Forward Leadership Program 2024 Application

Thank you for your interest in API Forward Foundation’s Forward Leadership Program for college students. API Forward is a nonprofit with a mission to advance and develop leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander community. 2024 will mark API Forward’s 10th year of service to the community.

The Forward Leadership Program aims to inspire, motivate, and empower undergraduate college students to develop their leadership potential. Through four months of mentorship, collaboration, and leadership training, we hope to instill confidence, integrity, knowledge, experience, connection, and great understanding of the importance of equity practice. Our program hopes to inspire candidates to lead change for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and others.

The program comprises five elements:

1. Leadership training
2. Pairing with mentors
3. Research and field work
4. Project presentation
5. “Pay it forward” volunteer work with a nonprofit organization

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.

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 ($1,500-2,500 per participant) toward educational costs upon completion of the program components.

Learning outcomes:

• Conflict resolution skills
• Negotiation 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

Expectations:

1. Attend the half-day orientation, tenatively scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024
2. Agree to actively participate in a mentorship program and contribute to team efforts
3. Dedicate time to research, planning and implementing the assigned project
4. Collaborate with assigned 2-3 team members on the project and actively engage with assigned project Mentor
5. Be available for the final presentation with their project team in late April
6. Attend the API Forward Gala in May 2024, API Heritage Month
7. Commit to a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work at a local nonprofit organization within the calendar year

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APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered, applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Enrolled in a college or university in Oregon or southwest Washington. If enrolled in an online school, applicant must live in Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
• Enrolled at least half time (6 or more credit hours).
• Preference given to self-identified Asian Pacific American Islanders.
• Must be a U.S. resident or a citizen (excluding students with a 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. Complete and upload responses to questions.
2. Upload resume outlining extracurricular activities, work history, volunteer/service experience, awards and honors.
3. Upload two letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic ability, leadership skills, and other qualities. 
4. Complete application form online.

Deadline: Saturday, November 25, 2023 (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 November 27-December 8.  Finalists will be notified by December 15, 2023. 
• Program Participation: The Forward Leadership Program will run from January to April 2024. Project presentations will take place in late April 2024 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. Essay questions are on page four. For files that need to be uploaded (e.g., resume, letters of recommendation and essays), 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.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

In a single document, please upload your responses to each of the following questions. Include your name and topic in the header. (maximum of 500 words per question)

1. Tell us about your career goals or about something in which you are passionate. Be sure to include the reason why.

2. Of the following topics, pick one to answer:

• What are the current issues that you care about that impact the Asian Pacific Islander community?
• What is your vision for advancing the voices of the API community?

3. Of the following topics, pick one to answer:

• Write about a time when you intentionally fostered relationships with people who are different from you.
• In what ways can you and/or your generation promote and advance diversity, equity and inclusion?

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Please upload two letters of recommendation from people who can speak about your academic ability, leadership skills and other qualities.

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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.