm vault, brag sheet for letters of recommendation, and scholarship readiness checklist.
Yes. PALS at Duke is approved by the Duke University Youth Protection Department. All staff complete Level 2 background checks before the program begins. The student-to-staff ratio is 8:1. Students live in secure campus dormitories with Resident Assistants present at all times. Students remain on campus throughout the program and are not permitted to leave independently. NVEEE has operated youth programs for more than 15 years with a strong safety record.
PALS is run by NVEEE, a nonprofit organization, which means our mission is student outcomes, not revenue. While other summer programs offer general leadership content, PALS focuses specifically on the skills employers consistently say new graduates are missing: communication, self-advocacy, conflict resolution, and the ability to organize and present ideas clearly. PALS also offers 50 verified community service hours, a structured college readiness portal where students build a real resume and college essay foundation, and a peer-led mentorship model where college student mentors work alongside participants throughout the week. Most comparable programs do not include any of these.
Applications are open now at nveee.org/pals-at-duke. Early Bird pricing of $2,500 is available through May 30, 2026. After that, the price increases to $2,600. Seats are limited and fill before the Early Bird deadline. To apply, click the Apply Here button at the top of this page or visit nveee.org/pals.
It typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive an acceptance or response after submitting your application. If you have not heard back within this timeframe, please reach out to us at pals@nveee.org for assistance.
No, participants must remain on campus throughout the program and are not allowed guests from outside the program.
All refunds are issued minus a $50 administrative fee plus any applicable credit card processing fees. Requests submitted by April 1 receive a full refund. Requests submitted April 2 through May 30 receive a 50% refund. No refunds are issued within 30 days of the program start date. All refund requests must be submitted in writing to pals@nveee.org.