Who can attend NCSC?
- Full-time, currently enrolled college students
- You must be 18 years old by August 5th, 2026
When should I arrive?
- Arrive at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004) before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6.
- Parking is not provided so if you plan to drive, please plan accordingly. While parking is available from the hotel ($60 per night) you can find more affordable options in the local area.
- You will receive more detailed arrival information one week before the program begins.
What time does the conference end?
- Depart the hotel Sunday morning, August 9th at your convenience.
- Students must check out of their hotel rooms by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, but you are welcome to book a departing flight any time on Sunday.
What is included in my fee?
- 3 days/3 nights in a luxury downtown DC hotel
- Meals from Thursday dinner through Saturday dinner
- Tuition
- Conference exclusive materials, including book giveaways
- Swag!
Leave extra room in your suitcase, as we often give out SWAG!
Can YAF help pay for my flight?
Travel waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis for those with demonstrable financial need. While travel waivers are never guaranteed, Young America’s Foundation will gladly consider all completed requests. Apply for a travel waiver here.
Travel waiver requests are due prior to the event. Please note, travel assistance is not guaranteed and does not cover ground transportation, baggage fees, seat assignments, travel insurance. etc. Flights must allow for full-time attendance to be eligible for reimbursement.
If you have any questions regarding your travel waiver submission, please email [email protected].
Is tuition assistance available for students?
- Yes—tuition assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis for those with demonstrable financial need.
- If you have financial need, please email a brief essay (no more than a page) to our conference team at [email protected] with some language regarding your financial need. We cannot consider your request until we receive this essay.
What is the dress for the program?
- Dinner banquets: Professional Attire
- Daytime sessions: Business casual
- Optional Activities/Free Time: Casual and comfortable attire void of any inappropriate or obscene language
How much extra money should I bring?
This depends on what you do, because some students go out every night while others do not. We advise that you bring some spending money for books that can be signed by the speakers. You will also need about $60 for transportation to and from the airport if you fly. Bring extra money if you anticipate going out frequently.
To which airport do I fly?
You should fly to Washington – Reagan National Airport (DCA) because it is closest to the conference site, but you can also arrive at Washington – Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore Washington International airport (BWI) which are further from the conference site. Taxis are expensive from both airports, so you may wish to use public transportation.
How will I get to and from the airport and conference?
We do not provide students with transportation to and from the airport for this conference, but it is simple to arrive at the hotel via Metro.
What if I take the bus or train?
Students can arrive at Union Station in Washington, D.C. and take the Metro to the JW Marriott.
What are the activities during the conference?
An agenda draft can be found on the event page, but please note that it is subject to change and not finalized.
Will I have free time during the conference?
You will have free time between 4-7pm on most days, and you are free in the evenings after dinner. Many students go out and enjoy the town at that time each night. You may also have free time on Sunday, depending on how your flights are booked.
What are the living arrangements?
Students will have one or more roommates of the same sex roughly around the same age for your stay at the hotel. The registration form allows you to request roommates, and we will do our best to accommodate those requests.
Under no circumstances will we room two people of opposite sexes together. If you wish to room with a relative of the opposite sex, you must make your own reservation for the week.
How many students are expected for this conference?
More than 800 full-time students are expected to attend the conference from all over the country.
Can I sponsor a student to attend this program?
Yes! Your generous tax-deductible gift of $2,500 will allow Young America’s Foundation to host a student at this program who could not otherwise attend. You can designate a specific student you know to attend or sponsor a student who is receiving free tuition as a result of financial need. For more information about these and other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Young America’s Foundation Development Officer Ilinca Biggs at [email protected] or call 800-USA-1776.
Can my brand or organization table at this event?
Yes! Please contact Sofia Medina at [email protected] for more information on tabling during this conference.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please email Program Officer Sofia Medina at [email protected] with your full name and specifying for which program you need to cancel. You will receive a full tuition refund if you cancel before July 1, 2026.
What if I have other questions?
You will receive information via email when the conference gets closer about what is on the agenda, and how to arrive at the conference site. Also feel free to contact Sofia Medina at 805-957-1980 or via email at [email protected] with any other questions you have.
