Will Vision New America provide transportation to my internship?
Vision New America does not provide transportation to the internship offices or to training site locations.
For students that qualify, Vision New America provides up to $120 in stipends to help pay for public transportation, gas, or parking fees incurred during the internship program
Is the internship paid?
The internship is not paid. However, Vision New America provides a scholarship for all students who successfully complete the internship program. In addition to the scholarship, Vision New America provides financial assistance in the form of transportation stipends and fee waivers (see Program Highlights).
What are the eligibility requirements to apply?
Vision New America will consider high school and college students of all ages. In addition, college students who will be graduating in 2007 will be considered for admission.
Freshman and sophomore high school students are admitted into the program each year. However, they are not eligible to receive college credit for completing the leadership development program.
What qualities is Vision New America looking for in an applicant?
All students will be considered for admission. Past students have had GPA’s ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 and above. A candidate does not have to have previous experience working in politics or government. However, students must display a strong desire to learn and grow.
Vision New America seeks a diverse class of interns each year. In addition, training is provided to prepare students for their internship work. Therefore, all students are encouraged to apply.
Is there a cost associated with becoming an intern with Vision New America?
There is a $100 enrollment fee for students who are accepted into Vision New America. There are also costs associated with the training program ranging from $25-$296. All fees are waived for qualifying low-income students (applying is easy, see Financial Assistance and Scholarship information below).
Do I have to take APALI?
Successful completion of APALI is a mandatory requirement of Vision New America. Only students who have already taken APALI in the past are not required to retake the course.
Whats the difference between the Public Health and Policy Internship Program and the Public Policy Internship Program?
The Public Health and Policy Internship Program focuses more specifically on healthcare related issues. The program is intended for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a healthcare related field. The program will help students become better prepared to be health advocates, providers, and policy makers.
Why do you target Asian Pacific Americans?
Asian Pacific Americans are a growing part of the Silicon Valley community; yet still remain underrepresented in local civic positions, including community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, PTAs, and Rotary Club, as well as governmental positions. It is our mission to energize and engage the APA community by encouraging young people to consider public service, promoting voter participation, and mobilizing business and community leaders.
Are your programs open to non-Asian Pacific Americans?
Yes, everyone is welcome to participate in our programming, regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin. Our mission is to increase the civic participation of underrepresented minorities, starting with the Asian Pacific American community. Thus, we do target Asian Pacific Americans but welcome all to participate in our programming to help us achieve our mission. We also have made efforts to reach out to other non-APA organizations to co-sponsor events, including the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, and the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council.
Why should I apply for this program?
An internship in a government office can be a very rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. On a professional level, interns can explore this potential career path, build a professional network of contacts (which can include potential sources of letters of recommendation), and gain valuable work skills. On a personal level, interns may discover a passion for public service, meet new friends, and enjoy the privilege of serving as an "insider" in a government office.
How are interns selected?
Applicants who have submitted a complete application postmarked by Janurary 31, 2008 will have their applications reviewed by Vision New America staff for eligibility.
The Selection Committee will review all complete applications that are received on time and then recommend candidates for and individual interview based on consideration of factors, including, but not limited to:
- Applicant's interest in the program
- Applicant's aptitude and ability to learn from the experience
- Applicant's demonstrated commitment to public service
- Applicant's communication skills
Applicants will be notified for an interview either through email or telephone. If the student has passed the individual interview, then the student is asked back to participate in a group interview. Selection of finalists will occur by March and the office placements of interns should be confirmed by May.
What kind of time commitment is required?
Interns are expected to work for at least 8 weeks full-time during the summer. High school students are expected to work for 12.5-15 hours/week and college students are expected to work 20-22.5 hours/week. This is to ensure both that the intern has sufficient time to learn from the experience and that the government office does not waste its time repeatedly training new interns. Some offices require a 10-week commitment.
What if I have never been involved in community service or politics before?
We encourage all students to apply, regardless of prior experience. Our goal is to introduce as many Asian Pacific American youth to public service as is feasible without lowering the quality of the internship experience. If you do not have any previous experience in public service, please discuss your current interest in participating in public service in your essay. This will give the Selection Committee a better idea of what your motivation is in participating in the program.
What other organizations do you work with?
We believe in working closely with colleagues in other organizations to maximize our resources and accomplish our mutual goals. Organizations with whom we regularly co-sponsor events includes: Asain Americans for Community Involvement, Asian Law Alliance, Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute, Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, International Leadership Foundation, Organization of Chinese Americans, Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, Toastmasters International, and the De Anza College’s Institute for Community and Civic Engagement. If your organization would like to work with us, please contact us at 408-260-0116
How is Vision New America funded?
We seek tax-deductible donations for our programs from foundations, corporations and individuals. Currently, a majority of our funding is from individual and corporate donors committed to our mission and our efforts to advance our mission. Please contact us at info@visionnewamerica.org or call 408-260-0116 if you would like to contribute to us.