2026 CATS Online Application

2026 CATS Online Application

*Please be sure to read every part of this application, as some descriptions have external links you will need to follow. Be sure to utilize the provided checklist at njlmti.org/cats/ to make sure that you haven’t missed any steps! This application must be submitted by 3/15.
Dear 2026 CATS Candidate,
Members of the College Age TI Staff (CATS) are a vital part of the success of the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute. CATS are individuals who are ages 18-22 and have graduated High School. CATS may or may not have attended a Teen Institute program in the past and serve as leaders and role models for current participants. CATS undergo an extensive interview, application, and training process to make them into the TI experts they are. So much of the success of LMTI depends on volunteer staff – including our college-age volunteers! Each year we select individuals from throughout the state to serve as CATS.

Kitten Clause (Claws): Those who have graduated high school but are not a year out from school at this time, previously would have to wait until the next year to apply.

We now accept Kitty CATS! College-aged individuals who have graduated high school are all welcome to apply! If you are not a year out from school - you MUST have attended an LMTI Leadership Conference previously.

For our younger CATS, they will have the opportunity to receive additional support and mentorship from more senior CATS and the CATS Coordinators!

Successful CATS:
• Are alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-free while underage and promote healthy decision-making when of age
• Understand that they are role models
• Are open to learning & growth
• Strive to understand and appreciate the diverse experiences of others
• Are not all the same!

Some responsibilities of a CATS include….
- Developing programming content including skits and workshops
- Assisting with group facilitation (Action Group and Process Group)
- Acting as a cabin chaperon
- Undergoing 4 mandatory training sessions for preparation (in addition to Sunday staff training at camp)
- Attending all days of your assigned Conference(s)
**Please note – Not every CATS member is the same! New Jersey is diverse and our CATS reflects that diversity. We look for a mix of individuals who are both “in front of the scenes” and “behind the scenes” individuals. If you’ve enjoyed your previous experiences at TI and/or are looking for an advanced leadership role, we hope you will consider applying to be a member of the CATS.

Please email Kira Chontow at Kchontow@pipnj.org or contact the LMTI office at 201-614-2117 if you have any questions. Best of luck!

- The LMTI Staff and the CATS Selection Committee
TRAINING DATES:
- May 30th from 10-4 in person (150 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, NJ 07094)
- June 27th from 10-4 in person (150 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, NJ 07094)
- July 11th from 10-4 in person (150 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, NJ 07094)
- August 8th from 10-4 in person (150 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, NJ 07094)
CONFERENCE DATES:
Summer Leadership Conference: August 24 -August 28 at YMCA Camp Ralph Mason. CATS are required to arrive at camp on Sunday, August 23, the day before the conference begins to attend a training session and to assist in pre-conference planning/set-up.

TENTATIVE: Power of One Conference: August 31 -September 2 at YMCA Camp Ralph Mason. CATS are asked to arrive prior to camper arrival on August 30th to attend a training session and assist in set-up.

Fall Leadership Conference: November 6 - 8 at YMCA Camp Ralph Mason. CATS are asked to arrive prior to camper arrival to attend a training session and assist in set-up.

ABSENCE POLICY:

Trainings and attendance at the Summer Leadership Conference are an essential part of the CATS/Kittens role. For that reason, CATS are allowed 1 absence from training and MUST be available for the full duration of the conference(s) assigned, including pre-training time.

*We understand that emergencies can happen and will work with you to address any concerns but expect communication regarding any issues*
YesNo

Essay Questions

This application must be submitted by 3/15 at 11:59 PM. Call 201-614-2117 and ask for an LMTI staff member or e-mail kchontow@pipnj.org if you have any questions about the application process.
Answers to essay questions should be approximately 1-2 paragraphs.

We will check for usage of AI, and what you write does not need to be perfect! We want to know your authentic thoughts and feelings.
Do you have previous experience with LMTI or other leadership programs? Please explain your role and specific contributions.*
1000 Character Limit
How would you convey your feelings regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use to a high school student?*
How does your social media presence have an effect on your position as a CATS?*
It takes a lot of behind the scenes work to make a program like LMTI successful. CATS play a big part in that, and are often asked to do things that may not be “in their job description.” Can you provide an example of a time when you had to do something that wasn’t necessarily your responsibility? How did you handle that situation?*
1000 Character Limit
In the role of a CATS you will have a lot of added responsibilities, how will you manage your own self care and your responsibilities?*
CATS do a lot of work both individually and as a team, what do you feel you can contribute to the CATS team?*
1000 Character Limit

Role Specific Question - Please fill out all questions regarding your role.

Kittens = Graduating high school this year, and must have attended an LMTI program before New CATS = One year or more removed from high school, does not have to have attended before Returning CATS = Was a CATS member previously
Kittens
How do you feel the role of a CATS differs from the role of a participant or YAC?
As a Kitten at camp, you might be the adult in charge of a group of people you were in high school with a few months prior. How do you go about creating and maintaining appropriate boundaries?
Why choose to be a CATS this year? How will being a CATS support your goals?
New CATS
What made you choose to apply to be a CATS member this summer?
If you were a YAC previously: What is the most important thing you learned as a YAC? How did you utilize this skill in your role as a YAC? How did you utilize this skill outside of LMTI?
Returning CATS
What is the most important thing you learned as a CATS member last year? How did you utilize this skill in your role as a CATS member? How did you utilize this skill outside of LMTI?
What is a challenge you experienced as a CATS (whether big or small) and how will you use that experience to support your growth as a returning CATS?

Character References

You will need to list two professional references in the boxes below. Do not list family members or friends as references. You may use employers, professors, advisors, coaches, etc.
Reference 1*

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Applicant*
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Reference 2*

First NameLast Name
Relationship to applicant*
Email*
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.

Final Reminders
This application must be submitted by 3/15 at 11:59 PM. Call 201-614-2117 and ask for an LMTI staff member or e-mail kchontow@pipnj.org if you have any questions about the application process.

Don't forget, you can always refer back to https://njlmti.org/cats/ for more information and the CATS application checklist!

Make sure to click submit!
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2026 CATS Online Application

LMTI College Age TI Staff (CATS) Application

Personal Information

Essay Questions

Answers to essay questions should be approximately 1-2 paragraphs.

Role Specific Question - Please fill out all questions regarding your role.

Kittens

New CATS

Returning CATS

Character References

Final Steps: Interview sign up & availability

Final Reminders