Frequently Asked Questions

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When does the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) start and end? 

Participants will travel to Washington D.C. on Sunday, June 21, 2026 and will depart on Friday, June 26, 2026.

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Do I have to identify as AA & NH/PI to apply?

Anyone interested and invested in the AA & NH/PI community, looking to help uplift the AA & NH/PI community, and committed to working in public service are welcome to apply for the program.

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​What is your policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI)? 

APAICS acknowledges that AI tools are increasingly used in academic and professional settings and may be utilized in a limited, supplemental manner, such as for brainstorming, outlining, or proofreading. However, AI may not be used to markedly write, generate, or compose application essays or responses. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their submissions are primarily their own work and that the content accurately reflects their original thinking, voice, and experiences. By submitting an application, applicants affirm their compliance with this policy. APAICS reserves the right to review submissions and take appropriate action if misuse is detected.

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

Acceptances will be sent to applicants and their parents via email from programs@apaics.org. Following confirmation of the acceptance, participants will be contacted by the Close Up Foundation with further instructions on the program.

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What can a student expect to do during the week? 

Participants 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 2025 cohort had the opportunity to meet with AA &NH/PI Congressional staffers and APAICS alumni. Participants will also 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 YLA start date.

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How much will the program cost?

The base cost of participation is $1,717.00 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. (i.e., ground transportation, airfare, train fare, etc.). We also suggest parents provide participants with extra money for souvenirs or other expenses normally incurred during travel as those will not be covered by the program.

 

Scholarship recipients will have all the base expenses covered, including 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, participants have arrived by car, train, and plane. If booking air or train travel, Close Up will coordinate and book your flight or train on your behalf. 

 

Travel costs to and from Washington, D.C., will be covered for scholarship recipients.

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Will participants be sharing hotel rooms?

Similar to an overnight camp, participants will be assigned to all-female or all-male rooms of up to four people. This gives participants an opportunity to get to know each other and form lifelong friendships.

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What should participants pack for the YLA?

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

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Participants will visit locations such as the U.S. Capitol and potentially the White House, for which business outfits will be required.

 

How do you keep a student safe during the program?

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

 

If traveling by air, participants 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 participants on when and where they need to be for the duration of the program.

 

There will be staff monitoring the hallways at all hours during the night to address any participant needs and to ensure their safety. Any time the group leaves the hotel for programmatic elements, they will be shuttled on a bus to various locations with 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 applicants and parents/guardians 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?

APAICS offers a limited number of scholarships to applicants and will be awarded on a needs basis. Applicants who receive a scholarship will be notified in their acceptance letter.

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What if my child is coming from a Pacific Island? 

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

 

For scholarship recipients, APAICS will discuss costs covered by APAICS in the event that additional costs may occur.

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Additional Questions?

Contact apaics@closeup.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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