NLA FAQs
Answers to all of your questions about NLA, our programs, program fees and financial assistance,
safety, travel and accommodations, preparation, and more.
What is NLA?
The National Leadership Academy (NLA) is an intensive four-day Academy for high school students, focusing on developing compassionate leaders through education and service in partnership with Homes of Hope Baja. NLA features world-class speakers, service-learning opportunities, home construction projects, team-building exercises, and small group workshops to develop leadership skills, inspire purpose, and empower students to ask the question, "What more can I do to make a positive impact in my school, community, and the world?"
Learn more about Our Story here.
Why should I go to NLA?
National Leadership Academy is unique because we bring together the most diverse group of high school leaders from across the country and around the world from rising freshman to graduating seniors. Our one-of-a kind program welcomes all students from various socioeconomic, gender, cultural and religious backgrounds. They each come with their unique life stories, and have the opportunity to meet, share and realize that they are not alone in their leadership journeys and desires to change their schools, communities and our world. Students may attend alone or with a group of friends, but by the end of their experience at NLA they will go home with a new core group of friends that they can relate to and live their best life with.
Is NLA a good program for me?
The National Leadership Academy is for you if you are a high school student (including incoming freshman and recent graduating seniors) interested in learning, growing, and developing leadership skills, specifically through the lens of compassion to others and service to your community. NLA can be your springboard to exploring future service possibilities, preparing for college, and honing your skills to be a leader at school and in your community.
Many of our students are nominated by educators, leaders from youth organizations and participating institutions, but open enrollments are welcome from students who want to make the most of this opportunity.
Please see our NLA Experience Page for details about what you can expect at NLA.
I'm enrolled to attend the program. What happens next?
After you enroll, you will receive an enrollment packet, where you can find financial aid forms, important program updates, mandatory travel and information forms, a travel checklist, & program payment information.
What happens if the program I want to attend is full? Is there a waitlist?
If the program is full, you will be placed on a wait list and your payment will not be processed. If space becomes available, we will contact you to confirm your interest to attend before proceeding with enrollment.
What is the enrollment deadline date?
Enrollment will remain open until all 65 spots have been reserved. It is important to note, however, that you enroll on a first-come, first-served basis. Since program space is limited, it is wise to enroll early for this popular summer program.
How do I apply?
If you are a student, check out our Application here.
If you wish to nominate a student, you can do that on our Nomination Page.
What is included in the program fee?
Your program fee, firstly, includes all construction costs for the home you will build in Baja, Mexico. Additionally it includes all accommodations, all meals, snacks, & water, local transportation during the program, staff, security, curriculum and instruction, program materials, books, & activities, events, commemorative T-shirt, and a Certificate of Completion.
Transportation to and from San Diego is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you will not need any money.
Is there a payment plan?
We are willing to discuss payment plans on an individual case-by-case basis. Please see our How to Apply page for payment specifics.
How do I apply for a scholarship or financial assistance?
We are proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to eligible students. The Academy seeks to ensure that financial support is available to all students who have a desire to attend. Each year, approximately 50% of NLA attendees receive some level of financial support. All students are also encouraged to raise the remaining funds needed to attend by fundraising in their local communities.
Where will I stay?
The 2025 Academy will be hosted at the Homes of Hope campus in Baja, Mexico. We will be staying in their volunteer residence halls.
How many students share a room?
The accommodation is "suite style" with 3-4 rooms per suite and each room sleeping two students, along with a shared common room space and bathrooms. You will have your own bed. Your room will include fresh linens, towels, & a pillow.
Can I request a roommate?
We do not allow roommate requests. One of the important benefits of attending NLA is the opportunity to network with and get to know peers outside your current circle of friends.
Do I need to make my own arrangements to get to the program location?
Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation between your home and San Diego. We provide a shuttle from the San Diego airport to the Homes of Hope Baja location. We recommend that you make necessary flight or other travel arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled. We will gladly help coordinate flights and arrival times to coincide with our airport shuttle service to the program site.
Who will meet me at the airport?
NLA staff will be at the airport to assist you with your arrival and departure. We will communicate specific meeting locations at San Diego International Airport in your welcome packet.
What time should I plan to arrive and depart?
NLA begins at 11 AM on Thursday, June 5th. Students who are flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN) will take our shuttle bus to and from the airport to Homes of Hope Baja campus. The last shuttle departs DIA at 11 AM PST, so please plan on arriving at the airport no later than 10:30 AM. On Sunday, June 8th, the shuttle will depart for SAN at 1:00 PM. Please plan departing flights no earlier than 4:00 PM. Don't worry, arrival flight delays will be handled by NLA staff. We won't leave you behind!
Will I be supervised?
Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside in a safe, controlled environment. You will be closely supervised by professionally trained staff.
You can see more details on our Safety & Supervision page.
Can my parents attend the program?
Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program, so your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you.
How can my parents contact me while I am attending the program?
You are permitted to bring a cell phone to keep in touch with parents, take photos, and post on social media about your experience, but it must be turned off during program activities.
Can I attend if I am a student with special needs?
Yes. If you are a student with special needs or with disabilities, we encourage you to enroll. We will do everything we can to assist you. Please Contact Us for more information or to discuss your particular needs prior to enrolling in the program.
Can special dietary needs be met?
We make every effort to meet the dietary needs of all our students, provided the request is submitted prior to the start of the Academy. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.
Is there a dress code?
Throughout the Academy, students are encouraged to dress "casually appropriate". On Friday and Saturday, students are required to wear the NLA T-shirt that will be provided on Day 1, since we will be doing construction projects on those days. Comfortable, close-toed shoes should be worn, as students will be on a construction site. Further detailed information will be included in your welcome packet.
What is the code of conduct?
Attending NLA is fun, but it is also an honor. Like all meaningful experiences, you only get out of it what you put in. You are expected to conduct yourself as a mature and responsible leader as you represent your school and community. You must abide by and uphold all conference rules. Failure to do this may result in immediate dismissal from the program.