UCF and UF Registration Closes on May 31 at 11:59 P.M. EST
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PALS: Where Youth Leaders Grow, Learn, and Thrive
Exciting News: PVSA Certification We’re thrilled to announce that NVEEE has been recognized as a certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)! This prestigious award acknowledges the commitment and achievements of volunteers, and now, participants in PALS can earn this honor, marking a significant milestone in their journey of service and leadership.
This summer, the Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) begins at the University of Central Florida, where students are introduced to Leadership, Career Exploration, and Interpersonal Development. This program is designed to guide students through exploring diverse career opportunities while simultaneously developing vital interpersonal skills. It’s an essential step for students aiming to understand their career prospects and refine their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. Students earn 50 service hours at PALS at UCF.
Following UCF, the University of Florida delves into Leadership, Business, and Entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of innovation and ethical business practices. This program is meticulously crafted to inspire future leaders by equipping them with the age-appropriate necessary tools and mindset for entrepreneurial success and responsible business leadership. Students earn 30 service hours at PALS at UF.
Next, Florida International University’s segment on Leadership and Mental Health dives into the digital impact on students’ lives. It offers insightful presentations and discussions on social media’s effects on mental wellness. This vital program not only prepares students for college but also arms them with strategies for digital-age mental health, emphasizing emotional resilience and self-empowerment. Participants at PALS at FIU earn 50 service hours, blending educational enrichment with valuable community service.
The series concludes at Georgetown University with From Passion to Action: Activating Your Leadership Journey. This program focuses on transforming students’ passions into actionable leadership roles and opportunities. Emphasizing leadership skills, advocacy, and community engagement, it encourages students to embark on a journey of meaningful impact and contribution. Students earn 50 service hours at PALS at GU.
Beyond workshops, PALS prioritizes networking, fellowship, and self-care in leadership growth. Engagements like art therapy, karaoke, ice cream socials, movie nights, dorm decorating, talent shows, and team-building games are key, to fostering connections among participants. These activities build a supportive community to combat burnout, emphasizing the importance of networking and mutual support. This balanced approach ensures leadership development at PALS is enriched by personal well-being and lasting relationships.
PALS Locations
University of Central Florida
June 15-21 | 50 Service Hours
Leadership, Career Exploration, and Personal Development
App Fee: $50 + Tuition + Meal Plan: $1230
Learn More →
Florida International University
July 14-21 | 50 Service Hours
Career, Social, and Life Skill Development
App Fee: $50 + Tuition: $1,025 + Meal Plan: $250
Learn More →
University of Florida
June 23-27 | 30 Service Hours
Leadership, Business and Entrepreneurship
App Fee: $50 - Tuition + Meals: $950
Learn More →
Georgetown University
July 27-Aug 3 | 50 Service Hours
From Passion to Action: Activating Your Leadership Journey
App Fee: $50 + Tuition+ Meals: $2250
Learn More →
PALS Highlights
Designed for students who are passionate about civic engagement and social impact. Young changemakers meet with Congressional legislators and senior staff members to share insights for community improvements. In 2022, participants highlighted the mental health crisis among youth, gun violence in schools, and opportunities for making communities safer and more inclusive overall.
Prepare for college with opportunities such as mock interviews with career professionals, college essay and application assistance, career days, and community service hours.
Receive one-on-one mentoring and coaching from NVEEE and PALS alumni, recent graduates, and current college interns. Learn from their real-life experiences, as well as how many of them have transformed their pain into purpose and are thriving.
Your financial decisions today have an impact on your future lifestyle. Learn how to become financially independent and avoid debt by developing effective money management skills. Learn about investing, banking, credit scores, and paying for college from professionals. FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships, grants, student loans, and other topics are covered.
Capital Hill Day
Designed for students who are passionate about civic engagement and social impact. Young changemakers meet with Congressional legislators and senior staff members to share insights for community improvements. In 2022, participants highlighted the mental health crisis among youth, gun violence in schools, and opportunities for making communities safer and more inclusive overall.
Mentorship
Receive one-on-one mentoring and coaching from NVEEE and PALS alumni, recent graduates, and current college interns. Learn from their real-life experiences, as well as how many of them have transformed their pain into purpose and are thriving.
College Preparedness
Prepare for college with opportunities such as mock interviews with career professionals, college essay and application assistance, career days, and community service hours.
Financial Literacy
Your financial decisions today have an impact on your future lifestyle. Learn how to become financially independent and avoid debt by developing effective money management skills. Learn about investing, banking, credit scores, and paying for college from professionals. FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships, grants, student loans, and other topics are covered.
Workshops & Activities
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
MENTAL
HEALTH
COLLEGE & CAREER DAY
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
PUBLIC
SPEAKING
THEMED PROM
ART THERAPY
KARAOKE
VISION BOARDS
TEAM BUILDING
Tour Dorms
Dorm life at the University of Central Florida (UCF), University of Florida, Florida International University (FIU), and Georgetown University (GU) will present you with some of your most unforgettable “college life” moments. You will remember your stay at PALS for the rest of your life. Whether you’re an only child learning to manage your shower time, acknowledging that the refrigerator (only at FIU) is shared with your roommates and not for your personal over-storage of takeout, or recognizing that your roommate is not your sibling and you must always ask before borrowing hair supplies. For better or for worse, we promise you will never forget your roommates. Also, keep in mind that we would never force you to stay in an uncomfortable housing situation.
PALS Recap Videos
PALS Recap Video
Music by: CJ Fam, a PALS Alumni.[+] Show More
Pre-PALS Information and Orientation Sessions
Monthly Information Sessions are held virtually via Zoom and in person at our office in Plantation, FL, during our monthly training sessions for Peer Leaders and Junior Counselors. Limited to 20 participants.
Group Information Sessions are limited to 30 attendees and are ONLY held virtually through Zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your 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 April 1. 50% of tuition will be refunded if requested between April 2-30. If a refund is requested 30 days prior to the event start date or sooner, a refund will not be provided.
What are the Benefits?
PALS has assisted hundreds of students in achieving their goals of becoming college graduates, mentors, community leaders, and upstanders. The program teaches critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, and the importance of establishing a community and living their most genuine lives.
If I submit an application with payment, am I automatically eligible to attend?
Once you submit the application with your selected payment option, your application will be reviewed and either granted or denied eligibility. Denials usually happen when it's evident that the student doesn't want to attend, or are being forced to attend by a parent, by essentially submitting a half completed application.
What makes PALS different from other leadership programs?
A couple of stand-out things are although workshops are primarily led by university professors, PALS has a youth-led approach that focuses on interactive learning rather than traditional lectures, emphasizing real-world skills and community service. Additionally, all students are eligible to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
What does the tuition cover?
Tuition covers all program expenses, breakfast, lunch, dinner, t-shirts, materials, classroom usage, activity fees, and any ground transportation required during the event. Tuition does not cover airfare, visa/passport expenses, spending money, and transportation to and from PALS.
Who is eligible to attend PALS?
PALS is beneficial and appropriate for students with a certain level of maturity. The program welcomes any high school student who genuinely wants to participate.
What if I want to leave early? Do I have to stay the entire time?
Students who have registered for PALS should be prepared to stay for the full event. If a circumstance arises that prevents you from attending to graduation on the last day, your parents must notify us in advance to make accommodations. If you are homesick and want to leave, we will miss you, but we will not hold you hostage. You will be provided service hours based on the days you attended and participated in the designated projects.
What will I learn at PALS?
Each PALS location has the goal of helping students develop leadership skills, effective communication, financial literacy, mental health and wellness, college and career readiness, and civic engagement. In addition to the general curriculum, each location will have workshops based on the location-specific theme, which can be found on its designated page on our website.