The Reagan Ranch High School Frequently Asked Questions

You should arrive during the afternoon on Thursday, February 28 and check-in to the Franciscan Inn. Registration starts at 5:00 p.m. at the Reagan Ranch Center. Shuttle vans will be available from Santa Barbara airport, escorted by a member of our staff (see below).

What time does the conference end?

The conference ends Saturday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. We recommend flights depart on Saturday night, March 1 after 6:30 p.m. Shuttles to the airport will operate starting at about 5:30 p.m. that day. We do not provide a hotel room for Saturday night, so you will need to make your own accommodations if you need to stay Saturday night.

To which airport do I fly?

You should fly to Santa Barbara - SBA airport if possible, or you can arrive at Los Angeles International Airport – LAX and take a 2-hour bus to Santa Barbara through the Santa Barbara Airbus. Another option is to fly to Burbank airport and take Amtrak to Santa Barbara (see below). There is an Amtrak station at the Burbank airport, but this option will add several hours to your arrival.

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

Students will be picked up by a Young America’s Foundation staff member (with a sign) at the baggage claim and will be taken in a shuttle bus to the hotel. The specific times of these shuttles will be determined once students submit their travel information about two weeks before the conference, but they will run on Thursday afternoon, February 28, and Saturday night, March 1. You may have to wait in the airport for the next shuttle to arrive. We will not be able to accommodate you if you arrive or depart at other times.

Can I take the bus?

Yes, Greyhound has buses to downtown Santa Barbara, but they are not within walking distance of the conference. You can take a taxi to the Franciscan Inn from the bus stop.

Can I take the train?

Yes, Amtrak runs trains through Santa Barbara on its Pacific Surfliner route, which spans from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The train station is located right in front of the Reagan Ranch Center, and two blocks from the hotel.

Will there be supervision during the weekend?

Yes, students will be supervised by several staff members who will be chaperones, and stay in the same hotel, for the whole event. Students are expected to behave appropriately or will be told to leave the conference at their own expense. Parents will be sent a waiver form when the conference approaches that describes the rules and expectations.

Will students have free time during the conference?

No, because the event is only two days long. If you wish to tour Santa Barbara, please make your own plans to arrive on Wednesday night or stay through Saturday night and Sunday. Young America’s Foundation only covers your hotel room on Thursday and Friday nights, and you will check out on Saturday morning before the sessions. A luggage storage room will be provided at the hotel.

What does the conference fee include?

The conference fee ($250) includes two nights at the Franciscan Inn, conference tuition, materials, a t-shirt, and meals from Thursday dinner through Saturday lunch.

What is the dress for this conference?

You need to wear business dress to the dinner banquets on Thursday and Friday nights and business casual clothing during the Saturday sessions. Please pack warm, layered clothing for the Reagan Ranch tour as it may be cold on the mountain in February.

What are the activities during the conference?

Thursday night will feature the opening banquet, to which parents and grandparents are invited. Friday morning there will be a tour of the Reagan Ranch, and the rest of the day will feature speakers and question and answer sessions. The conference concludes with sessions on Saturday at the Reagan Ranch Center until 5:00 p.m.

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 your travel information. This packet will also contain parental waiver forms to return prior to your participation. Please feel free to call Roger Custer at 800-USA-1776 or email him if you have any specific questions.

What are the living arrangements?

Students will have three roommates of the same sex for Thursday and Friday night at the Franciscan Inn. The registration form contains a blank in which you can request a roommate, and we will do our best to accommodate those requests.

How many students are expected for the conference?

70 students are expected to attend the conference.

Is there a registration deadline?

No, but we encourage you to apply early, since a waiting list will start once the places are filled.

Are scholarships available?

Yes – a limited number of scholarships are available for students with demonstrable financial need. If interested and qualified, please email a one page essay to Roger Custer, fax it to 703-318-9122, or mail to:

Young America’s Foundation

Attn: Conferences

110 Elden Street

Herndon, VA 20170

In the essay, please indicate why you have financial need so we can consider your request.