<p>My rising 8th grader son has been recommended for National Young Leaders State Conference in NJ. He wants to attend, but it is pricey. We can afford it, if it is something worthwhile. Do any of the parents on this forum have experience with this or any other leadership conference? Thanks!</p>
<p>Beware of all glitzy invitations to "prestigious" programs that come with a price tag - they're plentiful and they're bogus. It's a fundraiser for someone - they get school counselors to send them names, then make it sound as if their program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you son continues to achieve well in HS, expect to be invited to be a "Global Ambassador," to go to the Washington Youth Leaders Week, etc. College admissions offices ignore them all. My eighth-grader got the NYLSC invitation too, and before I trashed it I thought "Wow - it must be such a good moneymaker running the Washington week that they now running 50 leadership weeks all across the country!</p>
<p>They must have just put out a big mailing cuz my kids each got invitations this week....like the 4th time.</p>
<p>I've heard the same thing. Overpriced and not meaningful. My cousin's kid attended one and said it was nothing but a bunch of rowdy smart rich kids with feigning interest. </p>
<p>Having said that, some CC posters have reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.</p>