DCYAC Members Witness History

Over the course of the next few days, DCYAC members will share pictures and stories from their inauguration experiences. From the swearing in and parade to the official Youth Ball, DCYAC members had a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making. Enjoy!

On January 20, 2009, I attended the inauguration parade. Since this year’s inauguration was a historical moment for African Americans, it was a wonderful experience. Despite the large crowds, the cold weather and difficulty in getting through security, I had a lot of fun. I got a chance to see President Obama get out his limo and walk down constitution Ave. with his wife Michelle Obama. I also got a chance to meet new people amongst the crowd in witnessing this experience. If you didn’t come out and celebrate this wonderful moment in history, it was your loss.

Tierra Glymph

11th Grade

School Without Walls Senior High School

On the night of the inauguration, I attended the first annual Peace Ball hosted by Busboys and Poets. The ball was a lot of fun and several important figures came to voice their appreciation for the newly elected president, Barack Obama. Everyone at the ball was at such a high energy from witnessing the life changing event a few hours before at the swearing in ceremony, and the ball lasted all the way untill 2 AM. However, my friends and I stayed till 12 that night because we had gotten tired since we had arrived to the ball at 5:30 that evening. We regretted leaving because just as we were exiting the postal museum, which was where the ball was held, Michael Franty and the Spearheads came on to sing. The band raised the intensity level severely and people began dancing and singing all over again as if the night had just begun. Overall, the ball was very exciting and was a perfect way to finish off the night after witnessing Obama officially becoming the next president of the United States.

Nina Shallal

11th Grade

School Without Walls Senior High School

DCYAC Feautured in the Washington Post: Essay Prize- Parade Seats for DC Kids

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2009/01/03/AR2009010301743_pf.html

Essay Prize: Parade Seats For D.C. Kids
By Nikita Stewart
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, January 4, 2009; C01

Some lucky and literary D.C. middle and high school students could write their own ticket to a front row seat at President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural parade.More than 100 students will be selected to sit in a viewing stand in front of the White House for the Jan. 20 parade based on the best 500-word essays that answer the question: "How can I contribute to my neighborhood through community service?"The students must be District residents who attend public or private school in the city, said Kevin Griffis, a spokesman for the inaugural committee.

The essays must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian who also resides in the District. Winners will be selected by the inaugural committee. They will receive three tickets, allowing them to bring two guests to the viewing stand next to one reserved for Obama and other dignitaries."This is prime real estate, I guess you could say," Griffis said.The Presidential Inaugural Committee wanted to emphasize Obama's commitment to community service and to the District, Griffis said. "It's . . . to say 'thank you' to the people of Washington," he said.Michelle Obama, wife of the president-elect, has said that she and her family want to be a part of the D.C. community just as they have been in Chicago.

Daughters Malia and Sasha start at Sidwell Friends School tomorrow.Parents and guardians may enter their children's essays at http://www.pic2009.org/dcstudentessay. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 11.Edward Doxen, 16, a junior at McKinley Technology High School, could barely contain his excitement yesterday. "How do I enter?" he asked. "When is the essay due?"Doxen, a member of the D.C. Youth Advisory Council, said Obama's gesture and the topic of giving back to neighborhoods were meaningful. "It's good that he's trying to touch base," he said. "I think it's a great opportunity. . . . A lot of us wouldn't get to go."The contest follows a trend of the inaugural committee's focus on youth and a literary approach to the event.There already is an online essay contest for writers of any age to pen something about what the inauguration means to them.

Ten winners will receive a package deal that includes airfare, lodging and tickets to an official ball, the parade and the swearing-in.The swearing-in will include a reading by poet and District native Elizabeth Alexander.The inaugural committee has also planned a free concert for young people at the Verizon Center on the eve of the inauguration. No word on how to get tickets.Tickets for other bleacher seats along the parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue may go on sale next week, Griffis said, although he had no details about how many will be available or how much they will cost.

In the past, ticket prices have ranged from $15 to $150.The National Park Service and inaugural committee are limited to building bleachers that can accommodate about 8,700 people, down from 20,000 in 2005 for President Bush's second inaugural parade, after a ruling by a federal judge.U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman ruled in favor of the ANSWER Coalition, an antiwar group that argued that the seats turned the parade into a private affair. In 2005, spectators on the sidewalk complained that they could not see around the bleachers.

To apply for the essay contest visit: http://www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay

Internships Pt.2

Hello, everyone, my name is Tierra Glymph and i'm here to give you guys some more information on internship programs for high school students in DC. Below are a list of internship programs looking for hard working students. I have given you some brief information about the programs to give you a feel for what you may apply for. PLEASE feel free to contact these programs or people looking for interns.

The High School Intern Program (HSIP)- is a mayoral initiative designed to promote leadership and development in high school students attending DC public high schools. The HSIP is a comprehensive staff-to-student internship/mentoring program that connects students with DC government agencies and employees who can advise, coach, and guide them, as well as provide meaningful work-related experiences. The 2009 program is open to 11th graders in District of Columbia Public High Schools. The program is not available to Charter Schools at this time.

CBCF Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program-
The purpose of this six-month program is to expose D.C. high school students to Capitol Hill while at the same providing important skills and opportunities that will help prepare them for college. The Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program is a six-month program divided into three segments. Applicants must reside in or attend school in the District of Columbia. At the time of application, students must be in their junior year of high school and in good academic standing. The selection process for the Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program is highly competitive

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (FGA/AMSG)-This summer internship honors Dick Louie, former Associate Director of the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The program is intended as an opportunity for high school students of Asian descent to gain practical experience in a museum setting. To be eligible, applicants must be entering or completing their senior year of high school. Applicants must live and attend high school in the Washington metropolitan area.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif.- is seeking applications for a full time internship for her Washington, D.C., office. The intern will work closely with the administrative and legislative staff. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning the legislative process. The successful candidate will be motivated, able to multitask, and have the ability to work well under pressure. All interested applicants should e-mail their resumes and contact information to CaliforniaResumes@yahoo.com.

Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey, D-Calif.,- is offering full or part-time, unpaid internships. This position provides excellent exposure to the legislative process while developing a strong understanding of how a congressional office operates. Intern responsibilities include answering phones, leading tours of the Capitol, opening and sorting mail and faxes, and the possibility of assisting legislative staff with research and correspondence. Applicants should be energetic, committed and possess excellent communication skills. District ties are a plus. Please send a resume and cover letter to ca06internapp@gmail.com.

Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer- needs interns for the winter and spring of 2009. We are looking for personable, capable and motivated individuals with excellent oral and written communication skills. Job duties will include (but are not limited to) attending briefings, congressional research, answering phones, drafting constituent letters and event planning. Familiarity with the state of Oregon is a plus. If you are interested, please contact the intern coordinator at tyler.frisbee@mail.house.gov or by phone at (202) 225-4811. This internship is unpaid but is an excellent way to gain valuable experience with Hill and office organization

Progressive Midwestern Democrat- seeks a full-time press intern for an aggressive, fast-paced communications shop this spring (January-May ‘09). Intern will assist the communications director with press releases, talking points, press conferences/events, newsletters, and administrative tasks. Excellent writing skills and a good sense of humor are desired. College journalism/political science students are preferred, but not required. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and two short (one page or less) writing samples to IL17press@gmail.com.

Progressive Midwestern Democrat- has an internship opportunity available in his Washington , D.C. , office for the 2009 winter semester. Primary responsibilities will focus on writing letters, sorting mail, and legislative research. Secondary responsibilities will include giving capitol tours, attending briefings, and answering phones. Please e-mail a resume, cover letter and brief writing sample to hare.internship@gmail.com.

Scholarships Pt.2

Hello, my name is Angel Peters, and I'm back with scholarship information! Below is a list of several scholarship opportunities. Most of these scholarships are local, and each retain valuable information that is relatable on all levels. Along with the information about each scholarship are the enclosed deadlines. We recommend that you submit your applications before the deadline. I hope this helps!
Quote of the day:
Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.
-Belva Davis



Scholarship Opportunities

Long and Foster Scholarship Program
11351 Random Hills RoadFairfax, Virginia 22030-6082PH: (703) 359-1500
Eligibility Requirements: Scholarship for freshman study at four year college or university in the United States. Applicant must be a high school senior. U.S. citizen residing in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware or Pennsylvania Applicant must submit SAT scores and have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Deadline: March 1.

Washington Gas Scholarship
Washington, DC Public Affairs1100 H Street, NWWashington, DC 20080PH: (202) 624-6697Eligibility Requirements: Scholarship intended for full time freshman study at an accredited postsecondary college or university. Applicant must be a high school senior residing in the District of Columbia. Deadline: February 20.
Budwieser Conservation Scholarship Program1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900Washington, DC 20036PH: (202) 857-0166Eligibility Requirements: One-time award supports and promotes innovative research or study that seeks to respond to today’s most pressing conservation issues. Scholarship for use in freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year. Deadline: April 16.

Budwieser Conservation Scholarship Program
1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900Washington, DC 20036PH: (202) 857-0166Eligibility Requirements: One-time award supports and promotes innovative research or study that seeks to respond to today’s most pressing conservation issues. Scholarship for use in freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year. Deadline: April 16.

Live Out Loud Annual Scholarship
The Live Out Loud Annual Scholarship provides three $2,500 scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and allies who have made significant contributions to society by "living out loud" and supporting the LGBT community. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and to students who deferred attending an educational institution for one year following graduation. Award selection is based on academic credentials, an essay, leadership and community service involvement, an interview, two letters of recommendation, financial need and future goals. The deadline is March 31. For more information, write to LIVE OUT LOUD, Attention: Scholarship Committee, PO Box 312, New York, NY 10113 or send email to info.liveoutloud@gmail.com.

First In My Family Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2008The First in My Family Scholarship Program, developed in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund, offers scholarships to Hispanic-American students who are the first in their family to attend college, and have financial need. The program is open to Hispanic Americans who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at approved, accredited institutions. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000.

The Marriott Scholars Program
Deadline: April 15, 2008The Marriott Scholars Program offers financial support of up to $9,000 per year for four years coupled with opportunities for on-going career guidance and mentoring by Marriott hotel managers and corporate executives. Marriott is the largest and most rapidly growing leader in the hospitality industry, offering a diverse range of career opportunities in hospitality management, hotel management, food & beverage and culinary. Marriott provides internship opportunities at hotels where you can experience first-hand Marriott's rich culture, "Spirit to Serve" philosophy, and diverse family of associates known for the care they provide to guests, each other, and our communities.

Scholarship Infromation

Hello, my name is Angel Peters. I am a junior at School Without Walls, and I intern at DCYAC. I have done a significant amount of research on various scholarships for highschool juniors and seniors.

The first scholarship that I would like to introduce is the Coca-Cola Scholarship for seniors. Coca-Cola has a wide range of scholarships available to both juniors and seniors. There is a four-year award scholarship for seniors. The program awards 50 four-year $20,000 scholarships and 200 four-year $10,000 scholarships for use at accredited colleges and universities within the U.S. Rewards leadership and excellence as exemplified through academic achievement and extracirricular activities, including commitment to community service. This is available for beginning in August as an electronic application.

APPLICANTS MUST BE:
*CURRENT high school (or home-schooled) seniors attending school in the U.S.

*U.S Citizens; U.S Nationals; U.S Permanent Residents; Temporary Residents (in a legalization program); Refugees; Asylees; Cuban-Haitian Entrants; or Humanitarian Paroles.

*Seniors anticipating completetion of a high school diploma during the academic yearin which application is made.

*Seniors planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S postsecondary institution.

*Seniors carrying a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school.

APPLICANTS MAY NOT BE!
*Children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola, Company divisions or subsidiaries.

For More Contact Information:
Four Year Award For Seniors
Post Office Box 442
Atlanta, GA 30301-0442
Toll Free 800-306-2653
Fax 404-733-5439

DCAYC Election Edition

DCYAC member Nina Shalal blogged about her election day experience on November 4th.

At Busboys and Poets on 14^th and V, the restaurant was packed with a line of about 200 plus people outside the entrance doors. Waiters and waitresses were running in an out of the restaurant giving the people standing in line hot apple cider to help them cope with the cold weather and rain. Inside, there were even more people than there were outside. There were four TV’s located throughout the restaurant, at the bar, atop the bookstore, one facing the people outside, and one big TV in the Langston room. The chants when the polls notifying the people that Barack Obama was ahead were shown were deafening, and there was dancing and screaming and jumping occurring throughout the restaurant, even amongst the bystanders outside. Located at the entrance of Busboys was an Obamator which was used to count Obama’s electoral votes. By the time Barack Obama was announced the next president of the United States, the Obamator had overflowed. The cheers that broke out then were unbelievable. Everyone in the place had enormous smiles on their faces and everyone was hugging the person next to them. Obama’s victory truly brought the people in Busboys together. After the announcement of Obama’s victory, the police shut down U street due to all of the commotion that was going on. There were people running around with American flags, people banging on drums or anything else they could find to make some kind of noise in celebration of the truly monumental event. The 2008 election will justly be a night that will go down in history.

DCYAC Kicks Off 2008-2009 Council!

Last week, the DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC) kicked off its first meeting of the 2008-2009 year. The new class is comprised of the most amazing young talent that the District of Columbia has to offer and we are confident that we are on our way to becoming the best youth council in the country.

The DCYAC consists of 32 council members, between the ages of 13 and 22, selected from various sectors of the District (3 members from each of the 8 wards and 8 at-large representatives who have experience with the Juvenile Justice System and Foster Care). Membership reflects a broad range of diversity encompassing, but not limited to, relevant differences such as ethnicity, location of residency, religion and gender. The Youth Advisory Council advises the Mayor, the District Council, DC public schools, other key decision makers in the District government, and other adult leaders in the District by:

* Commenting on legislation and policies that impact youth;
* Presenting methods to resolve youth-related conflicts between youth and between youth and adults;
* Proposing recommendations to improve the lives of youth;
* Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of youth programs and policies;
* Partnering with neighborhood and youth organizations; and
* Providing youth with leadership development trainings.

Be sure to check out our blog regularly, because each month we will highlight a councilmember of the month.