Looking for four High School Students to participate in the
American/Iraqi Youth Leadership Camp in Vermont

 The American-Iraqi Youth Leadership Camp, is a one-week youth leadership training from July 25th to August 1st, 2010 in Vermont for Iraqi and American teenagers ages 15-18. For a week, 10 competitively selected American teenagers will participate in an American-Iraqi leadership camp that will focus on developing skills for peace-building and leadership through experiential experiences. The camp will focus on building communication, conflict management, negotiation, group decision-making and problem-solving skills in youth leaders, as well as inspiring their motivation to bring about long-term positive social change in their communities. Both American and Iraqi participants will be required to implement follow-on activities upon their return home that will help the participants stay in touch with each other and reflect on their experiences and integrate that learning into their day-to-day lives at home.

An important goal of the program is that the student leaders, now empowered, will train other student leaders through student led community oriented service projects. The goals of the program are to:
1) Enable the participants to understand civic participation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy
2) Develop leadership skills among high school students and adult leaders appropriate to their needs
3) Foster understanding and build relationships across ethnic, religious, and national groups; and
4) Promote mutual understanding between the people of Iraq and the United States.

What is covered?
The program is fully paid for. The United States Government, in conjunction with its private partners will cover: application fee for applicants, transportation to and from Vermont, orientations, program and administration fees, and lodging and meals. Participants will stay in dormitories in Vermont.

The program does not cover: Transportation to and from Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

Who is eligible to apply?
Student applicants must…..

• Be at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of the exchange (birth years between June 30, 1992-June 30,1995)
• Have a high school graduation year of 2010 or later
• Have permission from either a parent or legal guardian
• Submit a complete application, essays, including photograph and letters of recommendations

Students will be evaluated on the following characteristics:

• A demonstrated interest in and commitment to volunteer and civic activities
• Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and tolerate the opinions of others
• Leadership potential
• Good social and communication skills and academic performance
• An energetic, positive attitude
• Ability to implement projects that benefit the applicant’s school and/or community.

To apply:
Call or email Gina Cirino at (216) 255-9008 or gcirino@ccwa.org as soon as possible for an application! Crucial deadlines are coming up!