+ What are Ambassador Leadership Summits?

Hosted at top US universities each summer, Ambassador Leadership Summits welcome motivated middle- and high-school students from across the United States and around the world to cultivate their leadership skills and prepare for college and careers in a global setting. Think ‘educational summer camp,’ but so much more!

Working with exceptional educators, students are teamed up in groups of 10-12. They take part in skill-building workshops and panel discussions, hear from motivational speakers, give back to the local community through a service-learning project and complete a capstone project with their team to develop a creative solution to a community issue or a professional case study. All this while making lifelong friends and having the time of their lives.

+ Is an Ambassador Leadership Summit right for us?

We put a lot of care into designing every Summit in a way that helps students enhance their natural leadership traits, while emphasizing the importance of service to others. Most importantly, the summit experience builds self-confidence and opens students' eyes to their true potential. If your child is shy, it will help them come out of their shell. If your child is already a confident leader, they will be inspired to reach for higher goals and learn how to lead by bringing out the best in others.

But don’t take our word for it. Hear from our alumni parents and students what they value most about their experience.

+ What are the benefits of attending?

The Summits are opportunities for students to focus on personal growth and develop leadership skills while experiencing college life for a week. Some benefits students enjoy are unique to the individual, like increased confidence and self-reliance, or a greater willingness to try new things. However, all students can take away from their summit experience:

• Improved essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability and empathy.
• Greater social, emotional and cultural intelligence, leading to improved academic outcomes and work readiness.
• A competitive edge for college admissions—more than 85% of our alumni are accepted into their first-choice college.
• A network of peers around the world and access to experienced educators dedicated to helping students be at their best.

Once they return home, all students receive a Certificate of Completion that notes their awarded Service-Learning Hours from the Summit.

+ What sets Ambassador Leaders apart from other camps or programs?

Ambassador Leadership Summits include exclusive experiential curriculum that builds skills sought-after by colleges and employers and helps students define their personal leadership style. At Ambassador Leaders, you will find:

• Small group instruction with 10-12 students per teacher leader
• Highly experienced and trained teacher leaders—these are not camp counselors fresh out of school
• Industry-leading safety
• An immersive university experience at some of the most prestigious campuses in the country
• A highly diverse and international student body

+ What is a typical day like on the Summit?

Each Summit offers something different based on the Summit’s focus and/or location, yet each is jam-packed with activities such as interactive workshops, inspiring guest speakers, panel discussions, teambuilding activities, hands-on service learning, a challenging team project, campus and city exploration and lots of fun mixed in.

The day starts with a hearty breakfast, typically at 7:30 or 8:00am, followed by a workshop, tour or other activity. Then a break for lunch, followed by afternoon team activities or a site visit. After dinner, students may hear from a motivational speaker, take part in a panel discussion or work on their team project. A little downtime and journaling before bedtime, and then it is lights out promptly at 10:00pm to refresh before another exciting day.

+ What are accommodations like?

Students stay in the dorms on the university campus they are attending. At UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and Yale residences are traditional hall-style dorms with 2-3 students per room and shared bathroom facilities, and Harvard University has single rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Many university dorms are historic buildings and do not have air conditioning, but a fan is provided for most sites. Your room will include fresh bed linens, a pillow, a blanket and a towel. We recommend bringing a washcloth and an extra towel or blanket, and be sure to bring personal toiletries. Toiletries are not provided.

Students eat meals at the campus dining hall that provides an array of options to accommodate dietary needs.

+ How will you keep my child safe?

Safety is our utmost priority. Through over a decade of experience and continuous focus on safety, we have developed proven measures to ensure a safe learning environment. From outstanding teacher leaders who focus on student safety to small group supervision, time-tested safety procedures, and keeping our parents informed, we take keeping your child safe seriously.

• Every teacher leader and staff member undergoes a background check.
• Adults are never alone with a student; in all situations, a minimum of two adults are present or the interaction must be within viewing distance of another staff member or other students.
• All teacher leaders and staff are CPR and first-aid certified and complete extensive annual safety training.
• Teacher leaders and staff receive reviews based on participant surveys.
• We enforce a buddy system—a student is never alone when outside their dorm, regardless of age.
• Dorm access is restricted to only students and staff living in that dorm.
• Boys and girls are housed on separate floors or opposite wings of the dorm, and teacher leaders and staff are strategically roomed near fire exits and stairwells.
• Curfew is enforced with nightly room checks before curfew.
• The Summit itineraries are designed with safety in mind, avoiding public events and high-risk areas.
• A 24-hour emergency line is staffed at the program office.
• All students, teacher leaders and staff have an emergency phone number on their lanyards in case of temporary separation.
• We require the highest quality and annual review of safety standards of ourselves and our partners, from our university partners to transportation companies and event sponsors.

Read more about our industry-leading operational standards for safety.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing new safety protocols to ensure that, when the conditions are right, we can provide a safe and rewarding summit experience. Read how Ambassador Leaders and our partners are working together to protect students and staff during COVID-19.

+ What does the summit tuition cover?

Our all-inclusive tuition covers all summit expenses: accommodations, three daily meals, all summit activities, entry fees and curriculum, as well as small group supervision. Each teacher works with no more than 12 students to ensure one-on-one attention. The only thing tuition does not include is travel to and from the summit location. While at the Summit, students will need money only for snacks, souvenirs and similar personal purchases.

+ Do we have to pay full tuition when we register?

Not at all. A deposit of $300 is all that is due at the time of enrollment, of which $95 is a non-refundable registration fee. The entire deposit is applied toward tuition. You can select from several flexible payment plans during the online registration process, and you can change your plan at any time. Making smaller payments as you go gives you time to fundraise too.

+ Do you provide scholarships or fundraising help?

Once enrolled, students can apply for competitive need- and merit-based scholarships. For 2021 Summits, we will be awarding over 30 scholarships. Additionally, in the months leading up to the Summit, we will have several opportunities for you to participate in contests for a chance to win funds toward your tuition. Follow us on Facebook for announcements of new scholarships and contests to help with your fundraising efforts.

Most of our students raise at least 50% or more toward their tuition. They often reflect that the experience of setting and achieving their fundraising goals was empowering. To help, each #FundFriday we post new fundraising ideas on our blog. Head there and sign up for our newsletter. These ideas come from families just like you, so we know they are possible.

+ How are students invited?

We work with educators around the country and our partner schools around the world to nominate their aspiring student leaders for the Summits. We seek students in 5th-12th grades who demonstrate scholastic achievement, leadership potential and the ability to take initiative to affect positive change. If you were nominated for a Summit, congratulations! It is quite an honor to be recognized by your teacher.

+ I wasn’t nominated, can I attend?

Of course! While many of our students are recommended to the Summit by their teachers for the leadership and citizenship they display at school, students do not have to be nominated in order to attend a Summit. Parents who recognize and want to foster their child's leadership potential may enroll their child for a Summit. As part of the acceptance process, all students are required to provide two letters of recommendation to demonstrate they are ready for the Summit and will contribute positively. These recommendation forms can be completed by a teacher, coach, church leader or other mentor and will be provided after registration.

+ Can I talk to other parents or teachers before I enroll?

Absolutely! We encourage you to talk to our alumni parents and teachers to hear firsthand what the experience is like. Nothing compares to talking to an alumni parent about their initial hesitation to have their child attend a Summit and how impressed they were at the transformation they saw upon their child's return. Contact us to connect with an alumni family or teacher in your area and read Ambassador Leaders' alumni reviews.

+ How do I enroll?

Enrolling is easy with our secure online registration. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation and we will be in touch with you on the next steps toward your Summit. As part of the acceptance process, each student must provide two recommendation forms.

Have other questions before you enroll? Contact us at 1-509-396-5551 or drop us a line. Our friendly Customer Care Team will answer any of your questions and help you find your best-fit Summit.

+ Do I need to submit recommendations if I was nominated?

Congratulations on your nomination! All students are required to complete two recommendation forms; your nomination counts as one of those recommendations. You will need a teacher other than the one who nominated you, a school counselor or a coach to fill out the second recommendation form for you.

+ My preferred date is sold out. Do you have a waitlist?

If a Summit reaches capacity, we do offer a waitlist. You will see it next to the Summit's dates. There is no guarantee space will open up, so we recommend registering for an alternative date or location in addition to adding yourself to the waitlist of your preferred Summit. If space becomes available, we give priority to enrolled students, and you can change your date or location without fees up until 90 days before Summit start date. After that there is a transfer fee (see below).

+ Can students travel to the Summit alone?

Many of our students travel independently, including many international students. For students flying on their own, we provide airport pick-up service for a $95 round-trip fee. The summit staff will pick the student up from the designated airport on arrival and provide supervised transfer to the airport on departure day. Contact us for details.

+ What is Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Unaccompanied Minor Service is an optional service offered by airlines for young travelers, providing for airline personnel to accompany them during travel transfers. Students are designated Unaccompanied Minors (UAM) only when this service is purchased through the airline. The service can range between $100-$200 each way and is not included in Ambassador Leaders’ tuition or airport pick-up service. Please check with the airline you intend to use to find out their specific fees and guidelines.

+ Can I participate or observe with my child?

For the safety of all students and because self-reliance is an essential part of the summit experience, the Summit is not open to parents. You are welcome to travel with your child and participate in our brief parent orientation on arrival day. Some parents choose to stay in the area and arrange their own activities. The program office can provide a few popular nearby hotel options.

+ What are the requirements for international students?

International students make up a large percentage of our students each year and are a vital part of what makes the Summits so unique. The admission process for international students is the same as it is for all students (see above). International students do not require a student visa to participate in the Summits. A visitor/tourist visa (B-1/B-2) is all that’s needed for students traveling from countries without the visa waiver program. Once enrolled, we will provide you an invitation letter to use with your visa application.

+ What if I need to change my Summit date or location?

We are flexible! You can change your Summit date or location without additional fees up until 90 days prior to your Summit start date. After that, the following fees will apply:

• 89-60 Days Prior: $100 transfer fee
• 59-30 Days Prior: $300 transfer fee
• Within 30 Days: determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the non-recoverable costs paid on student's behalf

+ What if we have to cancel?

We know that life happens and plans change. You may cancel your participation up to 150 days before your Summit and receive a full refund minus the $95 non-refundable registration fee. As the Summit nears, Ambassador Leaders pays vendors on your behalf, and some of these payments are non-refundable. Accordingly, our cancellation policy is aligned with these payments:

• Up to 150 days: Full refund – less the $95 nonrefundable registration fee.
• Up to 90 days: Partial refund – less a $300 cancellation fee.
• Up to 60 days: Partial refund – less 25% of the Summit tuition.
• Up to 45 days: Partial refund – less 50% of the Summit tuition.

Sending your child to the Summit is a big investment. That’s why, for extra peace of mind, we offer an optional Travel Protection Plan with Cancel for Any Reason benefit (see next question).

+ What is a Travel Protection Plan?

For extra peace of mind and to protect your investment against unplanned changes, Ambassador Leaders offers affordable travel protection coverage through TripAssure, a leading travel coverage provider. This travel protection plan can be purchased for $227.00 during registration or after (up until April 15th).

The benefits include trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, lost and delayed luggage, accident and sickness medical expenses, emergency evacuation and—best of all—a Cancel for Any Reason benefit. If you have to cancel up until 3 days before departure, this coverage will provide a refund for 75% or 100% of Summit costs depending on the qualified reason.

Note: this coverage is for the Ambassador Leadership Summit only. It is not for your airline costs or other travel expenses.

For more information visit AmbassadorLeaders.com/travel-protection.

+ How are students grouped with other students?

Students are grouped in teams of 10-12 per teacher leader according to their age, but special care is taken to create otherwise diverse teams. Students remain with their peer group and leader for the entirety of the Summit. The Summit is specially designed to provide opportunities for students to get to know each other quickly and create strong bonds that often last well beyond the Summit. The curriculum is also adapted to provide well-balanced, age-appropriate learning.

+ How many students are at each Summit?

This varies by location but typically there are about 100-200 students at each Summit. We suggest registering early, as Summits frequently sell out. Students are in groups of 10-12 per teacher leader and spend most of their time working within their team.

+ How will my child be supervised?

Our teacher leaders are active or retired educators who are trained in safety and emergency procedures and who are skilled in experiential learning and group facilitation. Each teacher leader completes an in-depth interview and background check and are first aid and CPR certified. Many have been working with us for 10+ years and all are committed to making the Summit a life-changing experience for students. With one of the best student-to-teacher ratios among student program providers, our teacher leaders can have one-on-one interaction with students while making sure everyone is learning and interacting well as a team. Our teacher leaders' singular focus is on student safety and learning, while other staff take care of all other logistics.

+ Will I be able to see or talk to my child during the Summit?

Students are continuously on the go during the Summit, and times when you may visit your student are limited (usually before breakfast). All visits must be prearranged with Ambassador Leaders staff for student safety. Students are allowed to have their mobile phones to check in with parents in the mornings and evenings and are encouraged to take photos. Parents will be able to relay a message through the program office phone or email and will have access to a 24-hour support line in case of emergencies.

+ Can you accommodate students with special needs?

We are proud to provide accommodations for students with a variety of special needs. While we are not specifically a special needs program, our teacher leaders are seasoned educators who are trained to handle many special needs. We have found that if a student is able to function without an aide at school, they generally do very well at the Summit. If your student requires an aide at school, contact us to discuss accommodations for an aide.

Please contact us prior to enrolling to discuss your specific circumstances and what auxiliary aids and services may be needed to assist your student. We will work closely with you before and during the Summit to ensure your child’s needs can be met.

+ What is the Ambassador Leaders code of conduct?

At the Summit, student leaders represent themselves, their schools, their communities and even their countries. As such, all students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner becoming of young leaders. Furthermore, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds is an essential part of every Summit, and Ambassador Leaders is committed to providing an atmosphere of respect and inclusion.

All students must abide by Ambassador Leaders' Standards for Success that include campus safety and dormitory conduct, punctuality and zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use and any behavior considered threatening, demeaning or intimidating. Failure to do this will result in disciplinary consequences up to, if necessary, dismissal from the Summit.

All students are asked to be mindful of their actions, manners, speech and conduct with others, extending goodwill and respect to all participants and the college community at large. The Summits are a chance for students to share the best of who they are.

+ Can you accommodate dietary requests?

We provide students three meals a day with a variety of options. The majority of meals are served in the university dining hall and can accommodate most dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten- or lactose-free and most food allergies. Based on the dietary needs you submit during registration, our team will work with you and our partners to determine the best accommodation. Site staff will also be advised and will ensure that all students have options to meet their dietary needs. Please note that based on the university, some diets such as Halal, Kosher and vegan may be accommodated at an additional cost.

+ Is there a dress code?

Business casual attire is required for most daytime events. This can be Docker® or chino-style pants or Bermuda shorts and a collared shirt, polo or plain t-shirt for boys, and dress shorts, skirts, capris and a blouse or modest tank top for girls. Casual/athletic wear is acceptable during team building only and more formal attire is recommended for the final presentation day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as students are on their feet a great deal. We will provide a packing list before you travel to help you plan for all essentials.