Welcome to the PLA Youth Fellowship with 4 Circles Beyond

We are glad you are interested in the Peace, Liberation, and the Arts Youth Fellowship: The Art and Alchemy of Community Restoration. This six month creative journey brings together young people from Chester to create, tell the truth, and grow as leaders who care for their community.

We use practices to notice what is happening within us, between us, and around us. Together we will design and install murals, care for public spaces, and record community stories on film with a resident artist and a resident filmmaker. We will listen to neighbors and elders, learn local history, and find the places where creativity and care already live.

This fellowship is more than a program. It is a practice of wholeness. Whether we are painting a wall, recording an interview, sharing a meal, or building a small act of care on the block, we ground in truth, imagination, consent, and working together.

At a glance:

• Who: Chester 8th graders interested in the arts and community care who want to join a group of 10 youth for this amazing fellowship program!
  
  
• When: Six Saturdays (1 per month), 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, Jun 27, 2026.
  
  
• Where: PLA House, 2100 Providence Ave, Chester, PA, plus community sites.
  
  
• Stipend and supports: $100 dollars per session. $600 dollars total upon completion. Meals and materials provided.
  
  
• Attendance: Full participation required. You must attend all six Saturdays to be considered. Missing sessions may result in dismissal and loss of stipend.

Selection timeline:

• In-person information session for youth applicants and their families at the PLA House at 2100 Providence Avenue, Chester from 6:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026
  
  
• Apply by 11:59pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026 
  
  
• Interviews will be held from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in-person at the PLA House at 2100 Providence Avenue Chester, PA. Interviewers may include staff and past campers from the PLA Summer Adventure who are returning for the fellowship.
  
  
• Final decisions emailed to applicants and their families by 11:59pm on January 21, 2026.
   

In peace and solidarity,

Victor Alfonso Cabral, MSW, LCSW
Vision Actualization & Community Connections Specialist
4 Circles Beyond, Inc.
484-769-8482

For questions, please contact:
Victor@4CirclesBeyond.org or Jill@4CirclesBeyond.org

As part of our selection process, we would love to learn more about how you express yourself creatively. If you would like, you can submit an example of your artwork or creativity to help us better understand your style, interests, and potential. This can be anything that feels true to you, such as a photo of visual art, a voice recording or song, a short video, a saved TikTok, a poem, story, journal entry, or any other form of creative expression. Submitting something is completely optional, but we welcome anything you would like to share. If you choose to include a submission, you can upload it or provide a link along with your application.

Please List Names of Individuals Authorized to Act On Your Behalf If You Are Unavailable

I understand that in case of any emergency requiring medical treatment, every effort will be made to contact one of the people listed above. If none of these people can be contacted, I authorize the 4 Circles Beyond staff to act on my behalf and give consent to treatment as deemed necessary by emergency responders.

STUDENT & PARENT OR GUARDIAN COMMITMENT FORM

Participation in the Peace, Liberation & The Arts Youth Fellowship is a powerful, community-rooted experience designed to promote learning, reflection, creativity, and leadership. Over six months, youth and staff will gather one Saturday each month, create public work, and engage in workshops, film, and community building.

This form outlines the commitments and responsibilities that all participants and their families agree to so the experience is safe, respectful, and transformative for everyone

SECTION 1: STUDENT COMMITMENT

To be read and agreed to by the youth applicant.

As a participant in the 2026 Peace, Liberation & The Arts Youth Fellowship, I agree to the following:

• Attendance - I will attend all six Saturday sessions from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, Jun 27, 2026. I understand that full attendance is required for participation and stipend, and that missing sessions may result in dismissal from the program and loss of stipend.
  
• Participation - I will actively join workshops, creative sessions, reflections, and team activities.
  
• Respect - I will treat fellow participants, staff, neighbors, and elders with kindness, care, and respect.
  
• Group agreements - I will help create and follow agreements that support safety, honesty, accountability, and consent.
  
• Phones - I will keep my phone away during learning time unless staff invites its use for creative work.
  
• Dress and safety - I will dress appropriately for art builds, site visits, and community events, and follow safety directions including use of protective gear and safe tool practices.
  
• Conduct - I will not engage in fighting, bullying, harassment, or use hateful or offensive language. I will not use or possess tobacco, alcohol, or illegal or controlled substances during any fellowship activity. I understand that serious violations can result in removal from the program.
• Care for places - I will care for program spaces, equipment, and community sites, and I understand my family may be responsible for willful damages.
  
• Growth - I will show up with a positive attitude, take responsibility for my actions, and stay open to learning and growth.
  

SECTION 2: PARENT OR GUARDIAN COMMITMENT

To be read and agreed to by the parent or legal guardian.

As the parent or guardian, I agree to the following:

• Program understanding - I support my child’s participation in the fellowship and understand the full commitment to six Saturdays.
  
• Reinforcement - I have reviewed this form with my child and will reinforce group agreements, respect, accountability, and participation.
  
• Conduct and removal - I understand that serious rule violations, including harassment or substance use, may lead to my child’s removal from the program.
  
• Responsibility for damages - I understand that shared spaces and tools require responsible use and agree to be financially responsible for willful damages caused by my child.
  
• Communication and logistics - I will keep contact information current, respond to staff about attendance and health needs, and coordinate transportation on time when support is provided. 

(By signing at the end of this application, we, the youth applicant and the parent or legal guardian, confirm that we have read and agree to the Student and Parent or Guardian Commitment Form.)

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION AND SELF-ADMINISTRATION POLICY

By proceeding, we give permission for the following:

Emergency care - In the event of an accident, illness, or emergency requiring medical treatment during a fellowship activity, every reasonable effort will be made to contact the parent or guardian, or the emergency contact on file. If no one can be reached, I authorize staff of 4 Circles Beyond to act on my behalf and consent to treatment deemed necessary by emergency medical personnel, including transportation, hospitalization, and medical procedures.

Medications - Program staff are not medical professionals and will not administer prescription medications. If my child takes medication, I confirm they are able to safely and independently self-administer their prescribed medication and that I have provided all necessary information in their health form.

Over-the-counter care - I authorize staff to provide basic over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, or antacids as needed, unless I indicate otherwise in writing.

Health information - I understand that all medical information must be provided in advance of the program. Failure to disclose relevant details may impact the safety or participation of my child.

(By signing at the end of this application, we, the youth applicant and the parent or legal guardian, confirm that we have read and agree to the Medical Authorization and Self Administration Policy.)

PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION FOR TRAVEL & ACTIVITIES 

I, Parent or guardian of the applicant, give permission for my youth to participate in the Peace, Liberation & The Arts Youth Fellowship: The Art of Alchemy of Community Restoration. 

Schedule and locations
The fellowship meets one Saturday each month from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, and Jun 27, 2026. Sessions are based at the PLA House at 2100 Providence Ave, Chester, PA, with additional work at community sites in and around Chester.

Activities
Activities may include mural design and painting, wall preparation, brush and roller use, light lifting, supervised short ladder work, neighborhood walks, interviews and filming for documentation, and gatherings at community centers, parks, schools, and partner properties. Protective gear will be provided when needed. 

Transportation authorization
I authorize 4 Circles Beyond staff and designated transportation providers to transport my youth during fellowship and related activity days. Transportation will follow applicable safety guidelines and laws.

Risk acknowledgment
I understand that artmaking, public site work, and travel between sites carry some risk, including possible minor injuries, exposure to outdoor conditions, and unexpected events that can occur in public settings. I acknowledge that 4 Circles Beyond will take reasonable steps to support safety, including supervision by trained adults, safety briefings, permission from site owners, and tool use instruction. 

Release
I release 4 Circles Beyond, its staff, volunteers, and partner organizations from liability for injuries, accidents, or losses that may occur during fellowship travel and activities, except where caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. 

Preparation and information
I will make sure my youth arrives prepared with weather appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes for art and site work. I will provide up to date emergency contacts, health information, allergies, and any required medications and instructions before the program begins.

Program costs
Program costs for art materials, meals during sessions, and transportation between approved sites are covered by the fellowship. Families are responsible for personal items and for damages caused by willful misconduct. 

Media
I understand that the application includes a photo and media release that covers documentation during on site and off site activities for this fellowship.

 
(By signing at the end of this application, we, the youth applicant and the parent or legal guardian, confirm that we have read and agree to the Parent or Guardian Permission for Local Travel and Off Site Activities Forms.)

PHOTO / MEDIA RELEASE PERMISSION

I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian of the applicant, give permission to 4 Circles Beyond Inc., including its staff, volunteers, and approved media partners, to photograph, film, or record my child during the Peace, Liberation & The Arts Youth Fellowship: The Art of Alchemy of Community Restoration.

I understand that these images, videos, or recordings may be used by 4 Circles Beyond for purposes such as sharing the program’s impact, celebrating youth participation, and promoting the organization’s mission. This may include use in print materials, brochures, social media, websites, or press coverage.

I understand that:

• My child’s full name will not be used without additional permission.
• These materials may be edited for clarity or formatting.
• All media will be handled with care and respect for youth safety and privacy. 
• I release 4 Circles Beyond Inc. and its partners from any liability related to the use of media taken during the fellowship, and I understand this permission is given voluntarily.
• I will not receive compensation for the use of these materials.
• I waive the right to review or approve the final products.

 

(By signing at the end of this application, we, the youth applicant and the parent or legal guardian, confirm that we have read and agree to the Photo and Media Release Permission Form)

FINAL APPLICATION AGREEMENT

By submitting this application we confirm that:

• All information we provided is true to the best of our knowledge.
  We understand the fellowship requires full attendance at all six Saturday sessions from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 23, and Jun 27, 2026.
• We understand the stipend is $100 dollars per session, $600 dollars total upon completion, and is tied to full attendance and active participation. Missing sessions may result in dismissal and loss of stipend.
• We agree to the Student and Parent or Caregiver Commitment Form, the Parent or Caregiver Permission for Local Travel and Off Site Activities, the Photo and Media Release Permission, and the Medical Authorization and Self
• Administration Policy included in this application.
• We agree to group agreements, respectful conduct, phone use during learning time only, and all safety instructions on site.
• We will keep our contact information up to date and respond to program communications by text, phone, or email.
• We understand submission does not guarantee selection. Interviews are on Sunday, January 18, 2026, and decisions will be emailed by January 21, 2026.

By signing at the end of this application, we agree to all terms listed above and to all policies in this application.