Today I received a phone call from someone who said they were from Admissions from a group named ENVISION. The person said I was “nominated” to attend the “National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security: Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense.” I have never heard of this group, but they said they sent me something in the mail (I haven’t received anything (yet)).
It sounds fancy, but I’ve read both positive and negative feedback. Last year, I received a similar invite to attend the “Congress of Future Medical Leaders” from the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Students. I didn’t get to attend, but are programs like these worth taking the plunge to spend money on? The call I received today I found to be interesting because I am interested in a military career (But I know I could go to a recruitment office, instead of having to fly to D.C :P), and I am pretty sure no one actually nominated me because I’ve been working with my teachers all week so I think it either came from a survey I probably took when I did my entrance exam tests.
If it’s free or they pay you to attend, it’s good. If you need to pay them, it’s not worth it, or, worse, a scam.
As an alumnae of Envision programs, I can see why it would appear to be a scam, but I don’t think it is. I went to National Young Leaders Conference, and I was nominated by a teacher at my school, so the “nomination” in my case was not a scam or a ploy to get you to go. However, it is a hefty price, but at least for my program we did a ton of activities, so it makes sense why we’d have to pay. We got meals for free at the hotel, hotel fees paid for, and all of our trips free. Overall, I can confidently say it was a great experience, BUT if it would be a huge financial burden, I’m sure more opportunities will come along that are lower in cost or free. For example, Girls State is a great summer program that is 100% free, but you have to be nominated and selected.
Additionally, I did not attend the specific program you are talking about, so ultimately I don’t know about NYLF specifically.
Good luck! 
It isn’t a scam. However, they do market it as prestigious, but it isn’t. You will get a fancy invite with a gold seal.
Do it, if the content seems interesting. I’m sure the program is just fine. However, don’t do it if you think it will give you an advantage on a college application. It won’t.
Look at mysummeradvisor.com and look under academic programs under liberal arts and justice/law. Compare the Envision program with other programs in international relations, global studies or national security. You might find something you like better or cheaper. (Many of these do take place in DC at schools like Georgetown and GWU). Also check for summer programs at colleges and universities near you. You may find a day course in something related that will give you college credit.
It is an expensive summer program which probably isn’t that bad, however if you have a real interest in National Security/Defense I would recommend you research some opportunities of your own. For example, Civil Air Patrol is a great group to get involved in as well as volunteering with the USO. Maybe contact a local National Guard base to see how you could get involved Colleges would likely look better on you taking initiative to discover or create your own opportunities rather than pay a couple grand for a fancy vacation.