Empowering Future Leaders Through Community Service
“PALP has shifted my perspective on community service. I realize now that I can make change in the world in many unique ways, and I don’t need to wait for someone to tell me how.” – PALP 2023-2024 Alumni
Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully apply for the Peace Ambassador Leadership Program (PALP).
1
Register and Make Payment
Applications are due by Sunday, October 13th. Acceptance is rolling. Apply Now
2
Attend an Info Session
Virtual: Join us on Saturday, Oct 12th, from 12-1pm for an overview of PALP and to ask any questions.
RSVP Now
3
Research Service Projects
Identify local nonprofits or causes you’re passionate about. Find a community need where you can make an impact—whether it’s in hurricane relief efforts, social justice, or education.
Program Overview
The Peace Ambassador Leadership Program (PALP) offers an exceptional opportunity to boost your college applications by building leadership skills, engaging in impactful community service, and demonstrating your commitment to making a difference. Throughout the 9-month program, you’ll have the opportunity to accumulate 50-100 community service hours, which can be applied towards the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) and are eligible for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program, and others like it.
Colleges highly value applicants with demonstrated leadership and a track record of community engagement, and PALP gives you the chance to strengthen both. Whether through organizing service projects, honing public speaking skills, or being selected for roles like Junior Counselor at prestigious universities, PALP ensures that you stand out as a well-rounded applicant with meaningful experiences that set you apart.
Apply now and take the first step toward enhancing your future college applications and achieving recognition for your volunteer efforts!
Key Benefits
• Develop essential leadership skills
• Enhance peer support networks
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment
• Equip students with tools for mental health resilience
Eligibility Criteria
• Open to high school students passionate about leadership and community impact.
• No previous experience is required—just willingness to learn and grow.
• Ideal for those interested in service, teamwork, and hands-on projects.
• Build skills like public speaking, problem-solving, and communication.
Time Committment
- Program Duration: 9 months (October – June)
- Monthly Meetings: 5 hours per month (1 meeting each month)
- Group Service Project: Minimum of 3 hrs per month for 6 months (outside of meetings)
- Additional Program Activities: Attendance at 7 out of 9 program activities is required. These include:
- Sponsored social events (bowling, movie nights, etc.)
- Holiday parties
- Team-building retreats
- Community service outings
- Leadership skill-building workshops
Program Size and Participation
PALP prides itself on fostering diverse groups, with participants from a wide range of racial, socio-economic, and academic backgrounds. Students come from public, private, charter, and homeschool environments, representing various age ranges and academic levels.
Class sizes vary each year, ensuring that every cohort is unique. Some years, groups have been as large as 80 students, while other times, we’ve had more intimate groups of around 35. Typically, we have:
- 30-40 participants in Davie, Florida
- 20-25 participants in Orlando, Florida
- 10-15 participants virtually
These numbers are approximate, as every year brings different dynamics. No matter the group size, PALP ensures a balance where students can learn from diverse perspectives while having the space to develop close connections. All students who are committed and ready to fully engage in the process are invited to join.
PALP Monthly Meeting Locations
University of Central Florida (UCF)
4000 Central Florida Blvd,
Orlando, FL 32816
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
3301 College Ave,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Start Building Your Leadership Skills Today
PALP empowers students with hands-on leadership experience through team-based service projects, workshops, and mentorship. Participants gain the confidence to lead and inspire others, a skill crucial for future success.
Mentorship Opportunities
Hands-On Leadership Projects
Public Speaking and Communication Skills
Your Project, Our Support: From Brainstorm to Meaningful Impact
PALP is designed to teach high school students essential project management and leadership skills through hands-on, group-based community service projects. From brainstorming to completion, students are guided through each step, learning to lead, execute, and manage meaningful initiatives in their communities
Group-Based Learning and Project Execution
1. Brainstorming and Selection:
Students collaborate in teams to identify community needs, brainstorm solutions, and select impactful projects. Unlike typical school assignments, every team member has a defined role, and every position is critical to the project’s success.
2. Planning and Preparation:
Students use project management tools such as Google Suites, Asana, and Notion to collaborate on detailed plans, set goals, and allocate resources efficiently.
3. Design and Marketing:
Teams develop their creative skills using platforms like Canva Pro to design promotional materials, gaining real-world experience in marketing their projects.
4. Execution and Management:
Every group member takes responsibility for leading their project, managing resources, and using tools to stay organized. There’s no backseat—everyone plays a vital role in the project’s success.
5. Monthly Expert Feedback:
Students meet with NVEEE’s Executive Director once a month to present their progress, receive expert feedback, and get mentoring. These meetings ensure accountability, provide guidance, and help refine the projects as they evolve.
6. Monitoring and Adjusting:
Students learn to track progress, address challenges, and make adjustments to keep the project on track and moving forward.
7. Completion and Reflection:
Upon completion, students evaluate their project’s impact and reflect on the personal growth, leadership skills, and lessons learned throughout the process.
Earn Community Service Hours and Scholarship Opportunities
Students earn community service hours at every step of the way. Some have accumulated up to 100 hours over the course of the 9-month program. These hours not only fulfill service requirements but also enhance their college applications. Many PALP participants have secured full scholarships to prestigious universities such as Brown University, Penn State University, New York University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Columbia University, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of their involvement in PALP.
By the time they reach college, they will have a significant advantage over their peers, equipped with leadership skills, real-world project experience, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Google Suites, Asana, and Canva Pro.
Step into Leadership with NVEEE
Become a PALS Junior Counselor
Top-performing students in PALP have the exclusive opportunity to be selected as Junior Counselors for PALS programs at UCF, UF, FIU, and Georgetown University. This prestigious leadership role comes with valuable benefits and experiences:
Leadership Opportunity: Stand out by taking on a leadership role where you’ll mentor and guide a group of 6-7 students through their PALS journey, further sharpening your leadership and communication skills.
Earn 80-100 Service Hours: For each PALS program you help lead, you’ll receive 80-100 service hours, contributing directly to your 2025 PVSA.
Service Retreat & College Tour: Enjoy a special retreat and tour in Orlando (January or February), combining hands-on service projects with an inside look at university life.
Additional Training & Early Arrival: Receive specialized training to prepare for your ultimate leadership responsibilities—this role is a standout addition to any resume.
Resident Assistant (RA) Preparation: Many Junior Counselors use this experience as a reference for RA positions in college, as the roles share similar responsibilities.
Guaranteed College Internship: Succeed as a Jr. Counselor, and you’ll be guaranteed a credit or non-credit internship during college, available either virtually or as a hybrid program.
Strong Letter of Recommendation: Receive a personalized recommendation from NVEEE’s Founder and Executive Director, a powerful asset for college applications and future job opportunities.
Exclusive Networking: Join an elite network of fellow leaders, gaining valuable connections that extend well beyond PALP, offering continued support through college and your career.
Memorable Moments with Friends
Building Social Skills Through Fun Monthly Socials
PALP isn’t just about service and leadership—it’s also about building lasting friendships and developing essential social skills. Our monthly socials give students the chance to relax, bond with their peers, and strengthen teamwork through fun, interactive activities.
Whether it’s skating, Halloween Horror Nights, bowling, BBQs, holiday parties, game nights, themed dances, escape rooms, or ice-cream socials, we believe in creating memorable moments that help strengthen friendships and improve social skills.
These fun activities not only provide a mental health break but also help you develop valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and collaboration—all while having a blast with like-minded peers!
College Preparedness Services
College Prep Workshops
Our workshops cover essential topics like scholarship applications, financial aid, and crafting compelling personal statements. Learn what admissions officers seek and how to stand out.
Mock Interviews & App Support
Gain valuable experience through mock interviews and personalized guidance on your college applications. Refine your essays and strategize to present your best self.
SAT/ACT Prep Groups
Join study groups to prepare for standardized tests. Share strategies, take practice exams, and support each other to achieve your best scores.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with community leaders and like-minded students to build a strong support network. These connections will help you develop valuable relationships that can open doors for future opportunities.
The Benefits
What You Get Out of PALP: Life and Social Skills, Networking, and More
Community Service Hours
Earn 50-100 hours (or more, depending on your project) to boost your college applications and make a real impact. Many PALP students use these hours to qualify for scholarships like Bright Futures!
Exclusive Leadership Training
Get real-world leadership skills in public speaking, team-building, and project management. You’ll lead actual projects that make a difference, and stand out to colleges and employers.
Hands-On Experience
Run your own community service project from start to finish. Previous groups collected hundreds of items to create 100+ boxes for Lotus House Shelter—what will you accomplish?
Personalized Mentorship
Get 1-on-1 guidance from college students or pros who can help with school, career advice, and personal growth. Whether you need support navigating academics or preparing for internships, your mentor will be there every step of the way.
Florida College Tours
Tour Florida colleges, meet students, and attend workshops that break down everything you need to know for your future. You’ll get a firsthand look at campus life, explore academic programs, and learn how to make your applications stand out.
Become a PALS Jr. Counselor
Get the chance to become a PALS Jr. Counselor at UCF, UF, FIU, or Georgetown University, and earn the PVSA. Gain hands-on leadership experience while mentoring younger students and making lasting connections at top schools.
Foster Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Mental Well-Being
At PALP, we understand that mental health is key to your personal growth and success. Alongside leadership training, we prioritize your well-being by creating a supportive environment that helps you develop emotional intelligence and resilience.
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Learn to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and strengthen team dynamics.
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Manage stress and bounce back from challenges by building resilience and a growth mindset.
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Participate in monthly social events, wellness check-ins, and workshops on stress management and mindfulness to help maintain a healthy balance between school, leadership, and life.
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Gain self-awareness and confidence while learning the importance of mental health as the foundation for becoming a strong and resilient leader.
Upcoming Events
Behind the Scenes: What Students Think
2022-2023 Service Project
2024 Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
★★★★★
“I feel like I’m getting prepared for if I ever wanted to create my own business or start my own club, so I think that would be beneficial. In addition, the different skills, such as teamwork, public speaking, and creating a plan, are skills you need in everyday life to be successful, so I’m benefiting from getting to practice and implement them.”
2023-2024 Service Project
2024 Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
★★★★★
“This program definitely changed me for the better. Before this, I would get scared just ordering something at a restaurant, but now I was able to get on a call with multiple people to coordinate our drop-off donations from our drive. PALP also taught me how to communicate more with people, especially in a team setting.”
2023-2024 Service Project
2024 Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
★★★★★
“Remember, teamwork begins by building trust, and the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.” – Patrick Lencioni. In my experience with PALP, I learned about how communication in a team setting is vital to the success of the organization. Without communication and trust, the team won’t go far. The more work and commitment you put into the team, the more you’ll get out of it.”
More PALP Success Stories
PALP Alumni
Robertzsa Joseph, 11th Grade
★★★★★
2024 Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
“When I first joined PALP, I told the executive Director, Jowharah Sanders, that I always loved advocating for certain issues, but I never got to go out and do anything about them. She smiled at me and told me that I was in the right place. In less than six months, I was able to proudly carry boxes of over 3,000 menstrual products to women in need. But PALP gave me a lot more: a community, important life skills, and, most importantly, a voice.”
PALS Junior Counselor
’23 Georgetown University
’24 Florida International University
’24 Georgetown University
PALP Alumni
2023 Alumni
★★★★★
2024 Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
“PALP was such a mind opening experience. Not only did it help me become a better person, it allowed me to grow in just the span of a few months. I learned more ways on how to improve my leadership, communication, creativity, and problem solving skills, and learned how to incorporate them into my daily life. This was one of the experiences I find most helpful, especially in a work or school setting.”
PALS Junior Counselor
’23 Georgetown University
Program Fees and Scholarships for PALP Participants
The Peace Ambassador Leadership Program (PALP) is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship funded by the Miami Dolphins Foundation to all accepted students. This scholarship significantly reduces the cost of attendance, making the program accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Cost Breakdown:
- $50 Non-refundable Registration Fee: Secures your spot in the program.
- $200 Program Fee: The remaining balance after the scholarship is applied.
Additional Scholarships Available:
Families demonstrating financial need can apply for additional scholarships, which may cover part or all of the program fee. This ensures that every student has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial situation.
Our Valued Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the NVEEE program.
What is the PALP program?
The PALP program is designed to develop youth leadership and social responsibility through experiential learning, focusing on community service, mental health, and college preparedness.
Who is eligible to apply?
High school students with a passion for leadership and service are eligible to apply. The program is open to students from all backgrounds.
What is the duration of the program?
The PALP program spans 9 months, with monthly meetings and service projects to ensure comprehensive learning and engagement.
What kind of projects will I be involved in?
Participants will engage in service-learning projects, mental health and wellness initiatives, bullying and suicide prevention education, public speaking, and college preparedness activities.
Is there a fee to join the program?
Yes, there is a registration fee of $250. Flexible payment plans and partial scholarships are available based on need.
How can I apply for the program?
Applications can be submitted online. Early application is encouraged as acceptances are rolling. The final deadline is Sunday, October 13th.
What kind of mentorship will I receive?
Participants will be paired with mentors who provide guidance in academics, career planning, and personal growth, ensuring a supportive learning environment.
Can I propose my own service project?
Absolutely! While we recommend projects, participants are encouraged to propose their own service projects.
What is the Presidential Volunteer Service Award?
About the President’s Volunteer Service Award
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.