HYLA2026
HIGH SCHOOL SESSIONS
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HIGH SCHOOL SESSIONS °
JUNE 2–6, 2026
A five-day leadership intensive for high school students focused on faith formation, college preparation, public speaking, and community building. Participants will engage in workshops, mentoring conversations, and vocational discernment experiences
The specific gathering location will be shared privately with registered participants.
Nashville, TN
JULY 21–25, 2026
A dynamic experience for high school students integrating leadership skills, civic engagement, and faith-based reflection. Participants will explore how to serve their communities with confidence and purpose.
The specific gathering location will be shared privately with registered participants.
Washington, DC
COLLEGE SESSIONS
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COLLEGE SESSIONS °
AUGUST 11–15, 2026
A leadership and vocational formation space for college students seeking clarity, mentorship, and practical tools for professional and spiritual growth while having fun with other students.
The specific gathering location will be shared privately with registered participants.
Austin, TX
JULY 14–18, 2026
Designed for college students and emerging young leaders, this session centers on leadership development, professional discernment, graduate school preparation, and faith-rooted networking.
The specific gathering location will be shared privately with registered participants.
Chicago, IL
raíces latinas SESSION
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raíces latinas SESSION °
AUGUST 5-9, 2026
A five-day leadership gathering for Latinx and Hispanic seminarians and pastors focused on theological reflection, faith-based community organizing, accompañamiento, and networking.
The specific gathering location will be shared privately with registered participants.
Boston, MA
APPLICATION INFORMATION
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY?
Be an active high school or College student in good academic standing.
Or be active in a local faith ministry (such as a Church or Campus Ministry).
Complete the application Registration Form here.
Complete the required essay questions and submit them via email to hyla.umc@gmail.com. Essay questions and formatting requirements are displayed at the end of this webpage.
Pay the $75.00 USD Application Fee here.
DOES HYLA OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND SESSIONS?
Most applicants receive scholarships for housing and food. Transportation is not covered. Students should apply as soon as possible to ensure eligibility and confirm travel itineraries to us 1 month before the summer sessions.
WHEN is the application due?
The application for each session typically closes 1 month before the scheduled session. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email if you missed the deadline.
WHEN can i expect to hear back after registration?
Once all registration requirements have been completed, you can expect to hear back within 2-3 weeks after your application process.
Please note that applications submitted without all three requirements (Registration Form, Registration Payment Fee, and Essay Reflective Questions) will not be considered completed.
essay questions
Who are you and where do you serve?
(This might include non-religious spaces as well)Share a time when leading or helping others did not go as planned. What did you learn?
What skills would you like to improve or develop during HYLA? Why?
What social issues feel relevant today for you and one community that you belong to?
What talent or gift would you like to share with the HYLA community?
Submission and formatting Guidelines
Submit your reflections as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
Please use Arial or Times New Roman, 12-point, single-spaced, left-aligned.
Each response should be approximately 150–250 words.
At the top of your first page, include:
Your Full Name
City, State
Date (Month Day, Year)
Please, email your document to: hyla.umc@gmail.com with the following Subject line:
HYLA 2026 – [Your Specific Summer Session Intended]– Essay Submission
Include your full name and intended session in the file name:
(Example: Maria_Garcia_HYLA_College_Chicago_Essay.docx).
We encourage you to pray or meditate, reflect, and write from your authentic voice—or, as Howard Thurman would say, from the sound of the genuine within you.
Therefore, we strongly discourage the use of AI tools to generate your reflective essay. There is no such thing as a “perfect” answer for any of these questions—we are looking for sincerity, depth, and thoughtfulness so we can help you in your discernment and learning process.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email. We would love to hear back from you.