my daughter, a rising junior, just got an invitation to attend the Global Youth Leadership Conference this summer. First… it’s over $3,000 to attend (not including transportation to/from the conference, 1 meal a day and any extras). They do some discussions/interactions/role playing/listening to lectures… but they also do a lot of tourist/sight-seeing things that are free. This seems like a lot of money to us. However, if it will help her on her college applications and possibly with scholarships for college, it might be worth the investment.
Has anyone, recently (I’ve seen tons of posts from years ago), attending and/or does anyone know if it will help her move forward in her education, look good on her apps or help with scholarships. any input is appreciated.
It’s an expensive summer camp experience. Putting it on a college application will signal to the college that you have money to burn and will need little to no financial aid. I think I found College Confidential when my son received his first of two “invitations” from People To People. He’s received about three from Global Youth, one for STEM in California, one in D.C. and one that was held at Harvard, although the students stayed in a hotel in the outskirts of Boston.
If you can easily pay for it and your daughter needs a supervised program during the summer, go for it. My kids have gotten more mileage out of full time volunteer jobs during summers after 8th and 9th grade. They racked up volunteer hours and developed working relationships with adults who could later write recommendations.
Agree with all Osprey said. Also want to add that if your D is more interested in other activites, and you have the money, spend it on those things. Does she like dance, send her to dance camp. Art? History? Old fashioned summer camp? All those are just as good ways to spend money. Far better that a kid does what they are interested in.