2016-2017Application

boOST your expertiseis intended for individuals with a passion for youth development and an interest in using action research to establish expertise personally and publicly within a specific area of the field.

Throughout the program and with support from facilitators, you will:

Across the 10-month program, participants will pick topics in which to deepen their expertise. The course will provide support for using the tools of social science to increase understanding about that their topics of choice. Participants will work as a cohort to strengtheneach other’swork through feedback and review, as well as connect with local experts for coaching in specific areas. Upon program completion, alumni may be eligible for financial support to share their expertise in additional venues such as local or national conferences, panels, and events.

Eligible participants must:

  • Be working or have worked part-time or full-time at an out-of-school time program
  • Have at least three years working with youth
  • Be in commuting distance to the meeting locations in Pittsburgh
  • Be available for the entire program and attend all program sessions. Meetings occur 1-2 times per month over the course of the academic year and significant time is needed for research, reflection and writing.
  • Demonstrate passion for the field of youth development and an interest in using action research as a method for building and developing expertise and improving practice
  • Have a vision for how he/she intends to use the program to improve their own practice and contribute to the field of youth development

Application Information

Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.However, August 14th is the last day for applications to be submitted for consideration.

The application packet should include: acompleted application, resume, and responses to three essay questions. Application packets may be submitted by e-mail or mailed to APOST c/o United Way; 1250 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

2015-2016Application

I. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Last Name:First Name:

Address:City: State: Zip:

WorkNumber: () Mobile Number: ()

E-mail

Because we want to build as diverse a community as possible, we would like to have the following information. Please note these questions are optional:

Date of Birth:// Gender: Male Female Other

What is your primary language?

What other language(s) do you speak?

What is your race/ethnicity? (check all that apply)

African American/Black

Asian or Pacific Islander

Caucasian or White

Hispanic or Latino

Native American or Alaskan Indian

Other

What is the highest level of education you have received or completed?University of Pittsburgh students must be at least an undergraduate with junior status.

Some college

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Doctorate

II. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION*

Primary Employer: Current Job Title or Position:

I work directly with (check all that apply)

elementary school children middle school youth high school youth

I work in another capacity in a school/afterschool program

How long have you been at your current position? years months

How long have you been working in the field of education, youth work or afterschool work? years months

Are you also employed elsewhere? No Yes

If yes, who is your other employer(s)?

If you are not currently employed, briefly describe your relevant work experience in the field of youth development.

*It is required that you be working or have worked at least part-time in the afterschool, summer or out-of-school time field to be considered for the program.

III. ATTACHMENTS

  1. Resume: Please attach a current resume.
  1. Essay Responses: Please attach your response to the following questions (approximately 250 words or less per question):
  • Please describe 1-2 issues that you may be interested in exploring and why.
  • As a member of a learning community, what kinds of knowledge, experience or skills would you bring to the cohort?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How do you think this program will support your long or short term goals?

IV. Applicant Memorandum of Understanding

I understand that if I am accepted that I will have the following responsibilities:

  • I will obtain permission from my supervisor (if needed) to participate in this program.
  • I will be available to attend the first overnight retreat in September (date to be determined).
  • I will attend program meetings on a consistent basis which are scheduled on the first Fridays from October through April from 9am – 12pm.
  • I will spend significant time reading, researching and writing in the periods between sessions.
  • I will attend in a weekend retreat at the end of the program.
  • I will seek support and feedback from other cohort members or facilitators in between sessions.
  • I will produce a final presentation about my work and present at the APOST conference in June.
  • I will contribute to ongoing efforts to build and sustain the boOST program by sharing updates on my work, positions held, or other activities related to building the youth development field.

I give the United Way’s Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time, theUniversity of Pittsburgh and any program partners, permission to use my image, likeness, name and other identifying information in print and electronic collateral, including audio and video presentations developed for use at their discretion unless specified below. I will notify APOST of any papers, presentations or interviews of my work offered, created or printed as a result of or during the program.

Printed Name______

Signature______

Date______

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