How people threatening to blow up Serbia, dancing to A Whole New World, and trying to get an army of penguins changed my life.
People threatening to blow up Serbia, dancing to A Whole New World, and trying to get an army of penguins...sound like fun? LeadAmerica is a 10-day summer camp for leaders of tomorrow’s generation. It opens minds for middle school and high school students and, frankly, changes their lives. And, as a bonus, high school students receive two college credits.…
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76 - Law & Trial Advocacy
I attended the LeadAmerica Law & Trial Advocacy program last summer. Honestly, I think it depends on which program you attend, so if you're interested in finding out about LeadAmerica, focus on the program you're planning to attend. We were repeatedly told that LeadLaw was the best program that LeadAmerica offered - and I truly did learn as much as I expected to. I'm not sure if it was "insider information" or anything special, but I definitely did learn the fundamentals of Criminal Law and trial advocacy. However, I was determined to learn. We had four or five hour-long lectures a day, and I payed attention to every word. I know many people slept through the first lecture, and were texting or on Facebook throughout the other ones. If these are the type of people that are complaining, then it's in no way justified. I do admit that the guest speakers weren't outstanding, but they were decent. There were a couple of college professors and deans of law schools, others included an Iowa congressman, practicing lawyers, and a recent law school graduate (I think he was friends with one of the TLs), and my favorite lecture was by an international lawyer who shared his experiences with the UN and touched on the ethics of torture.
However, I do agree that LeadAmerica was poorly organized. I'm looking at my schedule right now, and I can see lectures crossed out and arrows pointing to different times. I remember one time when our guest speaker didn't show up, so instead we did a massive group activity that seemed more fit for elementary school children. On our first field trip, things didn't go as planned and we had to skip going to the Pentagon City Mall. Another day when we were supposed to meet our senators, the buses were over three hours late and some people missed their appointments with their senators.
As for the field trips in general, they were typically what tourists would do. I loved visiting the Hill. During our hours of free time, I visited the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol; I stopped for lunch and had meetings with both my senators. When we visited the monuments, it's true that I didn't get to hit every one that I wanted because of the time limit, but I think people fail to realize how much we have to get done in 10 days. This camp isn't a sightseeing tour; the main focus is to learn what needed to be learned. Also, I think if I had planned it better instead of just walking around aimlessly, I would have been able to see everything on my list.
Two things that nobody else mentioned - the silly songs and the dress code. I do acknowledge that LeadAmerica fails to treat its students as adults, mostly because of the songs we have to sing. I think their goal was to wake us up before lecture, but they made us sing these ridiculous songs that you would find in a kindergarten room. Sadly, I still remember the lyrics, if anyone is interested. The most awkward thing about this is that we would be singing these songs in professional jackets and slacks. I had to buy a whole new wardrobe for LeadAmerica. I don't regret doing so, because it's good to have professional clothes, but I just wanted to make people aware.
The leadership building was a toss-up. Most of the games were cliche, such as the human knot and the trusting exercise (where you fall and the person behind you catches you). Some of the leadership material was valuable, but I wouldn't recommend going to a conference solely focused on leadership - I couldn't imagine how horrible it would be doing that all day. Our main project was presenting a trial, and I spent an incredible amount of time prepping for that. Like I said before, it depends on the student. Many just blew it off, but I did all my homework to the best of my ability and stayed up past midnight writing an re-writing my opening argument.
In conclusion, I enjoyed LeadAmerica. It wasn't as spectacular as they hype it up to be, but I don't regret my decision. I became accustomed to college life before even entering it, such as waiting in line to shower and attending five lectures a day. I think LeadAmerica is best for people who don't have much knowledge of the field and just want to test it out, like me. It's also really important to make sure you get information on the conference you are attending, as I said before. Most of the people who went to the Law conference were satisfied, but I hear many negative things about the Robotics one.
I still have my schedule and all of my course materials, so if anyone would like any more specific information on the Leadership program (which is the same for all CSLC programs) or the Law & Trial Advocacy, feel free to email me at staybeautiful13@yahoo.com
77 - Kristine
I'm currently in my second year of college and attending Lead America helped me determine what I want to do with the rest of my life. Because of LA, I'm now double majoring in Journalism and Political Science.
I attended Lead America for Diplomacy and International Relations and I had a blast. We started off in Washington DC and then spent the second half in New York City. The accommodations were impeccable. We stayed in a dorm building at Columbia University that felt actually more like a trendy New York apartment (marble staircases & all).
I learned a lot about international affairs. In fact, that's the summer I learned about the genocide in Darfur and when I returned to school for my senior year I ended up running a charity event for Darfur.
I made friends all across the country who I still very much talk to. Some of them actually go to the same University as I do, and I meet up with them occasionaly.
Yes, they have Nazi-like regulations and rules but thats to prevent kids from:
a) Getting run over in the street.
b) Getting kidnapped
c) Catching STDs or Getting pregnant
Okay, the last one is an exaggeration, but you would not BELIEVE how many kids tried to take the opportunity to hook up with one another after curfew. Lead America is a professional setting. My parents didn't pay all that money for me to make-out boys. They paid so that I could learn something. Which I did.
Furthermore,
I don't know what you guys are talking about, but I managed to get college credit...
I'm not saying I don't believe you guys, but in my case it all worked out.
My Complaints
1) Yeah, I'll say it. Its pretty pricey. But considering the accommodations I got, the places I got into, and the fact that I got college credit, I'd say it balanced out.
2) The whole "selected cause of academic achievement" is total bullshit. There were still a bunch of idiots, slackers, kids looking for a hookup, and ignorant opinionated assholes who attended the organization. But you know what, that's life! You're gunna meet people like that every where!
My advice to parents:
Don't send your kids here if they're just gunna screw around. Cause THEY'RE the ones who are going to have a miserable time. I had an excellent time because all I wanted was to learn about Diplomacy and International Affairs. I put hard work into the activities and challenges set before me. And I left knowing myself a little better, and with more confidence in my skills as well as new skills to take home with me.
78 - Great Program
My son attended the National Security program a few years ago and loved the experience of living in a dorm, visiting many national sites and found the speakers gave him an edge on choosing a major for college. The program IS thought highly by college admissions counselors especially if the child listened to the seminars and used this in their college admission essay as having a broader view of the world! It is not summer camp, but rather an opportunity to meet other well spoken kids with goals. Well run and the "counselors" really work hard to keep an eye on the kids and schedules. A positive experience. If your child is lazy and negative, they will do better in Disney for another vacation.
79 - Undecided
I still confused...I have to make up my decision in a matter of hours and I still don't know what to do :( Any suggestions?
80 - Alex
LeadAmerica was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned a lot, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. Definitely worth it, and not a scam.
81 - Another TL
As another former TL I would like to second the comments of the first TL whom spoke. They were pretty accurate. It will be a good experience if the staff actually cares, and the person whom originally makes the program does a good job. In summary, weigh the options carefully, and the jury is still out if it is a scam in my mind.
P.S. The number of shills that are clearly PR people for the company on this board are disgusting. I'm looking at you Alex
82 - Yanaj
Look, I just got one of these letters, as well. I am very smart, get excellent grades, and am interested in medicine. However, the comments on this blog have completely convinced me that this is a waste of time and money. If you want to attend a truly awesome conference, join a HOSA club at your school... Their state/national conferences are awesome. A million times less expensive, and certainly more fun.
83 - Marsha
I just got the letter also, and I am considering it. I just need to know how expensive it really is.
84 - OldTL
Well.... I was a counselor for LeadAmerica while I was a senior in college. Back about 4-5 years ago - it was supposed to be about life lessons and being in a college environment and for many of the students... some of the seminars were "boring." However, many were soo excited once they saw the simulations that I would say 80% were truly glad they went. Many cried it was for babies and they didn't feel fulfilled... but how many programs truly offer so many advantages from travel and sight seeing to hearing from some of the nations top speakers and leaders in their trade. And to think that only being there for a few days led to a college credit or two. Being able to just have a few credits for a few days would be one reason for me to go - think about it. Do a college course for an entire semester and not do well and have to retake it or have a few extra credits from a seminar you can fall back on. Easy credits are always nice. You always have those few credits youre supposed to take to fill for your interests. N, they don't count to your major, but they will enhance the extras allowing you to take 1 course you like instead.
As for the program, it has changed immensely from when I was there. They now teach college readiness and work hard to improve their programs and work alongside more universities. I think that a lot of parents sign up for it not knowing what they're getting into - I think a lot of the employees sign up without knowing what they're getting into. The fact remains they have to produce programs that can suit all arrays of students and their preparedness for college. I hated the little songs we sang - but it did two things.... 1. woke kids up - many were just interested in socializing or sleeping and were disrespectful to some amazing speakers we had come in. I was actually embarrassed by their behavior sometimes knowing they were about to head to college and those attending big universities would encounter these speeches daily. 2. One thing I think it truly did, however, was eliminate a "I'm cool" facade many students had. It let them know it was ok to be yourself and try to fit in because they were all doing it.
Besides this... kids are kids. They truly want to be making friends and making fun memories not just sitting inside the lecture halls for 10 days. LeadAmerica gives the chance for kids to travel and see exciting landmarks while being in a controlled environment. There needs to be order to be able to control safety at these crowded engagements. The kids may feel like they're babied... but when I caught some running off to start a 10 day relationship instead of enjoying their surroundings and seeing some great monuments... it defeats the purpose of being there and for the parents to send them there. However, how many chances do your kids get to work with medical patient simulators taught to real med students? Or act as if in a real terrorism crisis? or whatever simulation is of their interests.
I met several students that went to my college and stayed in contact. They asked for advice on classes and who they should avoid or talk to or professors that would help out. I helped two get into programs they didn't know existed - and for that knowledge alone, I know they appreciated attending LeadAmerica.
It comes down to this. LeadAmerica has made vast improvements on their programming. They actually offer college credit. It offers kids a chance to live in the dorms of a university they might attend. It may just persuade a child to apply to that university. Is it a scam? No. Is it for everyone? Perhaps not. But its a great program for the student who knows they're interested in seeing a specific university, sightseeing a new city/area, interested in learning from some professionals or making connections. I would ignore the marketing campaigns that say its the best ever and instead weigh out comments and choose for yourself if you're a student or for your child if you're a parent.
85 - FutureAttorney
I am currently a sophomore in high school and it is my ambition to attend law school one day and become an attorney. Thus far, I am doing everything possible to obtain that goal. I was invited to the Law and Trial program at Stanford for this summer. I'm really interested, but is it worth it? I would love to learn more about trial advocacy. I am an attorney on my school's mock trial team and we have won state every year I have been on the team. Would attending this program be beneficial to me?
86 - K
If I plan to go to a college like Columbia or Yale, would they accept the credits that I will receive from this program (specifically the law and trial one)?
87 - Tanisha
I just got the letter of invitation saying that I was invited to go to the Law & Trial conference by LeadAmerica. I was wondering is this worth it? I'm not sure what I want to be when I graduate highschool (I'm a freshman) but a lawyer is one of my options. I may want to become a doctor but I want to view all my options. I want to know how did they select me and is it really prestigious??
Thanks (:
88 - jeff
If you truly want to learn, I would say use a fraction of that tuition to purchase a few good books and read them. If you want to hear speches, buy some video of great leaders and speakers. Use the rest to take a free trip to whereever you want to go.
89 - truth
Forget this. Check out Amigos de las Americas- for a high school or college student interested in pursuing Spanish and further understanding cultural unity.
It's legitimate.
90 - joycelyn
- im in middle school and my teacher nominated me for lead america. a few weeks after she nominated me i got the package - letter thing and im just confused about the dress code. like, what type of stuff will they let us wear. and do we still have to wear slacks and blazers for " casual wear"????? mabey im being stupid but, im straight up confused.
91 - Rose
Honestly, I was one of those enthusiastic about enrolling for one of the conferences, the Medicine and Healthcare Conference to be exact. However, now that I read all of these reviews, I must say that I absolutely do not want to waste my parents' money. So, I will not be joining this conference/LeadAmerica. The two college credits are enticing, but I would rather use the tuition money for the actual college tuition for the college I will be attending in 2013. Thank you everyone for their positive and negative reviews!
92 - Chrissie
I plan to become a vet or some job in the medical field and I was really excited when I got the letter for the Medicine and Healthcare Conference. I thought it was real seeing as I have really good grades. I went on the website and found out the price was almost 3,000 for 8 days. I knew it wouldnt be cheap but that was waaay too much. Out of curiosity I wanted to look at some reviews and see what people learned and what it was like. I am soooo gratefull I found this website. I would have probably convinced my parents to let me go even though its soo expensive. I thought it would be much more like college and a lot less like a camp field trip (according to other reviews). I thought we would be allowed free reign during the field trips once we got to the location. The sad thing is they say this prepares you for college when they are babysitting you 24-7, that wont happen in college. I'm not saying to let us run wild and have no supervision or guidence but during my school field trip to DC we were allowed to go where we wanted. Once we got to a place theyd be like be back at 6 and we could do whatever we wanted like go eat and then see sites or never look at anything. Also I'm not a "party person", I wouldn't go and get drunk and stupid stuff like that etc. I would pay attention and learn but some freedom is also nice. Also I would excpect LEARNING! I don't know about the medical program but people said the others werent great, but I would definitally expect plenty of dissections considering the amount people pay. THANKS for all the reviews!!!
93 - Ben
As a student, I was interested when I received an email from a similar organization (although, I would venture to say, one more considerably more credible than Lead America), the National Youth Leadership Forum, which took the time to mail me a well organized application packet, with an example schedule (one quite impressive in my opinion.) I had some interest, but regardless of my financial situation, I personally do not think that any money would be spent in any helpful manner (I do, however, grant that it would most likely be an interesting experience.) I recently received a series of emails from Lead America, and that is by no means convincing of the "Academic Achievement" it speaks of. Sure, based on my research, The National Youth leadership Forum is definitely credible. Not extremely prestigious, but again, based on research, it appears offers are typically only granted to students of academic merit. I had hoped it would be a good addition on any college application, and the NYLF probably would be, but Lead America seems to be a half quality apple for twice the price.
As a hopefully United States Naval Academy Midshipmen or West Point Cadet, I believe my summer (and money) would be considerably better spent working in the office of my local congressman.
But if the money and the interest is there, and you have time to kill this summer, feel free to attend, but based on some reviews, do so at your own risk.
94 - CuriousGeorge
I recently got an email from Lead America telling me that I was invited to their conference. Overjoyed, I couldn't believe I was invited - from reading the email I thought I was only a select few. The idea of a SCAM never crossed my mind because I go to one of the top private high schools in the country and did well on my PSATs, I though LeadAmerica reached me that way. Immediately I made my parents sign me up.
But now, after googling "leadamerica", I have found multiple websites that claim this is a scam and there are more "summer camps" quite similar. I don't understand how leadamerica could be working with such great colleges but now offer all they claim to be. It is really upsetting for me, especially since my parents already made the deposit.
There is still time to get a refund, but the penalty if $350. Is it worth it?