Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS): Building Leaders, Inspiring Change
The Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) is a transformative, seven-day immersive program that empowers high school students to become leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Hosted across four prestigious universities—Georgetown University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University—PALS combines rigorous workshops, hands-on service projects, and unforgettable experiences designed to prepare students for college, careers, and life.
Why Choose PALS?
PALS is more than just a leadership summit—it’s a gateway to personal and professional growth. Here’s what makes PALS unique:
- Leadership Development: Learn public speaking, advocacy, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills from expert university faculty and experienced peer mentors.
- College Preparation: Live on campus, explore career pathways, and gain tools to navigate life after high school confidently.
- Service and Impact: Earn up to 50 volunteer service hours, become eligible for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), and participate in impactful community service projects.
- Memorable Activities: Build lasting connections through art therapy, movie nights, talent showcases, ice cream socials, and more
Explore PALS Locations
Each PALS experience is tailored to provide unique learning opportunities based on its hosting university’s theme:
PALS at UCF (University of Central Florida):
Focuses on Leadership, Career Exploration, and Interpersonal Development, equipping students with skills that transition seamlessly from the classroom to the boardroom. Students earn 50 service hours.
PALS at UF (University of Florida):
Dives into Leadership, Business, and Entrepreneurship, inspiring students with an entrepreneurial mindset to innovate and lead responsibly. Students earn 50 service hours.
PALS at FIU (Florida International University): Explores Social-Emotional Leadership for College and Career Success, focusing on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and professional communication. Workshops emphasize resilience, interpersonal growth, and leadership with empathy. Students earn 50 service hours.
PALS at Georgetown University:
Bring passions to life with From Passion to Action: Activating Your Leadership Journey, focusing on civic engagement, inclusivity, and personal branding. Students also explore iconic landmarks like Congress.
University of Florida
June 15-20 | 50 Service Hours
Leadership, Business and Entrepreneurship
App Fee: $50 + Tuition + Meals: $1500
Learn More →
Florida International University
July 13-20 | 50 Service Hours
Career, Social, and Life Skill Development
App Fee: $50 + Tuition + Meal Plan: $1350
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University of Central Florida
June 22-29 | 50 Service Hours
Leadership, Career Exploration, and Personal Development
App Fee: $50 + Tuition + Meal Plan: $1350
Learn More →
Georgetown University
July 26-Aug 2 | 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
Each PALS experience is jam-packed with engaging workshops covering essential life skills, primarily led by university faculty, with some taking a peer-led approach. But the week is about more than just workshops! Participants will enjoy hands-on activities fostering personal growth and team building, such as movie nights, pool time (weather permitting), ice cream socials, and volleyball games. These activities create an inclusive environment where participants can relax, connect, and thrive together.
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.