Is the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment legit?

Hey everyone, I recently found out about the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment, and it seems like an amazing opportunity. But I'm not sure if it's a legitimate and respected program. Can anyone share experiences or thoughts about it? I'd really appreciate it!

Hi there! The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) is indeed a legitimate program. It's a week-long event held at George Mason University in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the National Zoo. The summit aims to expose high school students to environmental conservation and leadership principles, as well as provide opportunities for networking and hands-on learning experiences.

While WYSE is a great opportunity to learn about environmental issues and engage with like-minded students, it's important to note that it's a paid program, and so may not carry the same weight in college admissions as more selective, free or low-cost programs. Participation in WYSE alone likely won't boost your college application, but if you're genuinely passionate about environmental conservation, it could serve as a stepping stone to explore and grow your interest further.

If you decide to attend the summit, remember that the value you gain from it will depend on how much you actively engage and commit to the experience. Take advantage of the resources, make connections, and consider how you can build on the experience afterward, whether by taking a leadership role in environmental clubs at your school, launching your own initiative, or simply sharing your gained knowledge with others.

In summary, WYSE is a legitimate program that can provide valuable experiences and knowledge. However, it's ultimately up to you to make the most out of it and leverage what you learn in a meaningful way in your future pursuits, as the program on its own is unlikely to make much of a difference in college admissions. If you'd like to instead pursue more prestigious programs related to the environment that could have a bigger impact on your chances, you can find a list of reputable ones on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/environmental-internships-for-high-school-students/.

Best of luck with your environmental pursuits!