Youth Leadership School - Gulf of America Cruise

Come sail with distinguished faculty and 100 select student leaders from around the country this November, and learn what it takes to become an effective leader for causes and candidates of your choice!

The Leadership Institute's Youth Leadership School (YLS) will be hosted at sea over the course of a 5-day sail. This "bootcamp of politics" is an essential training for anyone who wants to be active in the political process.

You will learn to:

• Organize large numbers of volunteers and voters
• Increase the size and effectiveness of your group
• Motivate volunteers with exciting projects
• Host successful speaker events
• Develop eye-catching signs and literature
• Gain media coverage
• Organize activism projects you can implement immediately 

Thanks to the generous support of Leadership Institute donors, a limited number of full cruise scholarships are available.

Specific Guidelines for Applying:

If accepted, scholarships cover flight to Houston, TX (IAH) or (HOB), transportation to/from the Port, cruise fare, lodging, meals, and materials for the weekend.

Once you are accepted the your flight is booked, you have 24 hours to cancel your spot. After that period you are responsible for all charges including cruise fare, flight, and registration costs should you cancel.

Only students over the age of 18 will be considered for this school.

You must have a U.S. Passport that does not expire within the next 6 months - or -

you are able to provide a copy of your original birth certificate with seal and a valid photo ID that does not expire within 6 months.

You have a valid credit card for on board purchases including wifi and other costs outside of what the scholarship covers (listed above). The cruise line requires you to put a card on file.

Please read all information completely on this page and when applying. Many of the question you may have can be answered through the links below, while applying, or in the emails following your acceptance.

Frequently asked questions:

Do I need to print my cruise boarding pass?

Yes, the cruise line only accepted paper boarding passes when boarding the ship.

Do I need a passport?

No if you don't have a passport you need to bring a Government issued photo ID and copy of your original birth certificate with the seal.

Why do I need a credit or debit card?

The cruise requires all passengers to add a card to their account for the trip. You don't need to spend money, but if you choose to buy excursions or enhanced meals you will use your key card for the ship to purchase.

Can I just pay with cash?

No the cruise is a cashless and card-less experience. You must purchase with your room key.

Can I book excursions?

Yes, you are responsible for all costs. Refrain from booking them during training times.

Do I have to attend all training sessions?

Yes, you must attend all training sessions as a condition of your scholarship. Failure to attend, show up on time, not be in a clear mental state, not dress per guidelines will results in scholarship violations.

What should I pack?

Clothes appropriate for the training and tasteful for the cruise, you can bring snacks and food, dramamine, you can bring a case of canned soda if you want (12 cans), no plastic water bottles or cases of water - bring a reusable bottle, any personal essentials you need, chargers for devices, wrinkle release spray ( there are no irons or steamers allowed on board or provided), sunblock and sunglasses, and anything else specific to you!

What is provided for the training and on board:

• Notebook and pens for notes
• reusable water bottle
• ice water and water refill stations
• all meals are provided including nightly group dinner
• beach/pool towels
• shower towels and linens/pillows/blankets stocked in cabin
• shampoo and body wash
• name tags with keycard holders

When will I get my flight info?

It will be sent directly to your inbox once you respond to the "Flight Preference" email after you're accepted

Will there be transportation provided to and from the Port:

Yes, everyone will meet in baggage claim at the IAH airport and be bused to Galveston together. Buses will depart at 12:30pm and 1:00pm.

The bus will pick up from the Port Monday morning and depart at 8:30am.

Drinking Policy:

If you are over 21, you can drink. The ship follows federal laws. No drugs allowed on board.