The Coatesville Youth Initiative is seeking applicants for its 2016 ServiceCorps — pictured: the 2015 ServiceCorps graduating class.
COATESVILLE — Applications are now open for the Coatesville Youth Initiative 2016 ServiceCorps; a highly selective, rigorous (and very fun) summer leadership program available to residents aged 14 to 18 who reside in the Coatesville Area School District. Through outstanding community support, the program is offered free-of-charge.
In its seventh year of operation, ServiceCorps fosters collaboration and partnerships among organizations within and outside of Coatesville who serve as work sites for the selected participants. Each year, the Youth Initiative also looks to expand the number of local businesses who host the interning students.
To qualify, a business needs to provide meaningful opportunities for youth to learn and develop their skills while fostering an aspect of community development. With a history of over 25 diverse work sites, a few of the previous partners have included Art Partners Studio, Brandywine Health Foundation, Bridge Academy and Community Center, Brandywine Hospital, Brandywine Red Clay Alliance and Waste Oil Recyclers.
ServiceCorps is a transformational program for participants, who commit to eight weeks of paid employment experience, leadership development, personal and professional growth.
Additionally, youth gain an understanding of civic engagement while selflessly giving back to their community. “In just eight short weeks, we see high school students blossom into responsible, focused, and civic-minded contributing members of our community”, said Chaya Scott, CYI Executive Director. “Since the program inception, ServiceCorps students have completed 57,000 hours of service and earned over $430,000 in wages.”
Student applications are due by Friday March 18 at 4 p.m. and can be completed online at www.coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org. Paper applications are also available on the website and at the guidance offices of Coatesville Area Schools. ServiceCorps applicants must be between 14 and 18 years of age as of June 20, 2016, and be eligible to work in the U.S. The application process is competitive and participation will be limited to 40 students.
Interested students and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend one of the upcoming informational sessions on Tuesday, March 1 at 6:30 pm at the Brandywine Center (Kay Conference Room at 744 East Lincoln Highway) or Thursday, March 3 at 6:30 pm at the Coatesville Area High School (Large Group Room at 1445 East Lincoln Highway).
For more information on how to become a ServiceCorps host site, please contact Desso Bryant, Youth Program Coordinator, at 610.380.0200 x208.
For more information on the ServiceCorps application, please contact Aja Thompson, Program Assistant, at 610.380.0200 x207.
The Coatesville Youth Initiative (CYI) is an independent non-profit organization committed to training youth leaders, enhancing family relationships, building community collaboration, and encouraging prevention education. For more information, visit www.coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org.
