Frequently Asked Questions

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When does the program start and end? 

Students will be flown out to Washington D.C on Sunday, June 9, 2024 and will fly out Friday, June 14, 2024.

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How will I know if I have been accepted to the YLA?

Acceptances will be sent to participants on a rolling basis. Participants and their parents will receive an email from programs@apaics.org. Following an acceptance from APAICS, students will be contacted by Close Up with further instructions on the program. 

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What can a student expect to do during the week? 

Students will have the opportunity to explore Washington D.C. and participate in a mock Congress. Participants will have the chance to engage with like-minded peers interested in politics and have the opportunity to learn more about the political process. Our 2023 alumni had the opportunity to meet with AA & NH/PI White House and Congressional staffers and Congressional Representatives. Students will be given the opportunity to meet with college aged AA & NH/PI students and to learn more about higher education opportunities. 

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A detailed program will be provided to participants and parents ahead of the start date.

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How much will the program cost?

The base cost of participation is $1,667, which will cover the cost of lodging, staff, food, and transportation around Washington, D.C. for the duration of the program. This price does NOT include transportation to and from Washington, D.C. We also suggest parents provide students with extra money for souvenirs or other expenses normally incurred during travel, as those will also not be covered by the program.

 

Scholarship recipients will have all the base expenses covered, as well travel to and from Washington, D.C.

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How should I travel to and from Washington, D.C. ?

How participants travel to and from Washington, D.C. is up to the discretion of the students and their parents/guardians. In the past, students have arrived by car, train, and plane. If booking air travel, please contact Close Up as they are able to coordinate and book flights on your behalf. 

 

Scholarship recipients will have travel to and from Washington, D.C. covered.

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Will participants be sharing hotel rooms?

Like an overnight camp, students will be paired in female or male rooms of up to four people. This gives students an opportunity to get to know each other and form lifelong friendships.

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What should participants pack for the YLA?

Students should bring enough outfits to cover the entirety of their stay. Please note that Washington, D.C. during the summertime can get humid (June average temperature highs of 85 degrees Fahrenheit/29.5 degrees Celsius). 

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Participants will also be visiting Capitol Hill and the White House, for which business outfits will be required. 

 

How do you keep a student safe during the program?

Once students land in Washington D.C., they will be supervised around the clock by Close Up and APAICS staff.

If traveling by air, students arriving at the airport will meet with Close Up staff and then be taken to their hotel. Once at the hotel, instructions will be given to the students on when and where they need to be for the duration of this program.

 

There will be staff monitoring the hallways at all hours during the night to address any student needs and to keep them safe. Any time the group leaves the hotel for programmatic elements, they will be shuttled on a bus to various locations with the Close Up staff on board.

 

I'm a parent and would like to know more about the YLA. How can I learn more about the program?

There will be a Q&A session available for students and parents before the start of the program for further questions. Please feel free to contact programs@apaics.org for any additional questions.

 

How are scholarships provided?

Like acceptances, scholarships will be given on a rolling basis. APAICS offers a limited number of scholarships to applicants and will be given out on a needs basis. When you have been sent your acceptance you will find out whether you have received a scholarship. 

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What if my child is coming from a Pacific Island? 

Close Up and APAICS is aware that flights from the islands are limited. If a student arrives a few days earlier or will need to stay a few days longer, there will be a staff member that will stay with the student until the program begins or when the student departs. The participant and parents will have to discuss additional costs with APAICS and Close Up to ensure the student is able to attend. 

 

As a scholarship student, APAICS will discuss costs covered by APAICS in the event that additional costs may occur.

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Have Additional Questions?

Contact programs@apaics.org.

 

Please do not contact the office in regard to your application status. Only qualified candidates will be directly contacted by program supervisors. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.

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