Kite Leadership Program

Eligibility and Participation Criteria

At the Kite Leadership Program, we invite teens within the eligible age range to apply for this transformative experience. The following criteria are designed to ensure a safe, engaging, and meaningful program for all participants. While our goal is inclusivity, it’s essential to identify the foundational requirements for participation.

The Kite Leadership Program is not a therapeutic or behavioral program and cannot accommodate participants seeking outcomes related to mental health treatment or behavior modification. Applications are carefully reviewed to align with these criteria, and additional documentation or information may be requested during the screening process to confirm eligibility. Failure to disclose relevant medical or personal history may result in application denial, additional fees, or removal from the program.

General Eligibility Requirements

1. Self-Sufficiency in Personal Care

  • Participants must independently manage daily personal care, including self-administration of medications or treatments. This includes maintaining mental health and self-care routines while away from home and regular professional support.

2. Health and Well-Being

  • Applicants with chronic illnesses, psychiatric conditions, behavioral challenges, or certain disabilities may require additional screening to determine program suitability. Supporting documentation, medical clearance, or consistent independent stability (e.g., for 12 months prior to the program) may be required.

  • Any changes in medical or personal history must be promptly communicated.

3. Support and Approvals

  • Physician clearance is required for all participants, and parental or guardian approval is mandatory for applicants under 18 years of age.

4. Adaptability and Mindset

  • Participants must demonstrate openness to new experiences and a commitment to being inclusive, engaged, respectful, and communicative in diverse environments.

  • The ability to handle ambiguity, manage cultural differences, and adapt to changing circumstances is essential.

5. Environmental and Physical Readiness

  • Ability to manage environmental challenges such as changes in climate, altitude, diet, time zones, and technology access (e.g., limited or no phone use).

  • Participants should be capable of walking unassisted for up to one mile, carrying up to 40 pounds, and following detailed instructions in English.

6. Independence and Travel Readiness

  • Participants must be willing to travel independently to and from the program’s location, including navigating airports and flights. (Unaccompanied minor services may be available through airlines if needed.)

7. Code of Conduct

  • All participants must agree to the Kite Leadership Program’s Code of Conduct, comply with local laws, and adhere to program rules.

  • Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including potential dismissal from the program at the participant’s or their guardian’s expense.

By adhering to these criteria, the Kite Leadership Program aims to provide a supportive and enriching experience for every participant. If you have any questions or concerns about the criteria, please contact our team for clarification.

Kite Global Leadership Program Safeguarding Policy

At the Kite Global Leadership Program, we are dedicated to promoting the well-being and rights of children and vulnerable individuals, ensuring they are not harmed, exploited, or abused during their participation in our programs. This Safeguarding Policy is designed for use across all Kite programs, and all staff—both permanent and seasonal—are required to familiarize themselves with its contents.

Our team members are trained as mandated reporters, equipped to escalate any sensitive issues that may impact a participant’s safety to the leadership team. Each case is handled with care, and local agencies are involved when necessary.

This policy aligns with seven key standards adapted from global child protection best practices to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. These standards outline the expectations and actions needed to create a safe environment and are regularly evaluated to ensure effectiveness.

Standard 1: Policies and Procedures to Prevent Harm

Kite is committed to fostering a culture of safety and reducing risks through measures such as:

  • Safe recruitment and hiring practices.

  • Program-specific staff policies.

  • A code of conduct for students.

  • Vetting service projects and activities for safety, ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Standard 2: Enforcing Policies During Programs

The dignity, rights, and physical integrity of adolescents must always be respected, protected, and nurtured. Everyone involved in the program has a responsibility to uphold the basic rights of children, as defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This policy ensures that all program participants, both staff and students, adhere to guidelines that prevent abuse and avoid behaviors that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate.

Standard 3: Clear Reporting Procedures

Kite maintains that the safety and well-being of adolescents and vulnerable individuals are paramount. If abuse is suspected or known, staff must act immediately by reporting to an appropriate supervisor, following legal and organizational procedures. Decisions about next steps are managed by designated supervisors.

Standard 4: Ongoing Staff Training and Education

Proper training in safeguarding is essential to ensure that all staff, whether permanent or seasonal, are well-prepared to address child protection issues. All personnel will receive necessary training, including sessions on harassment and supervision policies. Experts in safeguarding will be engaged to lead this training.

Standard 5: Communicating the Safeguarding Policy

Kite ensures that all stakeholders, including staff, students, and external agencies, are aware of this Safeguarding Policy. Effective communication methods—such as briefings, emails, newsletters, and formal training—are used to ensure accessibility and understanding of the policy.

Standard 6: Providing Advice and Support

We recognize the challenges of addressing child abuse and the importance of accessible support systems. Seasonal staff will ensure that students know where to seek help or report concerns, as outlined in the program manual. Reporting structures are in place to provide students and staff with the support they need, either anonymously or in person.

Standard 7: Regular Evaluation and Improvement

Kite is committed to continuous improvement of its Safeguarding Policy. Annual reviews and data collection will assess the policy’s effectiveness. Post-program evaluations will help identify any issues that arise and inform updates to policies and practices.

To ensure transparency and engagement, the following methods will be used to communicate and evaluate the policy:

  • Briefings, meetings, and newsletters.

  • Surveys, focus groups, and formal feedback mechanisms.

  • Data analysis and case reviews.

Code of Conduct for All Participants

While participating in the KITE Global Leadership Program, participants are expected to act respectfully, uphold the mission and values of the program, and prioritize personal and group safety. Below are the guidelines all participants are required to follow:

Supervision

  • Participants must remain with the group or a Program Staff member at all times unless explicitly permitted to move freely in a predefined area with another participant.

  • Unauthorized departure from the group, whether at the home base or out in the community, is prohibited and may result in removal from the program.

  • Participants who need to stay back at the home base must notify Program Staff to ensure appropriate support.

Personal Safety & Wellbeing

  • Participants are responsible for their safety, including taking prescribed medications, staying hydrated, wearing culturally appropriate attire, and reporting any concerns to Program Staff.

  • Respectful listening and adherence to safety guidelines are required at all times.

No Tolerance Policy on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs

  • Possession, use, or sale of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is strictly prohibited, regardless of local laws or participant age. Violation may result in immediate expulsion.

  • Program Staff reserve the right to search belongings if possession of prohibited items is suspected.

Weapons and Body Alterations

  • Knives, weapons, and lighters are not permitted. Souvenirs requiring parental consent will be held by staff until departure.

  • Tattoos and piercings are not to be obtained during the program, unless the participant is 18+ years.

Sex, Sexual Acts, and Harassment

  • Participants must refrain from sexual acts or inappropriate behavior, including public displays of affection or actions that violate others’ safety or local cultural norms.

  • Harassment, intimidation, or sexually explicit behavior is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action or removal.

Water Safety

  • Participants may swim only under adult supervision and must follow lifeguard or staff instructions. Unauthorized swimming or water sports are not allowed and Kite Leadership is not responsible for injuries or fatalities that are a result of not adhering to this rule.

Cell Phone Use

  • Phones are allowed but may only be used outside of program times, unless used for activities. Repeated violations of phone-use policies may result in confiscation or removal from the program.

Respect for Local Cultural Norms

  • Participants must follow guidance on culturally appropriate behavior and dress to maintain positive relationships with the local community.

Respect for Others

  • All participants must exhibit decency, civility, and tolerance toward peers and staff. Bullying, harassment, or disruptive behavior is prohibited and may result in removal from the program.

Commitment to the Program

  • Active participation in all activities is required, and service hours may be reduced for non-compliance with the program’s Code of Conduct.

Additional Code of Conduct for Gap Year Participants (Ages 18–21)

As young adults, Gap Year participants are expected to adhere to a higher standard of independence and accountability while recognizing that their actions have consequences. The following expectations apply specifically to this group:

Accountability for Actions

  • KITE will not be responsible for the consequences of participants’ actions outside program supervision or violation of this Code of Conduct. Participants engaging in unsafe, disrespectful, or illegal behavior will be removed from the program without reimbursement.

Behavior and Program Alignment

  • Participants must act in alignment with the program’s mission and values. Any behavior deemed unsafe, disrespectful, or harmful to the group or local community may result in immediate removal.

No Tolerance for Risky Behavior

  • Gap Year participants are prohibited from engaging in risky behavior, including but not limited to:

    • Possession or consumption of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.

    • Unsafe travel or abandonment of the group.

    • Involvement in illegal activities, even if allowed by local laws.

Removal from Program

  • KITE reserves the right to expel participants from the program at their family’s or personal expense if their behavior compromises the safety, well-being, or reputation of the program.

Respect for Program and Community

  • Gap Year participants must demonstrate maturity and respect in all interactions with peers, staff, and the local community. They are expected to act as role models for younger participants.

By participating in the KITE Global Leadership Program, all participants agree to uphold the above Code of Conduct. Violation of these guidelines may result in immediate removal at the sole discretion of Program Staff.

Commitment to Respect, Representation, and Community

At the Kite Leadership Program, we believe inspiring the next generation of leaders begins with fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and respected.

For our participants, team members, and the communities we collaborate with, representation means ensuring diverse perspectives are included and celebrated. Equity involves providing fair opportunities and support tailored to individual needs, while building community is about cultivating spaces where all voices are welcomed and appreciated.

The Kite Leadership Program invites youth from around the world to join our initiatives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nationality, or any other defining characteristic.

As a program committed to shaping globally-minded leaders, we understand the power of meaningful connections across cultures. True leadership grows from empathy, open dialogue, and the ability to embrace differences while fostering mutual understanding and trust.

Respect is a core value that guides all our interactions—whether between participants, mentors, or the communities we serve. It means honoring diverse viewpoints, appreciating unique experiences, and working together to build a future that is inclusive, compassionate, and united.

This commitment is central to the Kite Leadership Program’s mission, and we pledge to continue empowering young leaders to create a more interconnected and respectful community.

Lodging Policy

The Kite Leadership Program prioritizes the safety and comfort of all participants by offering inclusive and supportive lodging arrangements during our programs.

Participants will primarily stay at designated Kite Program lodging locations. Depending on the country, this can be more than one location.

Room assignments are made based on the gender identity participants share with us during the enrollment process.

For participants whose gender identity does not align with traditional categories, we are committed to having conversations to understand their preferences and ensure a rooming arrangement that feels most comfortable for them, this could mean a private room which will be an additional fee.

We encourage participants and families to communicate specific lodging needs or preferences so we can create the best possible experience for everyone.

Program staff maintain the discretion to modify room assignments as needed to address logistical needs, room layouts, or group dynamics. While we strive to meet individual lodging preferences, certain constraints associated with international travel or group housing may limit our ability to fulfill every request.

Participants are expected to remain in their designated rooms and may only enter other rooms with explicit approval from program staff.

Kite Program Refund Policy

We understand that plans may change, and we want to provide clear and fair guidelines for cancellations and refunds across all Kite Leadership programs. Below are the refund policies and deadlines for our 2025 program dates.

Summer 2025 (June to August):

  • For programs starting June 2 to June 15, 2025 (2-Week programs):
     
      • Cancellation by February 28, 2025: 100% of tuition (minus the application fee) is refundable.

      • Cancellation from March 1 to April 30, 2025: 50% of tuition (minus the $600 deposit and application fee) is refundable. Alternatively, 50% of tuition and the $600 deposit can be transferred to another program in 2025 or 2026.

      • Cancellation after April 30, 2025: No tuition or application fees are refundable. In cases of medical or emergency circumstances, we recommend using travel insurance. Special consideration for partial credit towards a future program may be requested.

 

  • For programs starting June 9 to June 23, 2025 (2-Week programs):

    • Cancellation by March 1, 2025: 100% of tuition (minus the application fee) is refundable.

    • Cancellation from March 2 to April 30, 2025: 50% of tuition (minus the $600 deposit and application fee) is refundable. Alternatively, 50% of tuition and the $600 deposit can be transferred to another program in 2025 or 2026.

    • Cancellation after April 30, 2025: No tuition or application fees are refundable. In cases of medical or emergency circumstances, we recommend using travel insurance. Special consideration for partial credit towards a future program may be requested.

 

  • For programs starting June 16 to July 13, 2025 (4-Week programs):

    • Cancellation by March 15, 2025: 100% of tuition (minus the application fee) is refundable.

    • Cancellation from March 16 to May 15, 2025: 50% of tuition (minus the $600 deposit and application fee) is refundable. Alternatively, 50% of tuition and the $600 deposit can be transferred to another program in 2025 or 2026.

    • Cancellation after May 15, 2025: No tuition or application fees are refundable. In cases of medical or emergency circumstances, we recommend using travel insurance. Special consideration for partial credit towards a future program may be requested.

 

  • For programs starting June 30 to July 27, 2025 (2-Week and 4-Week programs):

    • Cancellation by April 1, 2025: 100% of tuition (minus the application fee) is refundable.

    • Cancellation from April 2 to May 15, 2025: 50% of tuition (minus the $600 deposit and application fee) is refundable. Alternatively, 50% of tuition and the $600 deposit can be transferred to another program in 2025 or 2026.

    • Cancellation after May 15, 2025: No tuition or application fees are refundable. In cases of medical or emergency circumstances, we recommend using travel insurance. Special consideration for partial credit towards a future program may be requested.

Additional 2025 Program Dates (South Korea, Mongolia, Puerto Rico, Germany, and 8-Week Programs):

For programs with dates other than those listed above, please refer to the relevant cancellation timeline based on their start dates. Please contact our team at service@kiteleadershipprogram.com for further details.

Refund Policy Details (Terms & Conditions)

  1. All payments are subject to the refund policy in effect on the date the payment is received.
  2. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to the Kite Leadership Program for processing.
  3. Refunds are calculated based on the date we receive the cancellation notification.
  4. If the Kite Leadership Program is unable to accept a student into a program, all payments excluding the application fee will be refunded.
  5. The application fee (typically $100-250) is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  6. If full tuition has been paid on time and cancellation occurs at least 60 days before the program start date, you may opt for a tuition credit (excluding the application fee) to use in 2025 or 2026, instead of a refund.
  7. The Kite Leadership Program reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. Any modifications will be effective immediately upon public posting.

Force Majeure:

If a program is canceled, postponed, or altered due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, government action, or other uncontrollable circumstances, Kite Leadership Program will aim to transfer students to another available program. If no alternative program is available, families will receive credit for a future program, which may be transferred to a sibling or friend. In some instances, partial refunds may be issued depending on the scale of the situation. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

Program Withdrawal:

Once enrolled, no refunds will be issued if a student leaves the program early for personal reasons, behavioral issues, or health concerns. If a student leaves the program early, their removal is final, and no refund will be issued.

Students are expected to treat all facilities and program materials with care. Participants will be held responsible for reimbursing Kite Leadership Program for any damage, loss, or destruction caused by their actions.

 

Note: Exceptions to this refund policy cannot be made. Travel insurance is highly recommended to safeguard your investment.