FLP Scholar 2025 Application

Forward Leadership Program

2024-25 Scholar Application

Thank you for your interest in API Forward Foundation’s Forward Leadership Program for undergraduate college students!

The goal of the Forward Leadership Program is to empower students to develop their leadership potential. We hope to foster integrity, experience, and a greater understanding of the importance of equity practice when leading in our community. Our hope is that program scholars will learn to lead for change for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and others.

The Forward Leadership Program comprises 5 components over 4 months:
1. Leadership training
2. Pairing with mentors
3. Collaborative research and fieldwork for a community-based project
4. Project presentation
5. “Pay it forward” volunteer work with a nonprofit organization
Benefits of this program:
- Opportunity to engage in diversity, inclusion, and equity work in Oregon and southwest Washington.
- Opportunity to participate in hands-on leadership training.
- Opportunity to build relationships with local government, private industries, and/or communities that are not offered in regular classes.
- Receive scholarship award ($1,000+ per participant) toward educational costs upon completion of the program components.
Learning outcomes:
- Conflict resolution skills
- Leading across cultures
- Planning and delivering effective presentations
- Identifying and mitigating unconscious bias
- Fostering an inclusive climate at work or school
- Becoming a strong and compassionate leader
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Time management skills
Participants

Ideal candidates self-identify as a member of the Asian and Pacific Islander community, be open to learning about race and equity issues, and have a strong desire to become a leader in the API community. Participants of the Forward Leadership Program must commit to participating in all five program components.

Expectations:
1. Attend an orientation leadership training in late January
2. Agree to participate in a mentorship program
3. Dedicate time to research, plan, and implement the assigned project
4. Collaborate with assigned 2-3 team members on the project
5. Be available for the final presentation in late April
6. Attend the API Forward fundraising event in May
7. Commit to a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work at a local nonprofit organization
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APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered, the applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled in a college or university in Oregon or southwest Washington. If enrolled in an online school, the applicant must live in Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
- Enrolled in at least half-time (6 or more credit hours).
- Preference is given to self-identified Asian and/or Pacific Islander Americans.
- Must be a U.S. resident or citizen (excluding students with an F-1, J-1, and other international student visa types).
Checklist for a completed application packet (incomplete or late applications will not be considered):
1. Upload a resume.
2. Upload responses to 2 questions (max 300 words each).
3. Upload information for 2 professional references.
4. Complete the application form.
Deadline Extended: Friday, November 22, 2024 (by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time)

PROGRAM TIMELINE
- Application Process: Candidates selected to move into the interview phase of the application process will be notified no later than late November. The interviews will take place in the first two weeks of December. Finalists will be notified in mid-December.
- Program Participation: The Forward Leadership Program will run from January to April 2025. Project presentations will take place in late April 2025 on a mutually agreed-upon date.
- Program Conclusion: Winners will be announced at the annual May gala (date TBD).
- Volunteer Work: May be completed during the program or completed shortly after the program has ended.
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HELPFUL REMINDERS

This online form does not allow you to save your progress so be sure to have all the application elements ready before you start. Response questions are on page four. For files that need to be uploaded (e.g. responses, resume, and letters of recommendation), please save them as either Word or PDF files and include your name in the file name.

For questions, email communications@apiforward.org.
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RESUME

Please upload a current resume outlining work history (if any), extracurricular activities, volunteer/service experience, awards/honors, other interests.
Resume*

Browse Files
Must be in Word or PDF file format Cancelof
RESPONSE QUESTIONS

In a single document, please upload your responses to the following questions. Include your name and topic in the header. Maximum 300 words each.
1. Please tell us about your goals for your career and/or community work. What motivates these goals, and how do you envision achieving them?
2. Of the following topics, pick one to answer:
  1. What are the current issues that you care about that impact the Asian Pacific Islander community?
  2. In what ways can you and/or your generation promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Upload responses to the essay questions in a single file*

Upload a File
Must be in Word or PDF file format Cancelof
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Please provide information for two professional references who can speak about your academic ability, leadership skills, and other qualities. Examples of professional references are professors, teachers, coaches, supervisors, volunteer coordinators, and coworkers.
Professional Reference #1
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Pronoun*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Relationship to You*
How long have you known each other*
How did you know each other?*
Professional Reference #2
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Pronoun*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Relationship to You*
How long have you known each other*
How did you know each other?*
APPLICANT INFORMATION:
First Name*
Last Name*
Pronoun*
Street Address*
City*
State*
Zip Code*
Mobile Number*

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail Address (be sure it's one that you check frequently)*
Ethnicity*
example: Chinese, Hmong, Tibetan, Filipino, etc.
Year of birth (must be at least 18 years old to participate)*
EDUCATION
School Name*
Year in school*

1st year2nd year3rd year4th year
Expected graduation date
Major (if undeclared, please write "undeclared")*
Cumulative GPA (rounded to nearest 100th i.e. 3.95) or equivalent.*
Are you a 1st generation college student?*

YesNo
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APPLICANT CERTIFICATION: I certify that the information in this application is true, correct and that the essay was written by the applicant. I understand that falsification of any information will result in disqualification of this application. I agree that this application becomes the property of API Forward. I understand that this application will be assessed based on the information provided and submission of it does not guarantee that I will be accepted into the Forward Leadership Program. I agree that in the event I am selected as a participant of the Forward Leadership Program, this form also serves as a release to use my name, photographs, and biographical information in press releases, etc. announcing and promoting this program.
Initial:
Date:
Please verify that you are human*
Should be Empty:

APPLICATION PROCESS

RESUME

RESPONSE QUESTIONS

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Professional Reference #1

Professional Reference #2

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

EDUCATION