Have questions about Ambassador Leadership Summit? We have the answers!
This is one of the most exciting times for our team as we get to meet and talk to families whose child has recently been nominated by their teacher for the Ambassador Leadership Summit - an experience that will, without a doubt, be one of the most memorable and impactful experiences of their life.
But it's also a big step for the family, financially and emotionally. We get it. To help, I want to address some of the questions that we often hear from parents and students who are new to the program.
What will my child get out of it?
We put a lot of thought and care to design every Summit in a way that helps students enhance their leadership traits and prepare them for college and future careers, while giving a real appreciation for the diversity and importance of giving back. Most importantly, this experience builds confidence like no other program can, and opens their eyes to their true potential. If your child is shy, it will help them come out of their shell. If they are already a confident leader, they will be inspired to reach even higher goals and learn how to lead by bringing out the best in others.
But don’t take our word for it. Hear directly from our alumni students and parents what they value the most about their experience.
Can i talk to other parents or teachers?
Yes! We encourage you to talk to our alumni parents and our teachers to hear firsthand what the experience is like. There is nothing like hearing from another parent how nervous they were at first to let their child go on their own for the first time, and how impressed they were at the transformation they saw when they returned. Contact us to connect with an alumni family or teacher in your area and read Ambassador Leaders alumni reviews.
Do you provide scholarships?
Yes, once enrolled, students can apply for competitive need- and merit-based scholarships. For this year’s Summits we will be awarding over 30 scholarships. Additionally, in the months leading up to the program we will have several opportunities for you to participate in contests for a chance to win funds toward your tuition. Like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn for announcements of new scholarships and contests to help with your fundraising efforts.
You’d be surprised to learn that most of our students raise at least 50% or more toward their summit tuition. That’s part of learning to set and achieve goals! Whether you are raising a portion or the entire tuition, it can be done. To help, each #FundFriday we post new fundraising ideas on this blog. To be sure you don't miss any, sign up for our our newsletter on the right. These ideas come from families just like you, so know it’s possible!
What does the program tuition cover?
Our all-inclusive tuition covers all program expenses, accommodations, 3 meals daily, all program activities, entry fees and curriculum, as well as small group supervision. Each teacher works with no more than 12 students so they get one-on-one attention. The only thing not included in tuition is travel to the program location.
Do we have to pay full tuition when we enroll?
Not at all. A deposit of $300 is all that’s due at the time of enrollment, of which $95 is a non-refundable registration fee and the rest of the deposit is applied toward your tuition. You will be able to 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.
My child wasn't nominated, can they attend?
Of course! While many of our students are recommended to the program by their teachers for their leadership and citizenship they display at school, students do not have to be nominated in order to attend the Summit. There are many mentors in a child's life who can recognize their leadership potential and want to help them succeed - most importantly, you, parents! As part of the acceptance process, each student is required to provide letters of recommendation to ensure they are ready for the Summit and will contribute positively.
Can my child travel to the program alone?
Many of our students travel independently, including many from other countries. For students flying on their own we provide airport pick-up service for a small additional fee. Our program 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 and help with your travel plans.
What if we have to cancel?
We know that sending your child to the Summit is a big investment. We also know that life happens, and that’s why we offer a flexible cancellation policy. For extra peace of mind, we offer an optional Travel Protection Plan with Cancel for Any Reason benefit. For more information visit AmbassadorLeaders.com/travel-protection.
Will my child be safe?
When it comes to our summits, we are obsessed with safety. For over 15 years we have been providing safe and rewarding educational programming to middle and high school students from all over the world. Through years of experience and continuous focus on safety, we have developed proven measures to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. From outstanding teachers whose singular focus is on student safety, to small group supervision (10-12 students per teacher), time-tested safety procedures, and keeping our parents informed, we take our responsibility seriously.
Hear from Natasha Porter, our CEO, how we ensure your children are safe while having the time of their lives.
HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?
We are here to help! Contact us or give us a call at 509.396.5551.
By Kathy Mellstrom
Kathy is the Program Director and Co-Founder of Ambassador Leaders and has been involved with the program for over 10 years. As a mom of three children, she is personally invested in helping students realize their true potential.