Say Something Join ASAP! ASAP! What is ASAP? ASAP stands for the Asian American Student Advocacy Project, a leadership program for Asian Pacific American (APA) high school students who want to learn how to make positive changes in the APA community. ASAP student leaders identify issues and challenges facing Asian Pacific American youth and build campaigns around the identified issues. What have ASAP Student Leaders done? Raised awareness and mobilized peers to: increase opportunities to learn about APA history and literature, increase support for English language learners and mental health awareness, and create safe environments free of harassment Advocated for the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at their high schools Offered policy recommendations and proposed specific steps for improvement Presented their advocacy projects to policymakers and public officials ASAP begins with a week-long summer orientation program the last week of August and will meet weekly during the school year from October 2008 to May 2009, 4:30 to 6:30pm in downtown Manhattan (Dates to be determined). DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2008. Sessions will include: Group discussions Guest speakers Skills-building workshops Strategizing to involve peers Visits to community organizations Meetings with public officials or community leaders What can YOU gain from ASAP? Develop leadership skills Learn about advocacy Work as a member of a team Get to know other students Stay connected as a member of CACF Earn a certificate of recognition, a letter of recommendation, and a stipend upon completion of the program Who does ASAP look for? ASAP seeks NYC public high school students of Asian descent. To be eligible, you must be: Currently passing your classes Enrolled as a high school student in Fall 2008 Preferably able to attend summer orientation the week of August 25, 2008 Able to attend weekly ASAP sessions from October 2008 to May 2009, 4:30-6:30pm (with breaks for holidays) Interested in creating positive change in the school system and in the community How can YOU apply for ASAP? Complete the attached application form (with recommendation letter) and return it to CACF by hand, mail, fax, or e-mail by July 11, 2008 (please see our address and fax number below). For an e-mailed version of the application or if you have any other questions, please contact: Wendy Cheung (212) 809-4675, ext. 105 or wcheung@cacf.org Coalition for Asian American Children & Families (CACF) 50 Broad Street, 18 th Floor, New York, NY 10004 www.cacf.org / Fax: (212) 785-4601
Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP) 2008-2009 Student Application Form ASAP is open to students who will be enrolled in NYC public high schools and are from diverse Asian Pacific American backgrounds. Applicants must be passing their classes and able to meet weekly during the school year. Application must be completed in full with an attached recommendation for consideration. Application deadline extended to Friday, July 11, 2008 Name (Last, First): Address: City, State, Zip: Phone Number: Other Phone Number: E-mail Address: What is the best way to contact you? Check One: Phone E-mail If by phone, what times are best to contact you? School: Grade Level: Parent or Guardian s Name (Last, First): Parent or Guardian s Phone Number: Student Demographic Information: Birth date: Gender: Birthplace: Languages other than English that you speak and/or write: Race/ethnicity (check all that apply): Bangladeshi Cambodian Chinese Hmong Filipino Indian Indo-Caribbean Japanese Korean Laotian Malaysian Pacific Islander Pakistani Sri Lankan Taiwanese Tibetan Thai Vietnamese African American Latino White Other (please specify): 2
How did you hear about ASAP? Please describe any extra-curricular/ out of school/ work/ volunteer activities you participate in, including days and times. Personal Statement On a separate sheet of paper, please answer the 2 questions below. Each answer should be ½ to 1 page long. Typed essays are preferred. Handwritten essays are acceptable, but must be neat and legible. 1. Why would you like to join ASAP and what qualities and experience do you bring? What are you hoping to learn? 2. Give an example of a problem you see in schools and explain how you would raise awareness on this issue to your school faculty and peers. Recommendation Form The recommendation form should be completed by an adult or a peer who knows you well (teacher, mentor, counselor, coach, employer, friend, etc.) and is not related to you. Once the form is completed and returned to you, please submit it along with your application. Student & Parent Agreement & Consent I, (parent/guardian s name), grant permission for (student s name) to apply for CACF s Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP). If selected, we commit to full participation of the program s summer institute, weekly sessions during the school year, 1-2 hours of ASAPrelated homework every week, meetings outside of ASAP sessions, and a presentation of the group s final project. We understand that ASAP will take place in downtown Manhattan, at CACF s office and/or other locations in NYC to be determined. In order to participate ASAP, my child must be able to travel to and from the program after school. We understand that my child must stay in fair school standing and any decline in academic performance may result in dismissal from ASAP. Signature of Student: Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date: Date: 3
Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP) Recommendation Form Name of Applicant (Last, First): The student listed above has expressed interest in participating in CACF s Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP), a leadership program for Asian Pacific American high school age youth who want to learn how to make positive changes in their community. CACF s ASAP will start with a summer institute in August and run weekly throughout the school year. The application deadline is extended to Friday, July 11, 2008. Please return your recommendation to the student to be included in his/her application submission. Your Name (Last, First): Title: Affiliation: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone Number: E-mail address: May we contact you if we have further questions? Y / N If so, what is the best way to contact you? Phone / E-mail If by phone, what are the best days and times to reach you? Please respond to the following questions. Feel free to answer below or on another sheet of paper. If using another sheet, please include the applicant s name and your name on the top. 1. How long have you worked with or known the youth applicant, and in what capacity? 4
2. Please describe three qualities that you admire in the candidate. Please provide examples. How do you think this student can contribute to ASAP? 3. Please describe how you have seen this candidate grow or change as a person by providing a specific example. By signing below, I acknowledge that the applicant is of high moral character and demonstrates qualities of honesty, integrity, and leadership. I recommend that this applicant be considered for selection to CACF s Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP). Signature Date 5