FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything parents ask most — about fit, cost, aid, safety, and what your child will actually make.
How old does my child need to be?+
Leaders 4SC is for rising grades 5–9 (about ages 10–14) — upper-elementary through early-high-school students.
Does my child need any experience with debate, writing, or AI?+
No. We teach everything from the ground up. Curiosity and an open mind are all that's required.
Can we sign up for just one week?+
Yes. Each week stands on its own — Speak Up, Make the Case, and Build What's Next don't depend on each other. Many families start with one and add more. Doing two or three weeks saves money and builds a fuller skill set.
What are the dates and hours for 2027?+
The program runs July 12–30, 2027 — Week 1 (Speak Up): July 12–16 · Week 2 (Make the Case): July 19–23 · Week 3 (Build What's Next): July 26–30. Hours are 10:00am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday at Lesley University in Cambridge.
How much does it cost, and what's included?+
$500 per week, $850 for two weeks, or $1,200 for all three. Every week includes a device to use, daily snacks and water, a Friday meal, a t-shirt, and all materials. Optional lunch (Mon–Thu) is $75/week.
Is financial aid really available?+
Yes — generous, need-based aid, and no student is ever turned away for cost. The aid application is its own short, confidential form on the Financial Aid page — separate from program registration — and applying doesn't affect admission.
What will my child actually make?+
A finished project each week: a speech they deliver, an op-ed they can publish, and an AI-powered pitch. Students who attend all three leave with a portfolio.
What's the instructor-to-student ratio?+
At least 1 instructor for every 7 students — small enough that every student gets real attention and personal feedback.
Is this partisan? I'm worried about politics.+
No. We are deliberately non-partisan and cause-agnostic. We don't tell students what to think — we teach them how to reason, listen, and make a fair case. Students of every background and belief are welcome and challenged equally.
Is it stressful or too academic for the summer?+
It's rigorous but designed to feel energizing, not stressful. Students are supported by small groups and encouraging instructors, and the hands-on, discussion-based format keeps it lively.
Do you provide lunch?+
Friday's meal, plus daily snacks and water, are included. For Monday–Thursday, students can bring lunch or add the meal plan for $75/week.
What about AI and screen safety?+
In Week 3, students use accessible AI tools under instructor guidance, and we teach them to think critically about AI's ethics, bias, and limits — not just to use it.
Who teaches the program?+
Educators trained in our curriculum, kept to a 1:7 ratio, and vetted through our background-check process. Leaders 4SC is hosted by Academy 4 Social Civics.
Where exactly is it, and how do we get there?+
Lesley University, Cambridge — steps from Porter Square on the Red Line.
What's your withdrawal/refund policy?+
A $100/week deposit holds your seat and is applied to tuition. Cancel 30+ days out for a full refund minus the deposit; 15–29 days out for 50%; within 14 days or after we start, we handle refunds case by case for medical/family emergencies.
Do you offer any discounts?+
Yes — multi-week bundles save up to $300, plus an Early-Bird discount, a Sibling discount, and a Referral credit. The Early-Bird and Sibling discounts are applied automatically in the portal; referral credits appear once the family you referred enrolls.
My child is shy. Will they be okay?+
Often the shy students get the most out of it. The small groups and supportive setting are built to help reluctant speakers find their voice at their own pace.
Do you offer anything during the school year?+
Yes — Task Force Saturdays, a monthly four-hour session. Summer alumni get 50% off the Full-Year Plan.