Impact Fellows Program (IFP)

The Impact Fellows Program is an intensive six-week leadership program seeking to develop young civic-minded leaders interested in working in the Asian Pacific American community. IFP will recruit and train 15 young leaders with a focus on leadership development and workforce readiness. Fellows will receive 96 hours of training. Workshops will address different issue and skills areas: Asian Pacific American identity; leadership training; communication, career development, networking, and team building; and, social justice issues. At the end of the training, the Fellows will be placed in four-week internships with nonprofit and government sector agencies to learn about regional issues and organizations. Fellows will also meet on a weekly basis for more leadership development such as field trips to Springfield and visits to non-profit institutions. The goal of IFP is to develop a pipeline of young leaders who will make an impact in the Asian Pacific American community by becoming aware of social issues, and engaged in civic participation.

In addition to the two weeks of intensive training provided by AAI and Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, there will be various guest speakers from the region who are experts on Asian Pacific American issues.

The application process will target youth interested in working in the Asian Pacific American community. The recruitment process will target schools, and youth members of Asian Pacific American social service agencies. The mix of Fellows will reflect diversity of gender, class, age, ethnicity, immigration, community service, and other interests. Additional consideraiton will be given to individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds and situations.

The Fellows will receive a $500 stipend, travel, and lunch for the training phase, and during weekly training sessions.

Sponsors/Supporters Include: (Many Thanks!)

• Bridgeview Bank
• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
• Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP)
• Southwest Airlines
• Southeast Asian Resource and Action Center (SEARAC)
• US Department of Labor Women's Bureau

Application Materials: (2008 Materials))

• Click for IFP Fact Sheet
• Click for IFP Application Form
• Click for IFP Internship Host Fact Sheet
• Click for Last Years Program Reacap (highlights, photos, assessment and more)