2012 EIL Applications are available!

Are you interested in traveling abroad and learning about new cultures? If so, you are invited to apply to the Experiment in International Living (EIL).

EIL is a challenging yet rewarding, three-five week summer abroad program that combines a cross-cultural orientation and homestay with a focus on cultural immersion and thematic exploration. The program immerses students into a new culture where they have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate across cultural, national, racial and linguistic borders while also engaging in day-to-day activities with a host family.

 Themes that EIL programs explore include: language training, ecology, community service, regional issues, theater, the arts, cooking, sustainable development/fair trade and/or photography.

If you are interested in applying to EIL this year, please contact Mr. Cotton for an application.

Upcoming STEM forum: February 25, 2012 at SEED Public Charter School!

 On Saturday, February 25, 2012 from noon-2pm, the Pursuing A Dream Corporation will be hosting a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) forum at SEED Public Charter School. The forum is an exciting opportunity for students from all grade levels – from middle school to college – to hear from speakers who will discuss the advantages of pursuing STEM degrees and careers.

The forum is open to the public and there will be free food, prizes and a celebration of African American’s contributions to the STEM arena. Students and parents are encouraged to attend the forum and the first ten (10) people to register will receive a free gift from Dave and Busters!

The panelists listed below have been confirmed for the February 25 forum. If you have any questions about the forum, please contact the Pursuing a Dream Corporation at (240) 838-4013.

 Panelists:

Dr. Mescheca Bunyon, Optometrist

Dr. Lauren Davidson, Veterinarian

Dr. William Gordon, Biology

Dr. Vernon Morrison, Environmental Sciences

Marcietta Washington, Engineering

Scholarships available for rising seniors to travel to Israel: Scholarship includes airfare, meals and tuition!

 

 

 The DC Chapter of the American Technion Society is proud to announce that three (3) Madaras SciTech Scholarships are currently available!

These scholarships will be provided to qualified DC area rising seniors who have an interest in science and in visiting Israel to attend the SciTech 2012 summer program at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.

The SciTech program will run from July 23 – August 16, 2012 and combines hands-on scientific research with a summer program that includes a rich assortment of cultural and social activities. The program brings together students from across the world and participants will have the opportunity to utilize Technion’s stellar facilities to work on projects.

 The Madaras SciTech Scholarships will cover: tuition, fees, airfare, use of Technion research and recreation facilities, dormitory accommodations, meals, health insurance and the cost of all excursions – 

a value of $5,100!

Students of all religious and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please submit the standard SciTech application to Irv Elenberg by February 1, 2012. The application forms can be downloaded from the SciTech website or you can contact Mr. Cotton for the forms.

For more information about the scholarships,

please contact Irv Elenberg at (301) 654-4773.

Bank of America's Student Leader Program - Applications are due January 25, 2012!

 Are you a high school junior or senior who is committed to making a positive impact in the community? Apply to Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program.

As a Bank of America Student Leader, you will participate in an all-expense paid week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC in July, 2012. This leadership development program will provide you with valuable perspectives on civic, social and business partnerships as positive forces of change within our communities.

In addition to the week-long summit, Student Leaders will be granted an eight-week paid summer internship at a local nonprofit. To be considered as a Student Leader, you must:

Currently be a junior or senior in high school

Be able to participate in the week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July)

Be able to participate in an 8-week paid internship at a local charitable organization

Be a student in good standing at his/her school

Student Leader

Be legally authorized to work in the US

The combination of your summer internship experience at a nonprofit and leadership development through the Bank of America Student Leadership Summit will develop your skills and strengthen your understanding of how to build on your commitment to improving your community. Interested applicants can apply to be a Student Leader by visiting:  

http://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_login.login?x_gm_id=1499&x_proposal_type_id=995 and creating an account.

Applications are due January 25, 2012!

Women in Engineering DREAM Conference: February 2012!

 

On Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 9am-2:30pm, the Women in Engineering (WIE) Program at the University of Maryland will be hosting the 2012 WIE DREAM (Developing Revolutionary Engineers And Mentors) Conference!

The WIE Dream Conference provides a forum to reach out to students and share the wonderful innovations, applications and opportunities that engineering has to offer. 500 WIE Dream Conference participants will be welcomed to the University of Maryland campus for a series of workshops, forums, demonstrations and discussions that will truly ignite student's interest in engineering.

The conference is FREE and while ALL high school students are welcomed, the target audience is current high school sophomores and juniors. Community college students, teachers and parents are also invited.

Students who are interested in registering for the WIE DREAM Conference can fill out the online registration form. Please visit http://wie.umd.edu/documents/dream-schedule%202011.pdf to view the 2011 WIE Dream Conference schedule.

If you have any questions about the conference,
please contact Bria McElroy.

WIE DREAM Conference participants who apply and are accepted into the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering are eligible to apply for a DREAM Scholarship, which is valued at up to $2,500!

For SEED students, Mr. Alexis is willing to arrange transportation for anyone who is interested in attending the WIE DREAM Conference.

Opportunity for high school students to travel internationally! Applications are due January 31, 2012!

The Community Global Initiative (CGI) was initiated to increase the ability of urban, high school students to communicate and compete globally by learning languages and cultures of other countries. When the program first began, teens from D.C. public and public charter schools were exposed to Chinese culture by learning basic oral and written Mandarin language. Students also gained an increased knowledge of the Chinese culture by reading about current events and conducting research. This two-pronged approach encouraged students to appreciate differences and accept diversity.

While CGI continues to foster the original concept, the program has also expanded to include additional global competency skills and basic financial literacy, particularly in the areas of saving, banking, budgeting and investing. Students also prepare for college by researching college requirements and financial assistance opportunities and visiting local colleges.

Phase I of the program is an intensive and fast paced 8-week summer program that introduces students to the language and culture of the country being studied.

Phase II is a 4-hour, bi-monthly (on Saturday) commitment from October-May.

Phase III consists of the international travel to the country being studied. Previously, students have traveled to China. However, future CGI Fellows will have the opportunity to travel to Europe, Africa, South America and back to Asia. During the span of the program, students traveled to other cities and states to visit cultural sites, museums and exhibits.

To participate in the next CGI program, please visit http://www.hstreetcdc.org/#!community-development and complete the application. You can also request an application from Mr. Cotton. Applications are due by January 31, 2012.

Attn: Juniors: Impact Scholars - Applications are available and are due next Thursday, December 15!

 

 The Impact Scholars program provides highly motivated high school juniors of Black/African-American and/or Latino descent with the tools and strategies necessary to successfully navigate the college planning and financial aid process. To be eligible for the Impact program, students should have at least a 3.2 GPA or B average, display strong leadership skills and plan to attend college upon their high school graduation.

Students who are selected to become Impact Scholars will participate in the program beginning in March of their junior year through their high school graduation. The Impact Scholars program expands the educational view of today's youth, helps them to maximize available opportunities and leads students to fulfilling and potentially lucrative careers.

During the program, Scholars will:

Prepare for and pursue higher education

Learn to navigate the college planning and application process

Gain exposure to careers in the business and accounting professions

Gain exposure to leadership networks they might not otherwise have

Add to an outstanding legacy as 100% of Impact graduates have matriculated into college.

To apply to the Impact Scholars program, download and complete the application (including essay, resume, parental consent, and recommendation form) for the SE region. Applications are due next Thursday, December 15 and can be submitted via email, fax or regular mail.

Email: impact@us.pwc.com

Please include applicant name and city in the body of the email. Parent/Guardian signature is still required when using this method.

Fax: (813) 329-3579, Attn: Erica Bolden

Regular mail:

Erica Bolden

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

1800 Tysons Blvd.

McLean, VA 22102

Interested in visual or performing arts or creative writing? The Putney School has exactly what you're looking for!

 The Putney School Summer Program offers rising freshman – rising seniors an opportunity to engage in visual and performing arts and creative writing workshops over the summer. The following workshops are available at The Putney School:

Arts Workshops:

Animation, Audio Art, Ceramics, Chamber Music, Dance, Drawing, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, Glass Arts, Graphic Novel and Printmaking, Metal Jewelry, Music Composition, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Songwriting, Textile Design & Fiber Arts, Theater and Vocal Ensemble

Creative Writing workshops

Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, Playwriting, Poetry Writing and Writing Intensive

Applications are currently being accepted!

Applications are available and completed applications should include a Teacher’s Recommendation.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so you are encouraged to apply early!

Financial aid is available! The deadline to apply for financial aid is March 1 and aid is awarded based on the financial needs of the family, the ability of the student, the enrollment needs of the program and the resources available in the financial aid fund. Students who are applying for financial aid must have their program applications completed by February 22. Please contact Mr. Cotton for the financial aid forms.

North Carolina Outward Bound - scholarships available!

This week, more than 30 sophomores and juniors met with representatives from North Carolina Outward Bound (NCOB). Since 1967, NCOB has delivered challenging wilderness adventures that teach students more than outdoor skills. Their courses help students discover their leadership abilities, learn the value of teamwork, find inspiration and feel a sense of accomplishment. During the meeting, SEED students Keyana White and Travis Ferrell discussed their recent experiences on NCOB courses and answered questions.

NCOB aims to inspire students to discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings. NCOB courses are wilderness expeditions designed to propel students into character-building experiences that require digging deep and discovering hidden strengths.

This year, there are two (2) scholarships available for sophomores and juniors to participate in an NCOB course next summer. Scholarships include: airfare to North Carolina, hiking and climbing shoes and other gear that students will need while on course. 

To apply for a scholarship, students must submit an essay (500 words or less) to Mr. Cotton, stating why they want to participate in an NCOB course and what they hope to gain from the experience. Essays are due next Friday, December 16.

Bezos Scholars Program - leadership opportunity for juniors and educators!

 

The http://www.bezosfamilyfoundation.org/scholars is a leadership development program that offers pathways for students and educators to put their educational abilities into action. Bezos Scholars are high school juniors and exceptional educators who will attend the Aspen Ideas Festival (June 26 – July 2, 2012).

During the Scholars Program @the Aspen Institute, Student and Educator Scholars will attend six (6) days of seminars, tutorials, lectures and debates. They will share meals and Scholars-only roundtable discussions with some of the most provocative thinkers, writers, artists, entrepreneurs and change-makers from around the world. Dedicated leadership trainings help Scholars begin to see themselves as leaders and will prepare them for the challenge ahead: Creating sustainable Local Ideas Festivals that will transform their schools and communities.

To apply for the Bezos Scholars program, students must:

Be a public high school junior during the 2011-2012 academic year;

Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher;

Be taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate classes or college/community courses;

Demonstrate leadership in their school and their community;

Have scored exceptionally well on the PSAT/SAT/or ACT;

Be available to attend all dates of the Scholars Program @the Aspen Institute; and

Be a legal U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Each Student Scholar application should include a:

Student application;

Release form;

Principal report;

Transcript cover sheet; and

Nomination for an Educator Scholar.

Principals may nominate themselves, a vice principal or a classroom educator to be an Educator Scholar. Educator Scholars will be invited to attend the Ideas Festival along with the Student Scholar and will be expected to partner with their fellow Student Scholar in the creation of a Local Ideas Festival during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Ideal Educator Scholars will:

Have a passion for education and youth leadership development;

Be a champion of big ideas, high expectations and actionable aspirations;

Create a supportive and motivational environment for student learning;

Have a willingness to collaborate with Student Scholars to plan and launch a sustainable Local Ideas Festival;

Attend the week-long Aspen Ideas Festival, which includes long, power-packed panels, events and leadership development; and

Have a desire to improve classroom, school and district education through this opportunity.

Applications for Student and Educator Scholars are due February 3, 2012.

SEED Public Charter School's Internship Fair - Tuesday, December 13!

SEED Public Charter School will be hosting our 1^st annual Internship Fair on Tuesday, December 13 from 6:45-8pm! The Internship Fair is an opportunity for SEED seniors (and select juniors) to meet with and learn more about organizations who have agreed to host an intern as part of SEED’s Work and Learn Internship program.

The Work and Learn Internship program allows SEED seniors to gain relevant work experience while also being exposed to, and acquiring those skills that are necessary for them to achieve success in life, in college and in the workplace. In previous years, intern responsibilities have included writing newsletters and blogs, assisting with meeting and event planning, filing, speaking at community meetings, and successfully managing administrative tasks.

 SEED would like to thank the following organizations who have agreed to participate in the Internship Fair:

• Adobe Design Center and Showroom 
• Back on My Feet 
• Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs 
• DC Councilmember Yvette Alexander's Office
• Earl Howard Studios 
• Four Seasons Hotel 
• Hugh & Crye
• Girls on the Run DC
• Groundwork Anacostia River DC
• Levine School of Music @THEARC
•  The Nature Conservancy
• Photopia

If your organization would like to discuss internship opportunities with our seniors or would like to attend the Internship Fair and visit the SEED campus, please contact Keven Cotton.

The World & Me Youth Poetry Contest!

 As part of Split This Rock's “The World & Me”

 poetry contest, young people are encouraged to write a poem based on the following topics:

 

What about your neighborhood/city/country/planet makes you happy and proud?
What makes you sad? If you were in charge, what would you change?
Are there issues you care deeply about?
Are there situations in the news or in your neighborhood that make you mad? Or glad?

 

 To be eligible for "The World and Me" poetry contest, poets must live in or attend school in Washington, DC and belong to one of the following age groups:

 

Ages 12 and under; or
Ages 13 and up.

 

To submit your poem online, visit:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDJoYmpoTGdXemV2aUkwQnRFZkRpc0E6MQ

 

 Submissions are due at midnight on January 13, 2012. If you have any questions, please email: slam@splitthisrock.org.

Engineering, Science and Computer programs available at Carnegie Mellon's Summer Programs for Diversity!

 

 Rising juniors and seniors who are considering careers in engineering, science and other math-based disciplines are encouraged to apply to SAMS: The Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science.

To participate in SAMS, students must be at least 15 years old and the program will focus on creating interest in technical disciplines and building academic and personal skills to prepare students for the college application process. Students will be involved in hands-on engineering and science projects that will allow them to apply concepts and principles introduced in the classroom. The Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science runs from June 30 to August 10, 2012.

In addition to SAMS, rising seniors have an opportunity to participate in the Advanced Placement/Early Admission (AP/EA) program. At Carnegie Mellon, the academic units earned in the AP/EA program can be applied towards graduation requirements.

The following programs are also available at Carnegie Mellon: architecture, art and design, drama, music or the National High School Game Academy. These programs will also run from
June 30 to August 10, 2012.

Applications and application materials are due on April 1, 2012 and to apply to any of the available programs, please visit: https://webapp.as.cmu.edu/precollege/sams/biographical.html. The application is online and cannot be saved. Before beginning the application process, you should have:

• Your high school CEEB code (090202 for SEED students)
•  PSAT, PLAN, SAT or ACT scores
• Estimated family income in 2012, 2011 and 2010