What is the University Presidential Inaugural Conference? The University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC) offers alumni of the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF), the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) and the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) and members of select honors societies the opportunity to take part in and personally witness the historic event of the presidential inauguration and challenges students to greatly enhance their understanding of a presidential campaign.
Who participates in the University Presidential Inaugural Conference? Qualifications to attend the University Presidential Inaugural Conference are strict, as it is held exclusively for alumni of the National Youth Leadership Forum, the Congressional Youth Leadership Council and the International Scholar Laureate Program and members of select honors societies. Inaugural Scholars must be enrolled in a post-secondary program at the time they attend the University Presidential Inaugural Conference.
What does the University Presidential Inaugural Conference tuition cover? Tuition covers the expenses incurred by UPIC in planning and implementing the program. Included in the tuition costs are events and activities, accommodations for four nights, two meals per day, transportation when needed during the Conference to planned events and activities, hotel tips and taxes and group insurance as detailed below.
- TRANSPORTATION: Inaugural Scholars are responsible for their own travel to and from the Washington, D.C. area. Motor coach shuttle service between Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the Conference location will be provided on arrival and departure days. Transportation by motor coach to and from all Conference events and activities when needed is also included.
- ACCOMMODATIONS: Inaugural Scholars will stay at three- and four-star hotels conveniently located in the Northwest section of Washington, D.C. The hotels are just minutes from the Metro station, National Zoo, Georgetown, White House, Capitol Hill, Smithsonian Institution museums and other popular attractions.
- MEALS: Two meals per day —breakfast and lunch— are provided throughout the Conference. Inaugural Scholars are responsible for their own dinners.
- TIPS AND TAXES: All tips and taxes levied by conference hotels are included.
- GROUP INSURANCE: Group health and emergency health coverage is included in the tuition for the duration of the Conference.
Does the University Presidential Inaugural Conference offer financial assistance? UPIC is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to students through grants from the UPIC Endowment Fund. Through the scholarship program, UPIC opens the door for young leaders who deserve the opportunity to participate in UPIC but who require financial assistance.
Because UPIC scholarship funds are limited, we have created a fundraising guide [PDF, 178K] to help offset tuition costs. UPIC's fundraising guide helps students secure support from their local business, civic, community and leadership organizations to finance conference participation.
Where will I stay? Inaugural Scholars will stay at three- and four-star hotels conveniently located in the Northwest section of Washington, D.C. The hotels are just minutes from the Metro station, National Zoo, Georgetown, White House, Capitol Hill, Smithsonian Institution museums and other popular attractions.
What safety measures does UPIC follow?
- UPIC staff members are on hand to greet students at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Private motor coach service is provided to and from the conference site.
- We only allow single-sex hotel rooms.
- The student-to-staff ratio is 25-to-1.
- Our staff is comprised of highly trained and experienced educators.
- Students must go through all appropriate security measures in place at all of the site visits.
- Private buses are used for all conference activities when needed.
Once I have submitted my Enrollment Application and tuition payment, what happens? Is a space guaranteed? As this is a historic event occurring only once every four years, available space is extremely limited. Enrollments are processed strictly in order of receipt. Students who are selected to attend are strongly encouraged to enroll early in order to confirm their space and have ample time to make appropriate arrangements. To enroll online click here, or complete and return the Enrollment Application you received in the mail.
Can special dietary needs be met? Vegetarian options are always available, and kosher meals can be made available upon request. Please contact the Office of Admissions to discuss any special arrangements that need to be made.
The documents on this page are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. To download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader software, click here.