National Leadership Council
Teens 8th–12th Grade
(Apply in the fall of your 8th-grade year)
Takeaways
Overview
Overview
Why NLC?
Got Questions?
The 2025 NLC application will open in August.
Dates
Application Window
- The application window is now closed
Program Length
- Grades 9–12
(Apply in the fall of your 8th-grade year)
Rates
Approximately $3,925/year
Includes the following:
- All Class Retreats
- Summer experiences
- Estimated travel
Financial aid is available
The 2025 NLC application will open in August.
Step 1. Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should be entering 8th grade in the fall and be able to abide by the NLC expectations and Community Conduct found in the application instructions.
Step 2. Apply
Complete the National Leadership Council – 2029 Class Application. In addition to collecting basic information, there is a series of essay questions that help us understand your interest in and eligibility for this program. We recommend having your answers ready before filling out this form. (Questions are included in the application instructions.)
The NLC application is now closed.
Step 3. Complete Registration Form
Complete program registration (separate from the application form). You will need the name, phone number, and address of two emergency contacts.
Step 4. Provide References
Share the link below with two adults who can provide a reference for you. One reference from each of the following people is required.
- Core-subject teacher: a teacher who knows your study habits and timeliness (homeschooled teens may choose a coach, troop leader, or family friend who can speak to the teen’s work ethic)
- Sunday School teacher: a teacher you have consistently been in the class with and can speak to your attendance and participation.
Step 5. Interview
NLC staff will contact teens with strong applications to set up an interview. Parents will be invited to join at the end to hear details about the program and for Q&A. We expect to be conducting interviews through November 3, 2024.
Step 6. Complete Follow-up Assignment
After the interview, teens will be emailed a short follow-up assignment. Once this is turned in, the application process is complete.
Acceptance Process
1. Selection Process
After conducting all applicant interviews, NLC staff review each applicant and select those who meet the criteria.
2. Announcement
New classes will be announced via email by November 15, 2024. Those not selected will be notified beforehand.
3. All Class Retreat
Classes will come together for the first time over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in January.
Got Questions?
Helping youth live Christian Science
Meet the Leaders of our current NLC classes. The brief bios below help you to get to know who the amazing people are shepherding our NLC teens.
- All Years
- Class 2025K
- Class 2025U
- Class 2026B
- Class 2026W
- Class 2027J
- Class 2028S
- Class 2028U
- Class 2029P
- Class 2029W
Lizzie Loomis
Class 2025K
Josh Sprague
Class 2025K
Ron Clarke
Class 2025U
Stephanie Maxey
Class 2025U
BK Grimmer
Class 2026B
Brett Grimmer
Class 2026B
Chris Helms
Class 2026W
Kerste Helms
Class 2026W
Lee Adler
Class 2027J
Patti Fox
Class 2027J
Kristen Henley-Hills
Class 2028S
Joe Van Riper
Class 2028S
Carol Barrett
Class 2028U
Dave Garrison
Class 2028U
Allison Abdelnour
Class 2029P
John Abdelnour
Class 2029P
Jason Williams
Class 2029W
Pam Fernandes
Class 2029W
As part of the program, each NLC teen testifies to the effectiveness of Christian Science by writing for the Christian Science Publishing Society (CSPS). Teens submit a piece – with the help of their mentor – that communicates the principles they’re learning. NLC teens have had nearly 200 articles, healings, poems, and audio recordings published in the Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, Daily Lift, and other online media.
NLC Student Articles 2023
Christian Science Sentinel
- “Quitting the complaining committee” by Lily Hoyle, October 10, 2023
- “Worried about your future?” by Savannah Tully, September 18, 2023
- “One summer, two healings” by Merit Brustman, September 4, 2023
- “How could I choose?” by Clara Huffman, August 1, 2023
- “A healing of Covid at camp” by Nicole Nager, July 11, 2023
- “Should I even go on the mountain biking trip?” by Annika Harris, June 27, 2023
- “Healing after a water skiing accident” by Jax Tlustos, June 20, 2023
- “Facing my fears on the mountain” by Quinn Fendon, June 13, 2023
- “If you’re struggling with perfectionism” by Shayla Kelley, June 12, 2023
- “Feeling at home, away from home” by Kate Shipp, June 6, 2023
- “No more menstrual cramps” by Mabel Matteson, April 24, 2023
- “My healing of a wrestling injury” by Cole Christensen, March 28, 2023
- “When I was doubting myself” by Logan Cadey, March 27, 2023
- “A gift for my community” by Christi Whitehead, February 13, 2023
- “I was able to play soccer again” by Lincoln Benson, January 30, 2023
NLC Leader Articles
Christian Science Journal
2028U Class
- “Miscarriage averted” by Carol Lawson Barrett, August 2000
2028S Class
- “Healing of snakebite” by Kristen Henley-Hills, December 2018
2027J Class
- “A business turnaround through prayer” by Lee Adler, May 24, 2021
- “Teachable moments” by Patti Fox, December 31, 2012
- “Everything fell into place” by Patti Fox, March 19, 2001
2025K Class
- “Daniel's real job, and ours” by Joshua Sprague, August 2024
- “Severe chest pains overcome” by Joshua Sprague, December 2021
- “Poetry and punk” by Joshua Sprague, January 1, 2000
2024A Class
- “Breathing problems healed” by Doug Brown, May 27, 2019
- “Chronic sore healed” by Doug Brown, October 25, 2015
- “Our sailing adventure” by Doug Brown, May 22, 2013
- “A spiritual investment in our life savings” by Doug Brown, April 19, 2010
- “The call of the wild” by Doug Brown, March 2005
- “Thanksgiving blessings” by Doug Brown, November 25, 2002
- “Progress: taking our cue from the Scriptures” by Doug Brown, February 7, 2000
- “A prayer for a voyage” by Doug Brown, November 15, 1999
- “God guides every event of our career” by Doug Brown, Becky O’Sullivan, Eric Nager, Clarence Head, November 29, 1998
- “Reconciliation in the workplace” by Doug Brown, November 10, 1997
2023S Class
- “Good salespeople” by Trevor Yates, November 2023
- “My daughter had confidence enough for both of us” by Trevor Yates, July 14, 2021
- “Spiritual growth clears up annoyance and pride” by Trevor Yates, November 4, 2019
- “A dad-to-be takes his cue from Joseph” by Trevor Yates, October 10, 2011
- “Layoffs, freedom and purpose” by Trevor Yates, April 16, 2003
- “All ages helped by children’s article” by Trevor Yate, July 2003
All Class Retreat
WHAT IS ACR?
Each January, all NLC participants for a long weekend at Principia College at the All Class Retreat (ACR). It’s a time to celebrate the graduating classes, welcome the new classes, and to connect in person.
WHO CAN ATTEND
- NLC teens (attendance required)
- Mentors (attendance optional; graduating mentors strongly encouraged!)
- Parents of graduating NLC teens
For mentors who can't attend and family members whom we can't accommodate in person, we offer several events virtually: the inspirational talk, keynote address, award ceremony + NLC in Action videos, and the graduation ceremony.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
ACR registration includes all meals and housing for the weekend. Parents and mentors are housed by class in the historic Maybeck houses on Principia College campus with bedding provided. Teens are housed with their class and will need to bring a sleeping bag. The guesthouse is not available this weekend, so dorm rooms will be assigned as participants register. Local families are encouraged to fully commit to the weekend by staying at the college.