<p>The problem is with the use of the word “scam.” This is a real program, and for a certain amount of money you spend a week in DC meeting with students from around the country and going to visit different places around DC, including the monuments and congressional offices. Some students meet their congresspersons or aides. I think the word “scam” comes up because NYLC invitations are slightly misleading in that they imply it’s an honor and that you have been chosen in some special way, whereas it’s a program that looks for students to pay to attend. In our neighborhood the invitations seem to go out to both honor students and some who are flunking out. “Expensive” is a much better word than scam. I think if you have never been to Washington DC and can afford the hefty price tag for a week, it could be valuable. As some of the previous posts say, it can be a great experience. But I also know some people who did not enjoy it much.</p>