SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.
SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.
SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.
Emerging Leaders Summit
FAQ for Parents
What skills will my child gain?
Your child will leave ELS with a deeper understanding of their identity, a concrete project built to serve their community, and the skills to lead with clarity and confidence. Along the way, they will have practiced their critical reading, public speaking, and structured thinking—skills that support school leadership, academic growth, civic engagement, and stand out on college applications.
What is the learning environment like?
ELS offers a focused, small-group environment where students are challenged to think critically, speak thoughtfully, and create with purpose. The pace is rigorous but supportive—balancing seminar-style discussion, guided reflection, and one-on-one mentorship. Every student receives personalized feedback and leaves with something tangible they’ve built themselves
What are the program dates and hours?
The 2026 ELS dates will be announced in late Spring 2026.
The 2025 ELS was hosted August 9–10, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m.–5 p.m. ET / 9 a.m.–2 p.m. PT each day.
Live attendance is required. Students stay online for seminars, small‑group work, and guided project coaching.
Is attendance mandatory for both days?
Yes. The ELS program builds sequentially—each session prepares students for the next.
Is there any cost to attend?
No. ELS is fully funded for all accepted students. There are no tuition fees or hidden costs—participation, materials, and mentorship are all covered.
How selective is admission?
We believe that meaningful exploration of identity and community is best fostered in intimate settings where students can engage deeply with one another and the ideas at hand.
To support this kind of learning, ELS admits a limited number of students. Admission is selective. The 2025 ELS cohort had less than a 15% acceptance rate.
Who supervises the students?
Two trained facilitators—both experienced educators and Harvard alumni—lead every session. They remain in each breakout room, monitor chat, and handle tech questions so students can focus on learning.
What safety measures are in place online?
All sessions take place on secure, invitation-only Zoom links. Facilitators monitor participation, and students are required to follow clear community guidelines. No sessions are recorded, and breakout groups are supervised.
What skills will my child gain?
Your child will leave ELS with a deeper understanding of their identity, a concrete project built to serve their community, and the skills to lead with clarity and confidence. Along the way, they will have practiced their critical reading, public speaking, and structured thinking—skills that support school leadership, academic growth, civic engagement, and stand out on college applications.
What is the learning environment like?
ELS offers a focused, small-group environment where students are challenged to think critically, speak thoughtfully, and create with purpose. The pace is rigorous but supportive—balancing seminar-style discussion, guided reflection, and one-on-one mentorship. Every student receives personalized feedback and leaves with something tangible they’ve built themselves
What are the program dates and hours?
The 2026 ELS dates will be announced in late Spring 2026.
The 2025 ELS was hosted August 9–10, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m.–5 p.m. ET / 9 a.m.–2 p.m. PT each day.
Live attendance is required. Students stay online for seminars, small‑group work, and guided project coaching.
Is attendance mandatory for both days?
Yes. The ELS program builds sequentially—each session prepares students for the next.
Is there any cost to attend?
No. ELS is fully funded for all accepted students. There are no tuition fees or hidden costs—participation, materials, and mentorship are all covered.
How selective is admission?
We believe that meaningful exploration of identity and community is best fostered in intimate settings where students can engage deeply with one another and the ideas at hand.
To support this kind of learning, ELS admits a limited number of students. Admission is selective. The 2025 ELS cohort had less than a 15% acceptance rate.
Who supervises the students?
Two trained facilitators—both experienced educators and Harvard alumni—lead every session. They remain in each breakout room, monitor chat, and handle tech questions so students can focus on learning.
What safety measures are in place online?
All sessions take place on secure, invitation-only Zoom links. Facilitators monitor participation, and students are required to follow clear community guidelines. No sessions are recorded, and breakout groups are supervised.
What skills will my child gain?
Your child will leave ELS with a deeper understanding of their identity, a concrete project built to serve their community, and the skills to lead with clarity and confidence. Along the way, they will have practiced their critical reading, public speaking, and structured thinking—skills that support school leadership, academic growth, civic engagement, and stand out on college applications.
What is the learning environment like?
ELS offers a focused, small-group environment where students are challenged to think critically, speak thoughtfully, and create with purpose. The pace is rigorous but supportive—balancing seminar-style discussion, guided reflection, and one-on-one mentorship. Every student receives personalized feedback and leaves with something tangible they’ve built themselves
What are the program dates and hours?
The 2026 ELS dates will be announced in late Spring 2026.
The 2025 ELS was hosted August 9–10, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m.–5 p.m. ET / 9 a.m.–2 p.m. PT each day.
Live attendance is required. Students stay online for seminars, small‑group work, and guided project coaching.
Is attendance mandatory for both days?
Yes. The ELS program builds sequentially—each session prepares students for the next.
Is there any cost to attend?
No. ELS is fully funded for all accepted students. There are no tuition fees or hidden costs—participation, materials, and mentorship are all covered.
How selective is admission?
We believe that meaningful exploration of identity and community is best fostered in intimate settings where students can engage deeply with one another and the ideas at hand.
To support this kind of learning, ELS admits a limited number of students. Admission is selective. The 2025 ELS cohort had less than a 15% acceptance rate.
Who supervises the students?
Two trained facilitators—both experienced educators and Harvard alumni—lead every session. They remain in each breakout room, monitor chat, and handle tech questions so students can focus on learning.
What safety measures are in place online?
All sessions take place on secure, invitation-only Zoom links. Facilitators monitor participation, and students are required to follow clear community guidelines. No sessions are recorded, and breakout groups are supervised.