Fellowship Application

Application Deadline:
September 30, 2010

Introduction:

The purpose of the Initiative for Transgender Leadership (ITL) is to positively impact community life through professional and leadership development of transgender youth.

ITL is a project that will grant a paid, 10-month, part time Fellowship to one motivated trans-identified young person (age 17-25).

Our idea is that one motivated young trans person can change the world through their creativity and dedication if provided with a welcoming and supportive place to work. Not enough doors have been open to trans youth for professional development; in fact, hazards and concerns around simply coming out in the professional realm have presented a barrier to learning and accomplishment. We are committed to generating a new experience of safety and agency for trans youth in the working world.

The ITL Fellowship will connect a Sponsoring Organization (SO) with a self-directed young trans person, whether or not they possess previous professional experience. The SO will gain fresh perspective, an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to a diverse workforce and a unique project that serves their mission and expands their service capacity. The ITL Fellow will gain valuable professional skills from interactions with their SO supervisor, participants in their project, and from the ITL mentorship team.

The ITL Fellow will:

• Complete 1000 work hours over the course of 10 months (approximately 25 hours/week) from mid-January through mid-November, 2011;
• Receive a total grant of $12,000 in monthly installments;
• Choose one SO from several Pittsburgh area organizations with which to partner for the duration of the Fellowship;
• Create, manage, report on and complete a project that serves the mission of the SO; and
• Receive professional mentorship from the ITL team.

Qualifications:

• Trans-identified person age 17-25 years;
• Able to live and work in the Pittsburgh region;
• Committed to providing direct community or public impact;
• Willing to lead and learn in new ways; and
• Able to demonstrate a strong work ethic.


Application:

Instructions – Complete the following in no more than 4 pages of single-spaced text, in either 11 or 12 point font.

• Include a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for the Fellowship, plus contact information for 2 references (1 who can tell us about your work ethic, and 1 who can tell us about your leadership ability. If necessary, specify which reference can best speak to each area);
• Describe a time when you took initiative to make a difference for others and got people to work with you.
• What skills, knowledge and personal qualities do you have that will contribute to your success in this Fellowship?
• If your work environment were already supportive of your gender identity and presentation, in what areas of your life would you most like to grow and develop?