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2022-2023 Certificate in Community Leadership and Advocacy Scholarship Application

In partnership with Urban College of Boston, Vital Village Networks is accepting applications for scholarships to the Certificate in Community Leadership and Advocacy, a year-long, 9-credit, college-level certificate program that builds upon the capabilities of community leaders who are working to maximize child, family, and community wellbeing in Boston.

This certificate is for those who serve in formal and informal roles doing community organizing, policy change, or advocacy for children and families to prepare them to address the aspects of professional development in this field. Students will acquire tools and develop skills to serve as better advocates for children and families.

Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm September 7, 2022 through December 14, 2022 and January 25, 2023 - May 10, 2023. From January through May, students will also have a 3-credit, 90-hour externship project.

Courses:

  • HUS 203 Foundations in Community Advocacy (3 credits)
  • HUS 206 Community Advocacy: From Knowledge to Action (3 credits)
  • Externship: Advocacy and Leadership: From Action to Community Practice (3 credits)


Scholarship Details: APPLY BY FRIDAY 8/31/2022

Scholarship recipients will have limited out-of-pocket expenses (no more than $75 - including the cost of a textbook and cap & gown for graduation). However, we ask that all Scholarship recipients apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) as standard for all higher education institutions. We will offer support in this process. FASFA application for those who qualify for a Pell Grant or the Urban College Institutional Aid, this will count toward your scholarship from Vital Village. For those who do not qualify, Vital Village will cover the costs of tuition and fees for the 9 credits of the Certificate.

Scholarship recipients will be expected to participate fully in the two-semester course & 90 hour externship. In addition to course work and completion of the externship, recipients are expected to attend the annual National Community Leadership Summit on October 18-19, 2022, present at the June 12, 2023 Vital Village Network Connection Meeting, and provide a creative summary (blog post, TED talk, or other medium) of their experience.

APPLY BY FRIDAY 8/31/22

Applicant Details

Are you a member of Vital Village?

Due to our commitment to equity and Urban College's mission, we seek to offer opportunities to members of communities that have not been traditionally included in college-level advocacy training opportunities.

Please assess the reasons that motivate you to apply for this certificate:

Not a Motivating Factor
Very Strong Motivating Factor
Not a motivating factor
Very strong motivator
Not a motivator
Very strong motivator

If other, please describe

Written Responses

While previous experience is not required, please describe your involvement in your community or with children and families.

Scholarship Interest and Commitment

Please check each box below if you are able to commit to the full Certificate program including the three elements listed:

Fall Semester: (Wednesdays 6-9pm 9/7/2022 - 12/14/2022); Spring Semester: (Wednesdays 6-9pm 1/25/2023 - 5/10/2023); Externship: (90 hours between 1/25/2023 - 5/10/2023).

Would you still be able to participate in the Certificate program without a full or partial scholarship?

Scholarships will cover any costs of tuition for the 9 credits of the Certificate that are not covered by Pell Grants or Urban College's Institutional Financial Aid. Please note that all selected scholarship recipients will be asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if they may qualify for a Pell Grant.

How did you hear about this opportunity?

Scholars agree to commit to a 90-hour an externship project (either an independent project or affiliated with a partner organization) between January and May 2023 following the completion of the first semester. Describe your ability to complete this externship.

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