PEACE AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (PALS)
Georgetown University
Sat, July 26th – Sat, Aug 2nd
From Passion to Action: Activating Your Leadership Journey
50 Community Service Hours
Become a leader. Champion human rights. Strengthen your community – and yourself.
The Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) at Georgetown University is a dynamic leadership and college preparatory program designed to prepare high school students for higher education and future leadership roles. Set on Georgetown’s campus, PALS immerses students in a rich curriculum focused on several topics, including leadership development, effective communication, ethical leadership, and creative problem-solving. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, including a significant trip to Congress and The White House in Washington, D.C., enhancing their understanding of civic engagement. The program fosters resilience, inclusivity, and personal branding, culminating in a pitch session where students present their community projects. PALS offers an authentic college experience, complete with dorm living and robust networking opportunities, preparing students to become impactful leaders.
Program Highlights for PALS at Georgetown University:
- Campus Immersion Experience
- Interactive Workshops
- Comprehensive Curriculum
- Civic Engagement
- Pitch Session Showcase
- Washington, D.C. Excursion
- Peer Leadership & Mentorship by College Students
Focus Areas:
- Leadership and Social-Emotional Learning: Discover a variety of leadership styles and deepen your social-emotional skills. Engage in activities that enhance empathy and decision-making, preparing you to lead with integrity and insight.
- Effective Communication: Sharpen your communication skills through interactive public speaking workshops and learn the nuances of active listening and non-verbal cues to become a more persuasive and empathetic communicator.
- College Preparedness: Spend a day dedicated to your future with sessions on college readiness. Meet with college advisors, learn about financial aid options like FAFSA, and hear directly from college students about their experiences with applications and campus life.
- Ethics and Personal Branding: Cultivate a personal brand rooted in ethical leadership. Learn how to align your personal values with your public persona to create a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
- Creative Problem Solving: Tackle real-world challenges using your creativity and critical thinking skills. Our workshops will push you to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Digital Literacy, Ethics, and Safety: Navigate the digital world responsibly. Gain essential knowledge on the ethical use of social media and digital tools, ensuring you maintain a positive online presence.
- Resilience, Stress Management, and Health Wellness: Learn vital strategies to manage stress and build resilience. Our health education sessions emphasize the importance of both physical and mental well-being in maintaining effective leadership.
- Allyship and Inclusion: Become a leader who champions diversity. Participate in workshops designed to enhance your understanding of cross-cultural competence and effective allyship, creating environments that celebrate and amplify diverse voices and perspectives.
Networking and Social Activities:
- Hands-on Activities
- Community Building
- Inspirational Visits
- Networking Opportunities
- Social Events
- Creative and Reflective Activities
- Outdoor Activities
- Vision Board Workshops
Awards and Acknowledgments:
- President’s Volunteer Service Award: By meeting the service hour requirements through PALS and other volunteering efforts, you’ll receive a PVSA package, which includes a presidential letter, certificate, and pin, highlighting your dedication to service.
- PALS Graduation Ceremony: Celebrate achievement at the PALS Graduation Ceremony, where students receive a Certificate of Completion, honoring their dedication and growth throughout the summit.
Community Service Project:
- Mark My Words: Bookmarks for Bright Futures: Participants will engage in a creative service project benefiting local elementary schools, crafting personalized bookmarks to encourage reading and literacy among elementary school students. This hands-on activity fosters community engagement and promotes the joy of learning through art.
other PALS locations
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 →
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
Learn More →
| Name of University | Dates | Service Hours | Tuition +Housing + Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC |
July 26- August 2 | 50 | $2250 |
Students are responsible for airfare and car or shuttle to and from Georgetown. For housing, each dorm in XLR contains the amount of furniture appropriate for the number of residents (2 o), moveable/bunkable beds, movable desks with hutches and lights underneath, desk chairs, built-in wall cabinetry with closets, drawer space, and hutches.
As a traditional style upperclass residential community, LXR and Nevils, along with the Walsh academic building, make up Georgetown’s East Campus. These three share an outdoor courtyard which contains park benches, shady areas, grills, and space to park bicycles. Close to M street, LXR offers a great community atmosphere for upperclass students outside the University gates.
Room Features
- A standard LXR double is approximately 16 feet in length and 12 feet in width
- Each room contains the amount of furniture appropriate for the number of residents (two or three):
- moveable/bunkable beds
- movable desks with hutches and lights underneath
- desk chairs
- built-in wall cabinetry with closets, drawer space, and hutches
- Vinyl plank flooring (installed summer 2020)
- Thermostat control
Residential
Address: 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057
Dates: July 27- August 3
Price: $2,050 / $1,750 Early Bird
Service Hours: 50
Tuition includes room and board, meals, workshops, and program materials. Students are responsible for airfare and car or shuttle to and from Georgetown.
All students who register by March 31 at 11:59 p.m. will receive an early bird scholarship of $250 funded by a generous donor. Additional scholarships are available on a sliding scale based on need. All scholarship awards are reflected in your cart. To be considered, complete the application with the $50 fee.
PALS at Georgetown 2023 Recap
Participate in hands-on activities that foster personal growth and team building, including art therapy, a pool day, and outdoor team-building events.
GRADUATION
CAPITOL HILL
Talent Show
VISION BOARDS
TEAMWORK
Students take part in hands-on, engaging workshops on topics such as civic engagement, personal branding, healthy relationships, self-esteem, gender and orientation, empathy, public speaking, team-building, and an entire day dedicated to college preparedness or entering the workforce.
DEBATE
PREP
MENTAL
HEALTH
COLLEGE & CAREER DAY
FINANCIAL LITERACY
PUBLIC
SPEAKING
Capitol Hill Day
PALS at Georgetown highlights the significance of civic engagement and social impact. It features Capitol Hill Day, where young changemakers meet with Congressional legislators and senior members of their staff to learn about their journey to working on Capitol Hill, including for the former and current President of the United States.
Students are strongly encouraged to share about local and global issues impacting youth in their districts and any anecdotes they may have. In 2022, students spoke passionately about the mental health crisis among young people, gun violence in schools, and ways to create safer and more inclusive communities.
Ms. Jaida A. Hampton, Press Secretary for Representative Joyce Beatty.
Vincent Evans. Executive Director, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Former Deputy Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the Vice President (Joe Biden)
Public Speaking and Networking
Our program places a strong emphasis on public speaking and networking skills – two critical skills that are essential for success in today’s world.
Public speaking is a crucial skill that enables students to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. At PALS, we teach students how to craft powerful speeches and presentations, overcome nervousness and fear, and connect with their audience. Networking is another vital skill that we focus on, providing students with opportunities to build connections with professionals in various fields, learn about different career paths and opportunities, and build connections that can last a lifetime. By developing these essential skills, students will be well-prepared to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. Join us at PALS and unlock your full potential as a confident communicator and a skilled networker.
NETWORKING 101
DEBATE PREP
Pre-PALS Information and Orientation Sessions
Do you want to learn more about PALS? You’ve arrived at the right place. Attend one of our online or in-person information sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents and prospective students to learn more about PALS from the Executive Director, trained Peer Leaders and Junior Counselors, and college students who serve as mentors. As your PALS date approaches, registered attendees will be able to join us for a private meet and greet to get to know other attendees as well as your Junior Counselors. Scroll below to schedule an appointment.
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.
How is PALS beneficial to students?
Since 2014, PALS has created a network of hundreds of students that have become peer mentors, college roommates, confidants, and have made a lifelong pledge to be leaders and upstanders rather than bystanders. Experiencing life on a college campus gives students insight into college life, while the PALS curriculum simultaneously prepares them in the areas of critical thinking, interpersonal skills, how to search for grants and scholarships, and the importance of building a community, and learning who their tribe is.
If I apply 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 is being forced to attend by a parent by essentially submitting a blank application.
What does the program fee cover?
The program/tuition fee covers all program and activity fees, t-shirt, room and board, meals, security, and resident assistants in dorms. It also covers program materials, classroom usage, and ground transportation if the event includes a field trip. Tuition does not cover the following: airfare, visa/passport expenses, spending money, and transportation to and from the summit.
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 (age 14-18) who genuinely wants to participate, applies, and is accepted into the program.
What if I want to leave early? Do I have to stay the entire time?
Preferably, yes! Students registered for PALS should be able to attend the entire event. If a circumstance does arise that will prevent your child from attending PALS in its entirety, please contact our director to make special arrangements to leave for a summer class, performance, or scheduled vacation. Contact information: pals@nveee.org or 954-866-5880.
Apply Now!
As admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and programs fill up quickly, we encourage prospective students to apply as soon as possible. Click the link below to learn more about the application process and to complete your application.