PALP Menu
For School Counselors
Who PALP Is For, and How to Refer a Student
What students do in PALP, and what NVEEE verifies.
A School-Year Program That Extends Beyond the School Day
PALP serves students in 9th through 12th Grade through a structured October to June program that combines leadership development, college and career readiness, practical life skills, critical thinking, verified service and a six-month Community Impact Project.
Students You May Want to Refer
✓Students with leadership potential who need a place to practice it
✓Students who are capable but need stronger follow-through, organization, communication or confidence
✓Students who need more structured college and career readiness than a one-time workshop provides
✓Students who would benefit from real service and project experience with accountability
✓Students looking for meaningful leadership, service and experience to use in future applications
✓Students who need exposure to professional adults, careers, mentoring and practical life skills
✓Students who are ready to grow over multiple years, from 9th Grade through graduation
You can refer students who are ready for structured, evidence-based leadership growth.
What PALP Adds
✓College and career planning by grade, based on Common App's grade-by-grade guidance
✓Résumé development and live interview practice
✓Researching and applying for scholarships, awards and funded opportunities
✓Professional outreach, networking and mentoring experiences
✓Critical thinking, checking sources and responsible AI use
✓Financial literacy and life skills
✓Community service with hours verified by actual participation
✓A six-month Community Impact Project requiring individual evidence and a final defense
✓A verified record of each student's contribution and accomplishments
What PALP Is Not
- Not a competitive college admissions counseling service
- Not a guarantee of scholarships, admission, internships or leadership titles
- Not a way to collect volunteer hours without real work
- Not a program where attendance alone equals completion
- Not a replacement for your role. PALP is designed to complement your academic and college guidance.
Referral and Registration
PALP is open to students in 9th through 12th Grade through registration; there's no competitive admission. You can refer students and families to the PALP registration page. Advanced pathways, such as Junior Counselor in Training, are by invitation.
Quick Facts for Counselors
| Program year | October to June |
| 2026–27 registration deadline | October 11, 2026 |
| First Core | October 18, 2026 |
| Format | Hybrid: in person, virtual and local independent work |
| Service hours | Students earn 45+ service hours, depending on their activities. Community Impact Project, campaign, leadership and partner experiences can add more; all hours require verification. |
| Returning students | Take on more leadership responsibility each year; formal roles are still earned |