INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE- STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Introduction
Purpose
Program Overview
Application

________________________________________________________________________

Introduction
The Board of Directors of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) approved the creation of a student leadership development program aimed at currently enrolled students in the Association's member institutions. This inaugural program will occur on October 28-29, 2008 immediately prior to the 2008 Annual Conference, which is on October 30-November 1, at the Marriott Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD.

Individuals who are accepted for the program are strongly encouraged to register and participate in the Annual Conference. Student participants will be recognized and will receive a certificate of completion at the ASAHP awards dinner.

Purpose
In recognition that the future viability and effectiveness of the ASAHP, in fulfilling its Mission and Purpose, is dependent on the leadership and involvement of today's students as tomorrows leaders, the Association hereby establishes a national Student Leadership Program for currently enrolled allied health students with the following purposes:

•  To provide educational opportunities pertaining to national health care and allied health issues;

•  To provide education and training in the general area of leadership;

•  To provide basic understanding of the political process and strategies for effective advocacy

•  To instill an awareness and appreciation of the need for collaborative and collective advocacy across various allied health disciplines; and,

•  To encourage and facilitate leadership opportunities for graduates of the program.

Program Overview
One or more group projects will provide a basis for examining various issues such as: national health care policy, allied health issues, leadership and team building, advocacy, academic life, and national and state professional associations. Students will have the opportunity to work as part of a team on an issue of mutual interest while at the same time enabling each individual to pursue activities along lines of personal development such as team building and leadership.

•  No fewer than 10 and not more 15 participants will be selected.

•  Normally, no more than one person will be selected from any one member institution.

•  Eligible applicants include: students (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional doctoral) enrolled in health or human services academic programs in an ASAHP member institution; students with a minimum B average in academic program; students must be 21 years of age or older at the time of the selection; student must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident of the U.S., or have an F-1 student visa.

•  Applicants are required to submit two letters of support of nomination – one from the college dean and one from the program director or chair of the student's academic program. These letters should also confirm the eligibility of the applicant. These support letters must be written on letterhead, can be scanned, and submitted by the applicant as part of the entire application packet..

•  The application process and the application can be found by clicking here.

•  ASAHP will furnish a total of $500 per individual to offset the costs of participating in the October program. Expenses that exceed this amount will be the responsibility of either the individual or the institution. Participants will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements and hotel reservations, along with having responsibility for covering the costs of these items and most meal functions. The registration fee to attend and participate in the Annual Conference will be waived.

•  Applicants must indicate that they have the necessary financial resources, either personally or from the institution, to participate in the program.

•  Applications and two letters of support must be submitted as a packet electronically by the close of business on April 1 , 2008 to ASAHP at Thomas@asahp.org .

top^