National Conservative Student Conference FAQ

You should arrive between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 3. The conference starts at approximately 5:00 p.m. at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Parking is provided if you plan to drive, but you will need to notify the conference director prior to the conference.

What time does the conference end?

We recommend flights depart between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 9. You may depart in your car at any time that morning and breakfast will be provided.

What is included with my fee?

Almost everything is included in your registration costs, such as your food (three meals per day), housing (6 nights in the dorms), tuition (speakers, conference binder, notepads, pens, etc), and other related costs. While books are sometimes provided, most are sold at the conference, so you will need extra money if you plan to purchase the speakers’ books to have signed.

How much extra money should I bring?

This depends on what you do because some students go out every night while others prefer not to. We advise that you bring some spending money for books that can be signed by the speakers. You will also need about $40 for transportation to and from the airport if you fly. Bring extra money if you anticipate going out frequently.

To which airport do I fly?

You should fly to Washington – Reagan National Airport because it is closest to the conference site, but you can also arrive at Washington – Dulles International Airport which is further from the conference site. Taxis are expensive from both airports, so you should use public transportation. More information about the specific options will come in the mail before the conference but the Metro is safe and inexpensive.

How will I get to and from the airport and the conference?

We do not provide students with transportation to and from the airport for this conference, but it is simple to arrive at The George Washington University via Metro. More information and directions will be sent to you when the conference approaches.

What if I take the bus or the train?

Students can arrive at Union Station in Washington, D.C. and take the Metro to the conference site. More information will come when the conference approaches.

What are the activities during the conference?

During the day, you will listen to speakers and participate in question and answer sessions. One day, you will also attend a White House Complex briefing, held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The evenings will feature dinner banquets. Following the dinners, we host informal bull sessions where you can chat into the night with some of the speakers and other students.

Will I have free time during the conference?

You will not have much free time in Washington since we provide you with a comprehensive program. You are free in the evenings after dinner (at about 10 p.m.) and many students go out and enjoy the town at that time each night. If you wish to have more free time in Washington, we encourage you to come early or stay late, but unfortunately the Foundation cannot make these arrangements for you.

Can I stay in the dorm extra nights before or after the conference?

Yes, but you must make your own arrangements with The George Washington University's summer housing division or stay at a hotel. A nice hotel near the conference site is the George Washington University Inn, which can be reached at (800) 426-4455. A less expensive hotel in downtown Washington is the Hotel Harrington which can be reached at (800) 424-8532. Young America’s Foundation is only responsible for your accommodations during the specified times (Sunday-Friday nights).

What are the living arrangements?

Students will have one or more roommates of the same sex for the week in a dormitory at The George Washington University. The registration form allows you to request up to 3 roommates, and we will do our best to accommodate those requests. Linens are provided, although some people prefer to bring their own as the provided linens are small. Each room has its own bathroom.

How many students are expected for the conference?

More than 200 full-time students are expected to attend the conference from all over the country, and hundreds of Washington-area interns will also join us for the dinner banquets.

Is there a registration deadline?

No, but we encourage you to apply early since a waiting list will start once our capacity is reached. Also, the fee goes from $325 to $375 on June 1. The last day to register is July 18, assuming the capacity is not reached.

Are scholarships available?

Yes – a limited number of scholarships are available for students with demonstrable financial need. In an essay, please indicate why you have financial need and why you would like to attend the program so we can consider your request. If interested and qualified, please send a one page essay to Roger at rcuster@yaf.org or to:

Young America’s Foundation

Attn: Conferences

110 Elden Street

Herndon, VA 20170

What if I have other questions?

You will receive information in the mail when the conference gets closer about what to wear, what to expect, what is on the schedule, and how to arrive at the conference site. Also feel free to contact Roger Custer at (800) USA-1776 or via email with any other questions you have.