<p>Yeah, but why does it cost so much? Programs like girls/boys state cost less than $1,000 if I recall correctly. I went to very nice boy scout camps for under $500. I see no reason why a youth leadership thing should cost more than $2,000, tops. </p>
<p>I mean, tuition for a real private university for one year (like 30 weeks) is rarely more than $50,000. So for one week, it shouldn’t cost any more $1,700. And that’s being REALLY generous to these programs. There’s no reason why their programs should cost more than a real university program. </p>
<p>So yes, if they are more than $2,000 they are probably scams.</p>
<p>In my experience, they are somewhat of a scam if you don’t realize what they are when you sign up, but people I know have enjoyed them. However, there are some similar programs that are real honors. For instance, the US Senate Youth Program is funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation (all expenses paid + a $5000 scholarship) and is an amazing experience, but, as a real honor, there is an extensive application process. I know that there are some other honors/internships that you can get if you’re recommended by your congressperson, or if you just apply.</p>
<p>People to People was really expensive. I went on one of their summer programs for high school students and did several garage sales and solicited donations from my relatives and any clubs they belong to before reaching the needed amount. It was the first time I got to travel, and we were accompanied by actual teachers. I got several course credits from EWU out of it too (not that I’ll wind up using them now).</p>
<p>However, I did Girls State the year after, which is free if you get the legion to sponsor you, and the admissions officers I interviewed with all cared much more about this than People to People, which I’ve heard referred to as a “rich kids tour Europe” program.</p>
<p>I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way, Mom4x. Fortunately, some people don’t mind at all and are happy to write a check, even if it’s a small one.</p>
<p>We have gotten these things, and I know a number of families who have sent their kids on those junkets. I would love to send my youngest on one of those things. Just too expensive for our family. </p>
<p>The problem I have with these things is that they are packaged and marketed to the students and family as a great honor to be invited and a shining mark on your record. If you look at it as summer learning trip, which is it what it is, if you can afford it, it’s a wonderful experience. From what I have heard, the kids are well chaperoned and the activities well planned. Quite the learning experience. I just have a problem with the cost.</p>
<p>Momzie, because some people in a community like to support each other in the hope/expectation that if their child had a similar opportunity you would do the same or return the favor? </p>
<p>Anyway, more on topic- I think with any program, NYLC to Girls/Boys State, you’re not necessarily going to “get what you paid for” but you’ll get as much as an experience as you make it. A line in your application saying NYLC Summer 2009 might not mean much, but if you get a question in an interview along the lines of “what did you do last summer?” and can genuinely talk about the things you learned or the way it changed you, then that does say something to the officer about you. However, you might have something just as substantive and interesting to say after volunteering for a summer, which is usually cheaper and just as (or more) rewarding.</p>
<p>I almost went to one of those programs in Washington, but then I read on CC about those type of programs being scams. I chose to take college classes at a local university instead at a reduced rate. I paid $300 to take two three credit courses, instead of paying $3,000 to go to NYLC (I think it was NYLC, but it could have been something else similar). I guess I dodged a bullet there…</p>
<p>My Guidance Counselor told me to store all of the mail I get into one pile, and then do what she calls “Junk Mail Time” - Grab a soda and some doritos and dig through it and weed out the stuff I don’t want.</p>
<p>… It’s sad that she actually works for a school.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Put the letter back into the envelope and seal it.</p></li>
<li><p>Write “return to sender”.</p></li>
<li><p>Let them pay double postal rate.</p></li>
<li><p>Smile and have a nice day! :-)))))</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I went to one of these. It definitely wasn’t bad. It was a ripoff, considering that it should have been a lot cheaper and it definitely wasn’t exclusive, but you still got to do cool stuff and meet cool people ( as in speak with accredited doctors and terminally ill patients, watch a surgery, etc.)</p>
<p>Thank you for posting. I was seriously considering begging my mom to pay $3,000 for that program. So far, I’ve gotten about five of these letters to NYLC or some kinda Healthcare Initiative, and its delivery seems a lot like People to People which is actually a sight-seeing trip.</p>