Sponsored by the  Mobile  Area  Chamber  of  Commerce Foundation

 in partnership with Mobile United and partially funded by Mobile Works. 

             The Youth First Business Mentorship Program

              is for rising 2009-2010 seniors in Mobile County.                

Youth First Business Mentorship Program seeks students who would like to:

• Graduate from High School in 2010
• Gain greater exposure to career, occupation and possibilities for the future
• Meet high school students and area professionals
• Learn more about industries, jobs and wages and have a good job in the future
• Learn more about themselves and others and develop life long plans
• Make a difference in their future and that of their family

Application Process

1. Complete the application with appropriate signatures and responses
2. Complete the WIA/Mobile Works eligibility process and be eligible for WIA sponsorship
3. Have a community organization complete their community support form
4. Secure a reference/commitment letter from a parent or guardian
5. Return the application and complete all application processes by the due date
6. Interview with Selection Committee.

Selection Criteria

•·         Motivation for participation in the Youth First Business Mentorship Program

•·         Desire and commitment for self improvement

•·         Interest in developing relationships and career exploration

•·         Willingness to commit time and energy to the program and the activities

•·         Willingness to bond with mentor and the sponsor community organization

Activities and Work

Many job skills are not learned until they are experienced.  The mentorship, work and occupational experiences will enhance your ability to plan for the future, enhance your motivation and have a support system to achieve your goals. It is expected that the skills learned will be passed to others and implemented in your personal life.

Participants are expected to work at least 30 hours in one week during Summer 09. There will be a stipend paid if all hours are completed.

Participants are also expected to participate in an all day industry bus tour and in several other activities during the school year 2009-2010

Time Commitment

The Youth First Business Mentorship Program is a learning experience and requires a significant time commitment by each participant.  Attendance is required for the students to gain all of the benefits from the program. 

Cost

There is no cost to participate. Still participants need to secure transportation to activities and adult authorization from a parent or guardian. Mobile Works is partially funding this program, therefore participants must go through Mobile Works WIA (Workforce Investment Act) eligibility process explained in a separate document. 

Youth First Business Mentorship Program

A Program of The Mobile Chamber of Commerce Foundation

In Partnership with Mobile United/Leadership Mobile

Partially Funded by Mobile Works

CONFIDENTIAL APPLICATION                                                                                     

PERSONAL INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT IN INK.)                           SS #

Last Name_____________________ First Name ____________________Name you prefer _______________

Mailing Address________________________________________City________________________Zip____________

Home Phone_____________________ Sex  (  ) Male   (  )  Female       Date of Birth_____________________

School_______________________________________________ Current Grade in School________________­

Email Address_________________________________________

The Youth First Business Mentorship Program seeks to reflect the diversity of the community in its participants. You may choose to answer the following question:

___ African American                 ___ Asian American                   ___ Caucasian

___ Hispanic                             ___ Native American                  ___ Other_______________

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE

FULL ATTENDANCE by each participant is essential if the Youth First Program is to meet its objectives. We require that you and your parents/guardian make a commitment for you to attend the activities.

I commit to attend and to participate in each of the activities and work experience, as well as the opening and closing activities. I understand that this attendance may include some school holidays or early dismissal days. I also agree to participate in all activities without the presence of family and friends so that I may interact fully with other members of the program or my mentor.

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT__________________________________________DATE____________________

SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN___________________________________DATE____________________

PARENTAL OR GUARDIAN PERMISSION

I am the parent/guardian of the above named student, and I give full permission and consent to Chamber Youth First Mentorship Program, its agents, mentors and employees to transport or provide transportation for my child by public service bus, private automobile, vans or other appropriate means of transportation during all sessions of the program.  I understand that my child is responsible for getting his/her own transportation to and from the sites of activities and work experience.

I hereby release and hold harmless , the Mobile Area Chamber Youth First Mentorship Program, its members, mentors, agents, employees or any individuals involved in the planning, organization or presentation of the activities and work experience, for any accident, illness, injury or damage whatsoever related to the above mentioned student's attendance or participation in any activity of  the program.

SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN___________________________________DATE___________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________

HOME PHONE____________________WORK PHONE____________________CELL PHONE______________

REFERENCE

Please list as a reference an adult who knows you well (other than a parent or relative), either from your school or from your community, athletic or religious activities who will be sending a reference/recommendation on your behalf. 

NAME OF REFERENCE_______________________________________ PHONE NUMBER_________________                                                                                                      

                                                                        APPLICANT'S NAME________________________________

SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

MAIN SUBJECT AREA OF INTEREST__________________________________

List three things that you really like to do or to study ____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Please list in order of importance to you three school, volunteer, religious, social, athletic, or other activities/organizations in which you have participated during the last four years.

ORGANIZATION or ACTIVITY                         YEAR                   RESPONSIBILITY/ INVOLVEMENT/ POSITION

1.________________________________     _______     ______________________________________________

2. _______________________________      _______      ______________________________________________

3. _______________________________      _______      ______________________________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.  Using a few phrases or adjectives, describe yourself. Please list.  ____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

2.  What do you think you will you gain as a participant of the Youth First Business Mentorship Program?

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

3.  How did you hear about the Youth First Business Mentorship Program?  Check all that apply. 

____ School Counselor   ____ a community organization  ____ a family member    Other________________

5.  In your opinion, what are your thoughts about your future? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

6.  If you could change anything in your life, what would it be, and why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Return the complete application to: Dr. Leida Javier-Ferrell, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 2187, Mobile Alabama 36652-2187

Or email to ljavier@Mobilechamber.com

Or deliver by hand to the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, 451 Government Street, Mobile, Al

Youth  First  Business Mentorship Program

                               Community Organization Nomination Form

Applicant will not be considered unless all forms are postmarked by June 22 2009.

TO THE APPLICANT

NAME (LAST) ________________________________ FIRST________________________ 

ADDRESS____________________________________CITY_________________ ZIP_________

All forms of the application must be postmarked by June 22, 2009.  This form, must be mailed to,

Youth First Business Mentorship Program, Selection Committee, PO Box 2187, Mobile Alabama 36652-2187   Or emailed to Clambert@mobilechamber.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * *  * * *

TO THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION NOMINATING THE APPLICANT

The person named above is an applicant for the Chamber Youth Mentorship Program.  The Selection Committee is aware of the time necessary on your part to nominate a candidate and gratefully acknowledges your help. Included is a brief description of the program.

This form must be postmarked by June 22, 2009 to: Youth First Business Mentorship Program,

Selection Committee, PO Box 2187, Mobile Alabama 36652-2187

Questions? Please call 251-431-8631 or 251-431-8619

Nominating Community organization______________________________________________________

Name of person responsible of nomination ______________________________________________________

Position in organization____________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________City _________________State____ Zip_____________

Phone number: Work ___________________________Home ______________________ Fax ____________

Please answer the following questions in a separate page.

1.  How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?

________________________________________________________________________________________

2.  What do you consider the applicant's primary talents or strengths? Areas to grow and develop?

________________________________________________________________________________________

3.   Please use this space for any additional comments about this applicant, especially his/her needs for a mentorship experience.  Participants will be working in groups with their peers, mentors and business partners learning about job readiness, soft skills, occupational exploration and future careers.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Person nominating _______________________________   Date    ______________________                              

  Thank you for your time and consideration in writing a reference for this student.