Student Information

Who is eligible?

Students entering their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall following the conference are eligible. Incoming 9th Grade, and recently graduated 12th graders are not permitted to attend.

How many students attend?

We plan in advance for at least 45 students. We have space for a maximum of 55 students. Spaces are filled on a first-come first-served basis based on the submission of completed applications.

How many staff members are on site?

We will have at least 4 chaperones that stay overnight with the students in the housing units. Additional staff will be onsite during the day, and various guest speakers and invited dignitaries may also be present at various periods during the conference.

In conjunction with the SDYLC Staff, we invite two former students to return to help with students during the conference. These two student assistants will also stay overnight in the onsite housing.

I have specific Dietary Restrictions,

how will that be handled?

Dining options can vary from facility to facility. Some will be buffet style, others will be caffiteria style, still others will be quick service style. In all cases students will have multiple menu options to choose from. Specific Dietary Restrictions can be noted on your application and we will inform the dining facilities so they can make the necissary arrangements for individual students needs.

You may email us anytime at info@sdylc.org, and we will be happy to assist.

Conference Rules & Policies

Non-Discrimination Policy

The goal of the Joseph H Pendleton YLC, INC, DBA "The San Diego Youth Leadership Conference" (SDYLC) is to provide an atmosphere that is conducive for all students to learn free from discrimination. The SDYLC is strongly opposed to any acts of discrimination or harassment based on actual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability or genetic information, and political beliefs, and will confront and appropriately respond to such acts. Physical abuse, threats of violence, harassment, or any conduct that threatens the health and safety of any person is strictly prohibited. All Conference Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with applicable SDYLC policy, University of San Diego policy, and local, state, and federal laws.

Some conference activities require conference participants to work together in outdoor or physical activities that may involve contact with other participants. These activities will be monitored at all times by conference chaperones and leaders. Any participant who feels that an activity, or contact has crossed a line may approach any chaperone or leader at any time and notify them of their concerns. Chaperones and Leaders will immediately inform the Conference Director to investigate the claims. Any conference participant, parent of a participant, conference visitor, or individual associated with a conference participant or visitor in violation of these policies will be removed from the conference immediately, and the appropriate authorities notified.

What to Bring

  • 4 Sets of general casual clothing (See Dress Code)
  • 1 Pair of comfortable - Closed Toed Shoes
  • Business Casual attire for the award ceremony
  • e.g., dress shirt and slacks, or a modest equivalent
  • Pillow (Optional)
  • Sleeping Bag (Optional)
  • Refillable Water Bottle, if you have one.
  • Any necessary medications as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. Please bring only what you need for the duration of the conference.
  • Toiletries and personal items
  • Photo ID
  • Sunscreen
  • Pens & Pencils
  • Glasses / Sunglasses
  • Phone & Charger
  • Laptop or Tablet

Note: The San Diego Youth Leadership Conference (SDYLC), its staff, agents, volunteers, and representatives have no responsibility for your personal items. Your personal items are your responsibility if they are lost, stolen, or damaged during your participation in the SDYLC Program.

What NOT to Bring

Questionable material including, but not limited to, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, non-prescription drugs, pornography, or like-items.

Code of Conduct

  • "Horseplay," or fighting, is not tolerated; attention and participation are the rule.
  • No knives, firearms, explosives, etc.
  • No alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
  • No questionable material, such as pornography
  • No Inter-Sex mixing within the living spaces
  • No foul language
  • You will follow all directions from the staff
  • You will keep your room and workspaces clean. Leave every space you use cleaner than when you found it.
  • You will treat all USD property that is loaned to you with the utmost respect.
  • No tagging, etching, graffiti, or other destruction of property will be tolerated
  • You will respect all students, staff, presenters, and all others involved directly or indirectly with the Youth Leadership Conference
  • You will be respectful, appropriate, and tactful with all individuals you meet.

Dress Code

  • No midriffs, tank tops, or short shorts may be worn
  • No low-cut tops or jeans
  • No clothing, accessories, belts, or jewelry displaying alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs or look-alikes, sex, illegal substances, or messages promoting violence, unsafe or illegal activity.
  • Clothing must be size-appropriate
  • Pants or Jeans must be worn at the waist. No "sagging" allowed.
  • No hats or covers may be worn indoors, except for religious purposes
  • No see-through clothing
  • No chains or spiked clothing
  • No flip-flops, sandals, or open-toed shoes are allowed
  • No see-through clothing

Housing Accommodations

Housing will be provided for 3 nights during the conference on-site. We will utilize on-campus housing in dorm rooms. Rooms will be gender-separate and there will be no mixing in the living areas. Chaperones will be present to supervise the living areas but will have separate accommodations from the students so there will be no mixing of students & adults in sleeping quarters.


Students will be provided with meals from on-campus dining establishments throughout the conference. Meals will include Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. We will dine as a group during scheduled meal periods.


If students wish, they may bring snacks and drinks or money to purchase such items at vending machines or on-campus markets outside of the provided meals. Please Note: Opportunities are on an "As Available" basis and during scheduled breaks. We cannot guarantee that there will be facilities or vending machines available within our designated spaces. Students will not be permitted to leave designated teaching, dining, and housing areas without permission from conference staff.

Special Note to Parents & Guardians

Any student who violates the San Diego Youth Leadership Conference (SDYLC) rules and policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal from the conference. Parents or guardians will be notified about any actions taken by staff due to a student's inability to abide by conference rules.


If a student is dismissed from the conference a Parent or Guardian will be contacted to have the student picked up immediately. When the Parent or Guardian arrives, they will be allowed to pack up their personal items under the supervision of a staff member and the parent or guardian. The Conference Director will have the final determination for all dismissals.


Students dismissed from the conference because they were unable to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with applicable SDYLC policy, University of San Diego policy, and local, state, and federal laws, will not be eligible for a full or partial refund. Any conference participant, parent of a participant, conference visitor, or individual associated with a conference participant or visitor in violation of these policies will be removed from the conference immediately, and the appropriate authorities notified.