amy11112222

My son had a 100% positive experience at this program, which is why I was inclined to respond to this thread. I would hope that others whose child or student had actually attended the program would also respond - with either a positive or a negative comment, so that readers could get a first hand account. These programs do in fact "sell out". There are many students benefiting from the experience, and I think it's unfortunate that skeptics dismiss the program because of the glossy marketing materials, or price tag, or because students with GPA below an A+ are able to attend.

This should be looked at as a quality educational experience - a supplement and extension to their HS classes and clubs. Don't attend just to pad your resume, but attend to learn more about our government and experience DC first hand.

In response to people who question the legitimacy of this program because of the price tag:
There are some (rare) educational programs that are free - that a student can be awarded admittance to based on superior academic achievement, and be awarded a scholarship to attend. They are wonderful opportunities for the exceptional student.
For the other 99.9% of the students, there are some programs available which, unfortunately, cost money to attend. Having a cost doesn't mean their legitimacy or benefit should be automatically suspect. (Yes, some non-profit organizations pay their staff. I don't have a problem with that)
I have heard this same argument w/ regard to the Johns Hopkins CTY (center for talented youth) program, which is almost $3000 for a 3-week program. My other son attended that twice, and it was the highest caliber program. Cost money, but it was a good educational and personal growth experience.
Participants in CYLC do NOT sit around listening to speakers for days of the program, as a previous poster implied. Look at their website and look at the sample schedule that they have for your review.
Prior to attending CYLC, my son had already participated in his schools model congress and other club programs. That was (and is) great, but CYLC takes it to a higher level.
If your child has access to their state govt. offices, and can be a congressional page, or can intern in their offices, then great! That would be a great way to learn first hand about this topic. However, for us (and I would think most of the country) that is a geographical impossibility.
To sum it up: great program. Look at the website and read their materials to learn more about it. Don’t dismiss it because it's not free, or someone with a 3.2 may slip in.