National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM

An immersive learning experience for motivated students in grades 3-5

Transform your child’s summer into a head start on the road to their calling. Through real-world STEM simulations and leadership experiences on a college campus, students begin seeing themselves as future engineers, doctors, and innovators. They will gain skills, confidence, and direction that help them stand out long before middle school.

More than a Summer. A Beginning.

From the moment students arrive at NYLF Pathways to STEM, their adventure begins. As “shipwrecked explorers” on STEM Island, they work in teams to solve daily challenges and chart their course home, all through hands-on STEM discovery. Each lab and activity connects to the unfolding storyline, turning learning into a mission.

They might investigate a missing map using forensic fingerprinting, engineer robotic rovers to navigate unknown terrain, or test structural designs in bridge-building challenges. In medicine sessions, they explore anatomy through calf heart dissection, gaining real-world exposure in an age-appropriate, guided environment. Engineering, robotics, problem-solving: it’s all experienced, not just explained.

Beyond the labs, students build something just as important: confidence. They create team names and chants, collaborate on challenges, and celebrate victories together at rallies and evening events. Residential students experience the added excitement of staying on a college campus, complete with supervised evening games and variety shows.

By the end of the program, students don’t just understand STEM concepts, they begin to see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. They leave with new friendships, bigger confidence, and a spark that carries into the school year ahead.

2026 Sample Schedule

This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall quality and scope of the experience offered and is not intended to represent a specific schedule for 2025. The specific 2025 schedule, locations, speakers, and site visits may be modified.

Everything They Need. And More.

From hands-on labs to leadership development and campus living, this experience delivers far more than a typical summer program. Every detail is intentionally designed to immerse students in meaningful learning, personal growth, and real-world exploration, making it an exceptional investment in their future.

What's Included?

All curriculum and instruction
Program activities
Overnight housing
Program materials
All Meals
Certificate of Completion
Housing (residential only)

A Glimpse Into Their Summer

See the energy, engagement, and hands-on discovery for yourself as students step into real STEM challenges, build lasting friendships, and experience the confidence that comes from learning on a college campus.

Learn on College Campus

Envision by WorldStrides programs are hosted at leading universities across the country, giving students the rare opportunity to learn in a true collegiate setting. By experiencing campus life early, students begin to imagine what their own academic future could look like.

This summer, NYLF Pathways to STEM will take place at:

Occidental-campus

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA

July 13-18. 2026
July 14-18, 2026

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St. John's University

Queens, New York

July 13-18, 2026
July 14-18, 2026

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University of Dallas

Irving, Texas

June 28 - July 3, 2026
June 29 - July 3, 2026

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Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

July 20 - July 25, 2026
July 21 - July 25, 2026

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Bentley University

Waltham, Massachusetts

June 21 - June 26, 2026
June 22 - June 26, 2026

More Locations are Available here.

The Envision Experience

Envision is committed to well-rounded, real-world-applicable education. All of our programs are designed by industry experts to help young learners identify their interests and gain the skills they need to make their dreams a reality.

Aviation Academy follows a four-tier curricular approach that are core to the foundation of Envision’s pre-college programs.

Exploration

Students with shared interests come together to explore a potential career path, passion, or theme. They develop and practice skills commonly associated with that career focus.

Students build and practice skills that are commonly used within each career theme.

Maturity & Growth

Students develop and enhance soft skills, leading to noticeable positive changes that friends and family observe when they return home. Through exploration and hands-on experiences, students gain a deeper understanding and awareness of the world around them.

Advantage

Students gain a competitive advantage over their peers at home, as the unique benefits of the program are only available to those who attend.

Social & Fun

While enjoying themselves both during formal instruction and in their free time, students will build connections that grow into a lifelong support network.

Contact Us

Envision by WorldStrides
1919 Gallows Rd
Suite 700
Vienna, VA 22182

© 2026 Envision by WorldStrides

All program elements are being evaluated to ensure they meet current public health standards.