PEACE AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (PALS)
University of Florida
Sun, June 15th– Fri, June 20th
Leadership, Business and Entrepreneurship
50 Community Service Hours
Dream Big, Explore More. Every Career Starts with a Step!
PALS at UF. Where Youth Enhance Their Leadership, Business, and Entrepreneurial Skills!
Join us at Florida’s #1 University
The Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit at the University of Florida is a premier program designed for high school students, focusing on leadership, business education, and social responsibility. The program’s unique peer-led model fosters inclusivity and learning through hands-on sessions that promote leadership skills, creative thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical awareness. Participants engage in team-building and communication exercises, preparing them for diverse career paths. The summit’s holistic approach includes social activities, personal development workshops, and career guidance. It focuses on building confidence, resilience, and critical life skills, all underpinned by a strong emphasis on mental health. PALS equips students to navigate life’s challenges and emerge as well-rounded leaders.
Program Highlights for PALS at UF:
- On-Campus Living Experience
- Interactive Leadership and Business Education
- Peer Leadership
- Mentorship by College Students
- Comprehensive Skill Development
- Socially Responsible Learning
- Inclusive Environment
Focus Areas for You at PALS:
- Leadership and Entrepreneurial Thinking:
Develop versatile leadership qualities that can help you succeed in any career field. We’ll encourage you to think creatively and embrace innovation, equipping you with entrepreneurial skills that can open up exciting opportunities. - Effective Communication and Teamwork:
Improve your verbal and non-verbal communication skills with practical exercises focused on teamwork and collaboration. Whether you’re working on business projects or building connections, you’ll learn how to express your ideas clearly and confidently. - Personal Development and Mental Wellness:
Build your confidence, resilience, and positive mindset through engaging activities. We’ll also emphasize mental health and emotional intelligence, providing you with strategies to handle life’s challenges effectively. - College Preparedness:
Spend a day exploring college and career readiness. Meet with advisors to discuss majors, learn about financial aid options like FAFSA and loans, and get insider advice from college students on applications, the Common App, and housing. - Life Skills Education:
Learn essential life skills like time management, critical thinking, and financial literacy to prepare yourself for every stage of life. We’ll guide you through practical exercises that will help you feel ready for the future.
Networking and Social Activities:
- Hands-on Activities: Engage in educational activities such as art therapy, outdoor team-building exercises, and vision board creation.
- Social Events: Join in on karaoke nights, ice-cream socials, movie evenings, a talent show, and an exciting themed prom.
- Creative Workshops: Engaging workshops and social events that promote personal and community connections, encouraging students to explore and express their ideas freely.
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 not only fosters community engagement but also 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 →
Florida International University
July 13-20 | 50 Service Hours
Career, Social, and Life Skill 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 + Meal Plan: $2,250
Learn More →
DATES AND TUITION
| Name of University | Dates | Service Hours | Tuition + Housing + Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Gainesville, FL |
June 15-20 | 50 | $1500 |
ACTIVITIES
Participate in hands-on activities that foster personal growth and team building, including art therapy, pool day, outdoor team-building events, ice cream social & karaoke, movie night, vision board and everyone’s favorite highlight of all the social events, a themed prom.
THEMED PROM
ART THERAPY
KARAOKE
VISION BOARDS
TEAM BUILDING
WORKSHOPS
Students will be able to choose from a variety of hands-on and engaging workshops on topics such as civic engagement, personal branding, healthy relationships, self-esteem, gender and orientation, empathy, communication and public speaking, team-building, time management, creating social change, mental health and self-care, bullying and suicide prevention, gender and racial equality, and an entire day dedicated to college advising or entering the workforce,
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
MENTAL
HEALTH
COLLEGE & CAREER DAY
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
PUBLIC
SPEAKING
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.
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.
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.