What Makes This Boot Camp Different

Entrepreneurship in Action

Built for the children of entrepreneurial parents, this boot camp emphasizes real-world venture thinking over corporate case studies:

• Daily sessions with American corporate, investors, political and entrepreneurial leaders (including Jay Sidhu and other invited YPO experts).
• Visits to growth-oriented businesses and innovation hubs connected to Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute and regional partners.
• A culminating team challenge in which students design and pitch a new venture or solution—potentially in a Shark Tank-style format—receiving feedback from experienced entrepreneurs.
   

AI + Future Skills (With a Conscience)

AI is woven throughout the experience—not as a standalone topic, but as a practical tool and ethical challenge:

• Hands-on labs where students use AI to analyze data, test ideas, and communicate more effectively.
• Discussions on responsible AI use: bias, transparency, privacy, and human impact.
• Work toward an AI-focused micro-credential or certificate (such as a Google-aligned AI certificate), along with an AI-supported digital portfolio capturing projects and reflections.
   

Emotional and Spiritual Maturity Development

Students step back from the noise to reflect on the kind of leaders they want to become. Through guided discussions, daily reflection, mindfulness practices, gratitude exercises, and a service-focused project, they explore:

• What it means to live a happy, constructive, positive life
• How purpose and values shape leadership decisions
• How service to others can strengthen personal wellbeing and perspective

We clearly communicate that religious practices are welcomed and accommodated. Dedicated time and appropriate spaces are available for students who wish to pray or engage in personal spiritual routines.
 

Ethics, Global Citizenship & Experiential Learning

Alvernia is committed to forming ethical leaders who do well and do good:

• Guided preparation and debriefs turn each site visit into a living case study in leadership, risk, and responsibility.
• Students explore questions of power, trust, and impact across government, finance, and entrepreneurship.
• They learn to see themselves as global citizens, able to work across cultures with humility and integrity.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for teens ages 15–20 from YPO families who are:

• Curious about entrepreneurship, AI, and global business
• Ready for a socially and culturally immersive experience abroad
• Interested in leading in family businesses, startups, or public life
• Students who want to strengthen their soft skills—communication, public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving—alongside peers who share ambitious goals.
• While participation is reserved for children of YPO members, each student may register one companion (friend or relative of similar age) to join them, subject to availability.

Program Snapshot

• Program: Never Ever Ever Give Up Global Leadership Boot Camp
• Host: Alvernia University, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
• Eligibility: Teens ages 15–20 from YPO member families (plus one optional companion per student, subject to availability)
• Cohort Size: Capped at 50 students
• Dates: June 14-26, 2026
• Tuition: $7,995 USD
  • Includes: housing, meals, campus programming, domestic group travel for scheduled excursions, activity fees, and graduation events
  • Excludes: international airfare, visa fees, individual spending money, and any independent travel before/after the program
• Language of Instruction: English
• Certificate: Alvernia University certificate of completion; AI-focused micro-credential or certificate (in development)

How to Apply

This boot camp is highly selective in brand and limited in capacity, but the process is straightforward for YPO families.

• Step 1 – YPO Member Registration
  • YPO parents register their teen(s) through the YPO events platform or via the link provided in YPO communications.
• Step 2 – Confirmation & Program Forms
  • Once accepted, families complete health, travel, and consent forms via Alvernia’s secure portal and make a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit.
• Step 3 – Travel Planning & Pre-Departure Briefing
  • Families arrange flights to the designated arrival airport.
  • Students and parents receive a pre-departure guide, packing list, and invitations to optional virtual Q&A sessions.
• Reserve a Spot (YPO Members Only)
  • Spaces are limited to 50 students. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
     

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How selective is the program?

The boot camp is limited to 50 students worldwide and reserved for YPO families (with limited companion spaces). There are no essays or recommendations required, but interest is expected to be strong; early registration is encouraged.

How are wellbeing and faith practices supported?

The program emphasizes wellbeing, purpose, and reflective leadership through mindfulness, gratitude, and service. We also clearly accommodate religious practices by providing appropriate times and spaces for prayer or personal spiritual routines.

Will this help my child with university applications?

Yes. Students leave with a certificate of completion, an AI-supported digital portfolio, and concrete experiences—from high-level site visits to team projects—that can strengthen essays, interviews, and future academic plans.

How safe is the program?

Students are supervised by trained counselors and staff on campus and during all travel. Alvernia provides secure housing, 24/7 on-call support, and structured schedules. Group travel to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City is carefully planned with vetted partners.