The National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at the Wellesley College Centers for Women and the National Writing Project (NWP), with generous funding support from The Robert Bowne Foundation, launched the National Afterschool Matters (ASM) Initiative in 2008. This initiative includes the Afterschool Matters journal and ASM Practitioner Fellowship Program. Participating cities include Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Seattle.
Through the National Afterschool Matters Practitioner Fellowship (ASMPF), experienced OST practitioners engage in a year long intensive inquiry-based reflective learning process, where they study, assess, and write about their work to identify, strengthen, and share effective practices and continuously improve programs. This unique professional development model recognizes the expertise of practitioners and seeks to leverage their knowledge and experience to influence the OST field. Nationally, ASM Fellows produce papers, lead learning meetings, are in leadership positions, and contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen and sustain the OST field.
With generous support from The Robert Bowne Foundation and Pinkerton Foundation, this year, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, in partnership with the NYC Writing Project, will launch the NYC ASM Practitioner Fellowship Program with a small cohort of experienced practitioners serving older youth.
Fellowship Activities and Expectations
The Fellowship requires a one year commitment. Meetings occur twice per month over the course of the academic year and significant time is needed for research, reflection and writing. This involves the same amount of time as a graduate level course.
During the ASMPF program, Fellows receive significant support to foster their professional development, collaboration, writing, and leadership development. Support for Fellows includes:
- Fellowship learning meetings;
- Individual support to assist with research and writing;
- Writing Retreat to provide an opportunity for reflection, collaboration, and writing;
- Opportunity to present work at a Research Roundtable at the end of the Fellowship;
- Stipend or College Credit: Participants who successfully complete the Fellowship are eligible for a $500 stipend or three graduate credits in English.
program calendar
- September 2012 to January 2013: Fellows are required to attend twice monthly 3.5 hour Fellowship learning meetings at the NYC DYCD and complete reading, research, and writing projects as assigned. Meetings will take place from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m on Fridays.
- February 2013 to May 2013: Fellows are required to attend monthly meetings at NYC DYCD; writing group meetings; and complete writing projects as assigned.
- May 2013: Fellows are required to participate in a spring writing retreat and complete rough drafts of research articles, focusing on OST programs for high school youth.
- September 2013: Fellows present research findings to funders, colleagues and academia.
- October 2013: Fellows participate in a formal Round Table Presentation to the broader community and may be eligible to submit papers for publication.
Eligibility Requirements and Selection Process
ASM Practitioner Fellows are selected through a competitive application process. The NYC selection committee is comprised of staff from NIOST, NYC DYCD, Pinkerton and the NYC Writing Project. Nationally, in collaboration with NIOST, each city selects less than twenty Fellows each year based on a number of factors including:
- Experience and Education: Fellows should possess a minimum of three years of experience in education, youth development, and/or the OST field. Fellows must be working part-time or full-time at an OST program in NYC. A bachelor’s degree is required.
- Application Materials: Complete, thoughtful, and well written application materials will be considered. Letters of support and other supplemental materials (e.g., writing samples) will also be carefully reviewed during the selection process.
- Fit: The selection committee will consider applicant availability, job responsibilities, and other information, such as areas of expertise, interests, and writing skills, to determine fit
For more information, visit: http://www.niost.org/Practitioner-Fellowship/practitioner-fellowship-overview or contact: Karen Lachance, (781) 283-2507 or klachance@wellesley.edu.
If you have specific questions in regards to the NYC Fellowship contact: CapacityBuilding@dycd.nyc.gov
