Applications for the 2012 LearnServe Abroad program are now available!

LearnServe International is now accepting applications for their 2012 LearnServe Abroad program. This summer, LearnServe will have service-learning trips to: Jamaica, Paraguay and Zambia.

As a participant in a LearnServe program, you will see first-hand the difference that you can make in the lives of others. From working on issues like sustainable development to complicated world problems such as AIDS, you will be able to break these issues down into simple solutions that will change lives. These experiences, the friends you will make and the skills you will gain will change the way you see the world and address its problems.

Each LearnServe Trip has an important service component and these experiences will give participants insight into regions of the world that are struggling with pressing problems like HIV/AIDS, poverty and education. Preparation includes cultural exposure and prepares participants for their work with community-based organizations.

 The cost for each program is: $2,950 for Jamaica, $3,600 for Paraguay and $4,750 for Zambia. While LearnServe offers financial aid on an as needed and a first-come, first served basis, all participants are encouraged to cover at least 50% of the cost of their trip. The online applications are due on Saturday, December 10, 2011 and students who apply by close of business on November 25 will receive a $65 early bird discount. In addition to the early-bird discount, LearnServe will also provide applicants with advice on fundraising activities.

Please visit http://learn-serve.org/ to find out more about the LearnServe program and their exciting work in Jamaica, Paraguay and Zambia.

Attention 9th-12th Grade Students: the NASA INSPIRE program is currently accepting applications!

 

 Due to increased interest, the NASA Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience (INSPIRE) program has announced that there are additional spaces available for their Online Learning Community (OLC). NASA INSPIRE will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 12pm CT and the applications are due by Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 12pm CT. Please visit: https://inspire.okstate.edu/ to apply for the NASA INSPIRE program. You can also visit the NASA Education Website to learn more about the INSPIRE program.

The INSPIRE program is a multi-tier, year-round program that is designed for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.

Through the INSPIRE program, students from across the nation have the opportunity to interact with their peers, NASA experts and education specialists twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

To be considered for the INSPIRE OLC, applicants must:

Be entering the 9^th – 12^th grade when the school year begins;
Be at least 13 years of age or older at the time of application;
Be a U.S. citizen;
Have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average;
Demonstrate the desire and the academic preparation to pursue a STEM-related field of study beyond high school; and
Complete the online application process with all required documentation.

 There are many benefits to participating in the INSPIRE program, including the opportunity to: receive a trip to a NASA facility, spend two weeks on a college campus and receive a paid summer internship!

Percy Julian Morning of Discovery: STEM event for Middle School Students - Saturday, October 29!

There’s a lingering and pervasive question that many organizations are working to dispel: “Are minority youth ‘STEM-phobic’ – are they fearful of studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)?”

An unlikely coalition of religious, educational, governmental, private and non-profit organizations have joined forces to demystify this theory and encourage middle school students to study and prepare to enter vital and lucrative careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Their upcoming event, the “Percy Julian Morning of Discovery,” will take place on Saturday, October 29 at Metropolitan AME Church, located at 1518 M St., NW.

The “Percy Julian Morning of Discovery” forum will provide parents with resources to nurture their child’s interest in STEM subjects and offer counseling to students on classes they must take to apply for college and
major in STEM fields. 

Sign-in and continental breakfast for the “Morning of Discovery” begins at 8am and the event will begin promptly at 9am. The forum will include talks on the available STEM opportunities for women and minorities and scientists will be on hand to lead experiments and discovery sessions at the American Chemical Society, located next door to Metropolitan at

1522 M St., NW.

Students can register online at: www.percyjulianmorningofdiscovery.eventbrite.com.

Job Openings: Angela Rosser's State Farm Insurance office!

 This Saturday and Sunday, Angela Rosser’s State Farm Insurance office is having an Open House! There are two positions available and Ms. Rosser is encouraging SEED alumni to attend the Open House and apply for full or part-time employment. 

The two available positions are Customer Service Representative (no experience needed) and Administrative Assistant (previous experience required).

Ms. Rosser’s agency is located at:

528 H St., NE

Suite 2

Washington, DC 20002

Saturday’s Open House will run from 9am-2pm and Sunday’s Open House will run from 2-7pm. Interested candidates should send their resume to: Clarence.conway.pi14@statefarm.com.

Go abroad with Putney Student Travel! Scholarships are available!

 Putney Student Travel is currently accepting applications for students to travel abroad during summer 2012! Students completing grades 7-12 have an opportunity to shape their world through travel, unique cultural engagement, friendship, and fun.

Here are the types of programs currently being offered by Putney Student Travel:

• Community Service,
• Cultural Exploration,
• Language Learning,
• Educational programs (Excel), and
• Global Awareness programs.
• The Putney Foundations programs are geared specifically for students
  completing the 7^th and 8^th grade.

To apply for any of these programs, please:

• Complete the online application,
• Sign the Agreement form,
• Submit two teacher references, and
• Submit a deposit of $700.

However, if you do not have $700 but are still interested in traveling, Putney also offers scholarships for students to travel abroad. To apply for a scholarship, you must submit:

• An application;
• A scholarship application;
• A copy of parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal tax returns;
• Narrative outlining parents’ or guardians’ financial obligations and the amount of aid requested;
• Two completed Teacher Reference forms; and
• An Applicant Statement explaining why you would like to join a Putney program and what you feel you can contribute to the program.

All of the materials listed above are due by
February 15, 2012.

Scholarship application materials can be mailed to:

PODF

c/o Putney Student Travel

345 Hickory Ridge Road

Putney, VT 05346

Earn Community Service Hours: Join Groundwork Anacostia River DC's Green Team!

 Groundwork Anacostia River DC (GWARDC) is looking for high school students, ages 14 – 18, to be part of their Green Team. Green Team Members will help lead local environmental initiatives, learn more about local food and nutrition through gardening and working at the farmers market, conduct outreach to their peers and participate in hands-on improvement projects throughout
the Anacostia watershed region.

The goal of the program is to engage teens in advocacy and service-learning efforts by promoting awareness and understanding of the local food system and protecting and restoring critical ecological systems and natural resources in the City. The program will prepare youth for a lifetime of environmental leadership and will help them develop community capacity to improve the physical environment.

 As Green Team Members, participants will:

• Participate in workshops/projects a minimum of one (1) day per week (minimum 2 hours).
• Participate in service learning projects one (1) Saturday a month (4-6 hours).
• Participate in classroom-based and outdoor environmental trainings, including educational field trips to explore the ways in which water resources and urban ecosystems interact and contribute to biodiversity human health and the economy.
• Participate in Youth Leadership Trainings.
• Participate in our community gardens. 
• Use public presentations, outreach and educational activities to communicate the role of the Green Team to DC residents, elected officials and local Boards/Commissions.

 Green Team applications are due by next Thursday, October 20. Please contact Mr. Cotton for an application. If you have any questions or would like more information about Groundwork Anacostia River DC, please contact
Vaughn Perry at (202) 506-3867.

Applications for the 2012 Class of Youth Leadership Greater Washington are now available!

 Youth Leadership Greater Washington (YLGW) provides a six-month, youth leadership development and community education program for high school
sophomores and juniors.

Each year, Leadership Greater Washington selects youth leaders from the Greater Washington region and provides them with the opportunity to learn from some of the area’s most important decision makers while studying a variety of topics, including diversity, the arts, health, public service and community service.

Program Information

Program days are held from 8:30am – 6:00pm at locations around Greater Washington. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided
on each program day.

YLGW Class of 2012 Program Dates

Friday, January 20, 2012: Opening Session & Arts Day

Friday, February 10, 2012: Leadership Day

Friday, March 23, 2012: Diversity Day

Friday, April 27, 2012: Public Service Day

Friday, May 25, 2012: Health Day

Friday, June 22, 2012: Closing Session & Graduation

Eligibility 

• High school sophomores and juniors who live in the Greater Washington region (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia). 
• Proven or aspiring youth leaders in school and/or the community. 
• A strong interest in learning about and addressing the needs of the Greater Washington community. 
• A desire to improve one’s leadership skills.

To Apply

• Complete the online application or you can request a paper application from the Leadership Greater Washington office: (202) 465-3200.
• Submit two letters of recommendation: one academic reference (teacher, guidance counselor or coach) and one personal reference (adult, non-family member). The recommendation letters can be submitted separately or with the completed application.
• An application fee of $25 is due along with the completed application. Checks can be made payable to Leadership Greater Washington or you can pay by credit card.

Applications will not be considered complete unless the application, the Commitment and Consent form and both recommendation letters are received by 5pm on November 18, 2011.. All forms can be emailed to Carter Gillespie or mailed to:

Leadership Greater Washington

YLGW 2012

1602 L Street, NW

Suite 950

Washington, DC 20036

Applications for the DC Council's Youth Internship program are now available! Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to apply!

The DC Council’s Youth Internship Program (CYIP) provides high school juniors and seniors with exciting opportunities to gain meaningful professional and educational enrichment experiences by working in the offices of DC Council Members.

The CYIP is divided into two semesters (fall/spring) and is an excellent opportunity for youth to utilize their leadership skills by participating in community service projects and legislative hearings. Interns will also learn about the rich history of the District of Columbia.

At the DC Council, interns will have an opportunity to be involved with many aspects of city government. Therefore, interns must be good team players, know how to prioritize tasks and manage their time well.

The Fall Internship Program will run from October 24, 2011 – December 16, 2011 and the Spring Internship Program will run from
January 24, 2012 – April 27, 2012.

Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and no older than nineteen (19) years of age and must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of the District of Columbia;
• Be legally authorized to work in the District of Columbia;
• Be a high school junior or senior at a school located in the District of Columbia;
• Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale;
• Be available to work in an assigned Council office at least eight (8) hours per week;
• Be available to work up to six (6) hours one Saturday every other month at the Council’s Youth-Only Hearings; and
• Be willing to complete community service projects.

Completed Application Packets should be faxed to
(202) 727-3888 or mailed to:

1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Office of Youth Programs

Suite G-11

Washington, DC 20004

Application packets should be sent no later than
October 17, 2011.

Applications for the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program are now available! Earn up to $3,150 next summer!

 The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an opportunity for talented high school students to learn more about careers in science and engineering while conducting research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory for eight (8) weeks during the summer of 2012.

The goal of SEAP is to:

• Encourage students to pursue science and engineering careers;
• Provide students with opportunities in and exposure to scientific and engineering practices and personnel; and
• Prepare students to serve as positive role models for their peers by encouraging other high school students to take more science and math courses.

During the apprenticeship, students will receive mentoring from laboratory personnel, participate in research that will make them more aware of DoN research and technology efforts, and possibly gain future
employment within the DoN.

This past summer, SEAP provided research internships to 245 high school students.

To be eligible for the SEAP program, students should have completed at least grade 9 (graduating seniors are eligible to apply) and must be 16 years of age (although some laboratories may accept 15 year-old applicants).

The SEAP program dates are fixed and cannot be changed and students are expected to participate in 8 continuous weeks – no vacation time is
allowed during the 8 weeks.

SEAP strongly recommends that students apply to laboratories that are close to where they live SEAP will nor provide travel or relocation allowances.

Participating students will receive $3,150 for the 8 week program and returning students will receive $3,680 for the 8 weeks. Students will be paid in two installments: the first check will be distributed in the middle of the internship and the second check will be distributed at the end of the internship.

Applications and references are due on
January 6, 2012 at 5:00pm EST.