PALP Menu
Your PALP Questions, All in One Place
Answers for students and families, organized by topic. Choose a topic below to jump straight to it.
Getting Started
Who can join PALP?
PALP is open to 9th–12th graders. You register for PALP. There is no competitive application or selection process for the standard program.
What will I get from PALP?
By June you can leave with a résumé or profile, a Verified PALP Achievement Record, a portfolio of real work, service documentation, a completed Community Impact Project, interview practice and at least one real opportunity application. Depending on what you earn, you may also leave with leadership titles, awards or a recommendation. See What You'll Get.
When does PALP run?
PALP runs from October through the formal close in June. For 2026–27, registration closes Sunday, October 11, 2026, and the first PALP Core is Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Is PALP in person or virtual?
Both. PALP is hybrid. Some sessions and experiences are in person, some are virtual and some are completed locally or independently. The standard of work is the same either way.
Can I join if I live outside South Florida?
Yes. PALP uses a same-standard, different-delivery model. When a South Florida experience is not realistic for you, NVEEE can approve a comparable alternative with real action, interaction, responsibility and evidence. Remote participation is not an easier version of PALP.
Do I have to already be a leader?
No. PALP builds leadership through practice and real responsibility. You do need to participate, communicate, follow through, accept feedback and do your own work.
What if I'm shy or quiet?
That is fine. Leadership in PALP is not about being the loudest person in the room. Asking a useful question, organizing a task, following through on something others depend on or helping a quieter person join the conversation all count. You are not expected to start the year ready to run a workshop.
Is PALP only for students planning to attend a four-year college?
No. PALP includes college preparation, but the leadership, career, financial literacy, communication and life-skills work also supports community college, training, work and other paths.
What if I don't know what I want to do after high school?
You do not need a five-year plan. PALP gives you structured chances to explore interests, careers, college and other options while you figure it out. The goal is to help you evaluate your options, not force you into one.
What if school hasn't always been easy for me?
PALP is not only for straight-A students. Leadership, reliability, communication and problem-solving grow with practice. Accommodations or approved equivalents can change how you take part or show what you learned. Needing support does not disqualify you.
What if I'm already a strong student or leader?
PALP will still ask something new of you: working with a team, meeting a deadline someone else depends on, communicating with adults, handling feedback and solving real project problems. You'll leave with more evidence of what you can actually do.
Who will I be doing this with?
You don't need to know anyone when you join. PALP brings together students from different schools, backgrounds and interests. Projects, campaigns and shared responsibilities give you repeated chances to work with the same people over time.
Can I stay in PALP all four years?
Yes. You can start in 9th grade and continue through 12th grade, with higher expectations and more leadership responsibility each year.
Cost & Registration
How much does PALP cost?
$250 per student for 2026–27: a $50 nonrefundable registration fee plus a $200 program fee.
Is the cost per student or per household?
Per student. Each student's cost is $250. There's no sibling discount, because the price already includes a 50% tuition scholarship from the Miami Dolphins.
Why is the cost only $250?
Miami Dolphins support covers 50% of PALP tuition, which lowers what families pay. The $250 is not the full cost of delivering the program.
Is other financial assistance available?
The Miami Dolphins tuition support is the financial assistance currently available for PALP. It is already built into the $250 price.
Can we use a payment plan?
Yes. Payment plans are available. The standard PALP balance must be paid in full by December 31, 2026. Contact NVEEE to set up a plan.
When does registration close?
Sunday, October 11, 2026. The first PALP Core is Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Does paying tuition guarantee a certificate?
No. The completion certificate is earned by meeting the published program requirements. Payment is not evidence of completion.
Does the Junior Counselor in Training pathway cost extra?
Yes. If you're selected for Junior Counselor in Training, you pay the standard $250 PALP cost, plus $350 for the Junior Counselor Service and Training Retreat, plus any PALS costs, which NVEEE shares directly with your family. Raising these costs is your responsibility. NVEEE gives you ways to fundraise, and you know about the costs a year in advance. You can start a payment plan for these costs at the same time as your PALP payments. See the Junior Counselor Pathway.
Time, Attendance & Requirements
Do I have a PALP meeting every week?
No. PALP has nine main Core sessions from October to June. Between them, you will have some virtual touchpoints, project meetings, experiences, campaign or service work and independent tasks.
How much work happens outside meetings?
It varies. Some weeks you might only follow up on a task or attend a short team check-in. Busier periods, like campaigns, Community Impact Project deadlines and the spring culmination, take more time. PALP can fit alongside school, sports, jobs and family, but only if you plan ahead.
How many Core sessions can I miss?
The standard is at least 7 of the 9 main Core sessions. The May Leadership Defense and the June close are required unless NVEEE approves a specific equivalent.
If I attend enough sessions, do I automatically complete PALP?
No. Attendance is necessary but not enough on its own. Completion also depends on campaign, experience, project, leadership and May and June requirements.
What happens if I miss something or fall behind?
Tell NVEEE as early as possible. NVEEE will identify exactly what is missing, what evidence is needed and whether a recovery or equivalent is available, along with its deadline. Not every live experience can be recreated, so early communication matters.
What if we already know about a trip or absence?
Plan around published PALP dates when you can, and tell the program early when a conflict cannot be avoided. Early notice lets you know what you will miss and whether an approved recovery is possible.
What if I need an accommodation?
NVEEE works to provide equitable access. Accommodations or approved equivalents can change how you participate or show what you learned, while keeping the same program standard.
What exactly is required for 2026–27?
PALP's published commitment includes more than attendance.
| Area | Current expectation |
|---|---|
| PALP Core | Attend at least 7 of 9 main October–June Core sessions. May culmination/ |
| Give Miami Day | Raise at least $100 AND secure at least 3 unique donors through your own outreach unless a written hardship exception is approved. |
| Fall Campaign Activation | At least 10 personalized outreach contacts plus at least 3 independently verified campaign actions/ |
| Experiences | At least 5 designated NVEEE/partner/ |
| Community Impact Project | Weekly team meetings from formation through April, six Nov–Apr accountability gates, your own documented contribution, revisions as needed, May showcase plus individual defense. |
| Leadership | At least 1 documented leadership responsibility beyond ordinary participation/ |
| Completion | Required work, evidence, revisions/ |
Service Hours
How many service hours can I earn?
You can earn 45+ service hours, depending on your activities. Campaign, project, partner-event and independent work can add more. Your verified total depends on what you actually complete. See Service Hours.
Are 45+ hours guaranteed when I register?
No. Hours are credited for verified participation and completion. The 45+ figure depends on your activities and is not an automatic award.
Do Community Impact Project hours count?
Yes. Verified project hours count toward your PALP total and are also tracked separately so your project hours stay identifiable.
Can the same hour count twice?
No. One activity can meet more than one program purpose, but the time is recorded only once.
Does fundraising count as service?
Verified campaign work time can count. The amount of money raised and the time you worked are measured separately.
What if an activity doesn't have a set number of hours?
NVEEE records your actual verified time rather than giving everyone the same estimated number.
Can I earn hours if I participate remotely?
Yes. Virtual activities, approved local equivalents, project work and campaign responsibilities can all count toward your service record.
Will NVEEE verify my hours?
Yes. NVEEE tracks verified PALP participation and service and can document completed hours based on its records and the required evidence.
Community Impact Project
Is the Community Impact Project required?
Yes. You join a six-month team project and show evidence of your own contribution, complete the project check-ins and take part in the May showcase and your individual defense. See the Community Impact Project.
Can PALP help fund my project?
NVEEE can help you look for legitimate youth grants, sponsorships or in-kind support when your project qualifies. Funding is never guaranteed.
What if I'm behind on my project?
Talk to your PALP coordinator as soon as possible. Staff can help you build a realistic catch-up plan.
Scholarships, Résumés & College
Will I apply for scholarships?
Yes. You'll find and apply for at least one eligible scholarship, grant, award or funded opportunity during the year. The type depends on your grade and eligibility.
Does PALP guarantee a scholarship, award or college admission?
No. PALP helps you find good-fit opportunities, check eligibility, prepare truthful materials and apply. Outside organizations and colleges make their own decisions.
Do I have to be a senior to use the scholarship resources?
No. Many college scholarships are for seniors, but you can start earlier with age-appropriate awards, programs and competitions. See Scholarships, Awards & Funded Programs.
Does PALP have its own scholarship database?
Yes. As of September 2026, the PALP tracker lists 182 researched scholarships, awards, grants and programs. Opportunities are rechecked because deadlines and eligibility change.
Will you apply for scholarships for me?
No. PALP will help you research, plan, prepare and revise, but the application stays yours. You are responsible for truthful information and the final submission.
What if I don't have a perfect GPA?
Not every scholarship is based on grades. The PALP tracker includes opportunities tied to service, leadership, location, financial need, career interests and creativity.
Are scholarship amounts and deadlines guaranteed?
No. Eligibility, dates and amounts change each cycle. Always confirm current details with each program.
Is PALP affiliated with Common App, Federal Student Aid or the scholarships mentioned on this site?
No. PALP uses publicly available guidance from these organizations but is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Do I need a résumé if I've never had a job?
Yes, and PALP helps you build one. It should be age-appropriate and truthful, drawing on your projects, activities, service, responsibilities and leadership.
Will I practice interviews?
Yes. You will complete at least one live mock interview, get feedback and have a second attempt or targeted redo.
Will PALP tell me which courses to take (AP, AICE, Honors or Dual Enrollment)?
PALP helps you research course rigor, readiness and what colleges say they look for. You still make course decisions with your school counselor and your school's policies.
Can NVEEE write me a recommendation?
Possibly, when NVEEE has enough direct knowledge and verified evidence to write something specific and credible. Enrolling in or completing PALP does not guarantee one.
Leadership, Recognition & Awards
Do I automatically become a Peace Ambassador?
No. You start as a PALP Member. Peace Ambassador is an earned title based on your verified contribution, reliability and integrity during the October to December qualification period. See the Leadership Pathway.
Is Program Completion the same as Peace Ambassador?
No. Peace Ambassador can be earned in December. Program Completion is the full-program standard, confirmed at the June close. Earning Peace Ambassador does not mean you are finished.
How do I become a Leadership Fellow?
Leadership Fellow is an advanced title for returning Peace Ambassadors who pass an annual advanced-role gate and show substantive leadership. It is never automatic, and you do not have to pursue it.
I'm only a 9th grader. What could I lead?
Start with one responsibility. More complex leadership comes as your skills and reliability grow.
What if I'm nervous about public speaking?
Then you practice. Confidence usually comes after repeated experience, not before it. PALP builds up gradually, with feedback and chances to try again.
Does everyone receive a PALP award?
No. Awards are evidence-based and not guaranteed. An award can go unawarded if no one's evidence meets the standard. See Awards & Recognition.
Can I be recognized without a Student Leadership Team title?
Yes. Project leadership, awards, portfolio distinction, Community Impact Project contribution and your Verified Achievement Record can all recognize real work without a formal office.
If I have the most service hours, do I win the Community Impact award?
No. That recognition requires verified individual contribution and meaningful results. Hours alone do not show impact.
What if I do strong work but don't win an award?
Your verified projects, service, leadership roles and completion can still appear on your Verified PALP Achievement Record.
Returning Students
If I return, will I repeat the same program?
You may share some Core sessions with the full group, but your responsibility grows. When you return, you take on more meaningful leadership that fits your readiness and experience. See Returning Students.
Am I guaranteed a leadership title because I am returning?
No. You are expected to take on meaningful leadership responsibility, but a specific title depends on readiness, experience and program needs.
Do I still do the Community Impact Project?
Yes, with more advanced project ownership that fits your role.
What if I'm not ready to lead a group?
Leading a group is only one kind of leadership. You might start by mentoring newer students or owning a deliverable or workstream, then build toward leading live activities.
Can I return just to participate, without a leadership role?
Returning to PALP is designed around growing leadership. If you do not want that responsibility, returning may not be the right fit.
Junior Counselor Pathway
Is Junior Counselor in Training the same as PALP?
No. Junior Counselor in Training is a separate, selective training pathway for students invited to prepare for PALS Junior Counselor service. Its requirements are added on top of regular PALP. See the Junior Counselor Pathway.
Do I have to become a Junior Counselor?
No. Most PALP students are not Junior Counselors. Junior Counselor in Training is one selective pathway within the larger PALP leadership system.
Can I register to become a Junior Counselor?
No. You can't sign up for Junior Counselor in Training. You must first attend PALS as a delegate, show leadership and be recommended. NVEEE then invites select delegates to join the next year's group. Returning to PALP or earning the Peace Ambassador title doesn't automatically place you in it.
If I am invited to Junior Counselor in Training, am I guaranteed to become a Junior Counselor?
No. The Junior Counselor title is earned only after the required training, practicum, conduct, reliability, safety judgment and final clearance standards are met. Attending the Junior Counselor Service and Training Retreat alone does not make you a Junior Counselor.
Do Junior Counselors in Training still complete PALP?
Yes. Regular PALP requirements still apply. Junior Counselor in Training responsibilities are added, not substituted.
Do I have to attend the Junior Counselor Service and Training Retreat?
Yes. It is a required Junior Counselor in Training experience, February 9–15, 2027. If you can't attend every day, tell us early. NVEEE can arrange a late arrival and will work with you on other conflicts or issues so you can still complete your training.
Do I have to design my own workshops every month?
No. Much of the practice uses staff-provided prompts and plans. The goal is to learn to facilitate, adapt and lead.
Can written work make up for live facilitation?
Not entirely. PALS requires you to lead people in real time, so live leadership is a core requirement.
What if I'm rated Ready With Coaching in May?
You complete the targeted coaching NVEEE assigns, including an additional 60-minute coaching session, before final clearance.
What if I'm not cleared in June?
You remain a Junior Counselor in Training and do not serve as a Junior Counselor. NVEEE does not award the title just because you were invited, attended training or completed PALP.
NVEEE Empowerment & Success Hub
What is the NVEEE Empowerment & Success Hub?
It is the digital resource center for PALP students, with lessons, tools and templates connected to your real PALP work. See the Hub page.
Is the Hub separate from PALP?
No. The Hub supports PALP. Some resources prepare you for live sessions, some help you complete projects, some capture evidence and others are there when you need them.
Will I have online homework every month?
The Hub is not meant to create busy work. Resources are matched to when you actually need a skill. Some are required; others are optional or grade-specific.
Does everyone use the same resources?
No. Some foundational tools are for everyone. Others depend on your grade, project role, readiness or pathway.
Can the Hub help with scholarships, résumés and interviews?
Yes. It includes résumé, scholarship, professional communication, networking and mock-interview resources.
Does the Hub do my work for me?
No. It teaches the process and gives you tools, but your thinking, decisions and final work remain yours.
For Parents & Families
How will families receive dates and updates?
Parents and guardians receive the program calendar and are added to the PALP family group chat. Please accept the calendar invitation, review dates early and share known conflicts as soon as possible.
Can parents do fundraising or project work for their student?
Parents can support and encourage, but the student's own contribution must be verifiable. Work mainly done by family members does not meet a student requirement.
Can a parent request a certificate or recommendation at the end if the student did not participate consistently?
Certificates and recommendations must be supported by the student's documented record. NVEEE cannot recreate months of participation at the end of the year. Families help most by staying connected from October to June.
What if the parent is more excited about PALP than the student?
Families can encourage students, help protect their schedule and remind them about commitments, but they cannot do PALP for them. PALP works best when the student decides their own growth is worth showing up for.
Still Have Questions?
Email palp@nveee.org and the PALP team will get back to you.