NSLC Chicago Day Programs at Northwestern University

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Chicago Day Programs provide high school students with immersive, non-residential career exploration experiences at Northwestern University. These commuter-based programs offer students the opportunity to explore professional fields in Medicine, Business, and Engineering through hands-on workshops, experiential learning activities, and interactions with industry professionals. Programs run in both morning sessions (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and afternoon sessions (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM), allowing students to attend single focused programs or combine multiple sessions to explore different career paths.

Each program incorporates NSLC’s signature leadership curriculum, teaching essential skills in networking, communication, conflict resolution, and goal-setting that apply across all career fields and life situations. Students engage in specialized workshops and labs tailored to their chosen career focus, gaining foundational knowledge and practical skills. Guest speakers from various professional fields provide real-world perspectives and insider expertise, helping students understand what careers in their areas of interest truly entail.

The programs are designed for students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership ability. Students must be between ages 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school. Tuition covers course materials, academic expenses, program activities, and any off-campus trips and transportation during the program. Students are responsible for their daily commute to and from Northwestern University, meals (with optional pre-paid lunch available for students attending both AM and PM sessions), and personal spending money. The programs offer flexible monthly payment plans and scholarship opportunities for students demonstrating financial need.