Who can apply to the Young Leaders Institute?
High school students from anywhere in the U.S. are encouraged to apply for the Young Leaders Institute virtual sessions as long as they can meet the time commitments required. YLI 2021: Social Justice and Civic Engagement will take place at the Asia Society Texas Center building and only accept students who can attend in-person. While there are no age limitations, students must be in high school in Fall 2021.

Is there a GPA requirement?
There is no GPA requirement. Applications will be evaluated holistically, with emphasis on strong essay answers.

Do I need to have completed specific coursework?
No specific coursework or prior interest in foreign policy, international relations, or international business is necessary. The Young Leaders Institute welcomes students from all backgrounds and interests.

What will students need to participate in the Institute?
For virtual sessions, students will need to have reliable access to the Internet and a webcam to receive the full benefits of the Young Leaders Institute. Additionally, students will need to commit to the full session  time, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central daily. For the in-person session, students will need to have reliable transportation to and from the Asia Society Texas Center building in Houston's Museum District, where the Institute will be held 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. daily.

How do I apply?
Interested students must submit an online application, which includes two short essays. Letters of recommendation, additional writing samples, or admission interviews are not required for application or acceptance to the Institute.

When is the deadline for applications?
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until midnight on Monday, March 29, 2021. Spots are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission.

Can I apply to more than one session?
Yes. Students may apply to one, two, or all three sessions of the Young Leaders Institute simply by selecting the sessions they are interested in on the application form. Note that YLI 2021: Social Justice and Civic Engagement is in-person and will take place onsite at Asia Society Texas Center in Houston's Museum District.

Can I submit my application after the posted deadline?
If the Institute is full at the March 29 deadline, applications will be closed and no further applications will be accepted. In the event that spots remain open in the Institute, a deadline extension will be determined and publicly updated on the Asia Society website.

How do I check the status of my application? When will I hear if I have been accepted?
Following the submission of the online application form, students will be contacted individually only if additional information is required. Acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis. If students have specific questions regarding their application, they may email TXYLI@asiasociety.org.

What does the Young Leaders Institute cost?
It is free to apply! Upon acceptance into the Institute, a nonrefundable participation fee (per session) will be due to guarantee placement: $60 for Asia Society members, $75 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated need.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Payment can be made via credit card or over the phone with Asia Society's Guest Services team: 713.496.9901. Additional details will be sent with the acceptance email.

Are there scholarships available?
Need-based scholarships are available. Students who indicate interest in a scholarship on their application form will receive additional instructions with their acceptance email on how to provide the required information to demonstrate need.

What if I cannot attend a YLI session after being accepted?
Please inform us as soon as possible if you can no longer attend a YLI session that you have been accepted into, by emailing TXYLI@asiasociety.org. Participation fees, once paid, are nonrefundable.

• Capacity has been reduced for each in-person session. ExploreAsia camps will not exceed 50 percent capacity. One virtual ExploreAsia camp option is available for families interested in virtual programming, and two virtual YLI sessions are available for students who wish to apply.
• Students will be screened each morning with temperature checks.
• Camp space will be arranged with social distancing guidelines and procedures in place.
• All Asia Society staff and volunteers will wear masks and be screened daily in accordance with Asia Society Texas Center's health and safety policy.
• All students will be required to wear a mask.
• Access to camp spaces will be limited to students and Asia Society staff and volunteers. All drop-off and pick-up for students will take place curbside at the building's front entrance to maintain the integrity of our camp spaces. Those dropping off or picking up will be required to wear masks.
• Camp games and activities will occur in camp-specific places. Students will visit the exhibition gallery when the building is closed to other visitors.
• Camp spaces will undergo a thorough daily cleaning, with supplies sanitized as they are used.