Peer Leader Workshop Application

Congratulations! You have been chosen to become a PeerForward Peer Leader! Out of hundreds of thousands of students nationwide, only a select few are given this unique opportunity to set a path for their college and career futures – and learn how to motivate their peers to do the same. We believe that your child has the power to influence their peers, and reach their own college and career goals.

With the launch of PeerForward, our campaign for the next generation, PeerForward will connect 1.8 million students to college and career over the next decade. And we want your child to be a part of this movement.

You will be part of an 8-person PeerForward team, who will train, coach, and empower their peers to achieve three benchmarks associated with increases in college enrollment in even America’s most under served high schools:

1. Complete three or more college applications
2. Early filing for scholarships/Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
3. Creating campaigns to address a concern or issue in their community to effect change.

Over the last two decades, we have ignited the power of peer influence in more than 600 high schools. Our schools are leaders in the movement for student-driven positive change.

You will have the opportunity to attend an in-person PeerForward Workshop. During the PeerForward Workshop you will:

- Receive personal and professional development from PeerForward Coaches and Volunteers
- Develop specialized plans and strategies for campaign activities, events, and data collection within their school
- Collaborate with other local PeerForward Teams to increase college enrollment rates across an entire community
- Learn the principles of youth activation to set goals in tandem 

For seniors only, you will also:         

- Learn the methodology of writing a compelling personal statement to stand out from thousands of high school graduates applying to the same colleges, the same scholarships, and even the same jobs.
- Meet one-on-one with a professional college coach to think about next steps in the application process and build a list of colleges to consider.

In order to attend the PeerForward Summer Workshop, you and your parent/guardian must complete and sign these Permission Forms. Instructions for completing the Permission Forms are included in each section. These forms are to be completed online.

Before submitting an application, please review our privacy policy:
PeerForward Privacy Policy

If you have any questions concerning this program, please contact your school’s PeerForward Advisor. We look forward to working with you and your student in the upcoming months.

Sincerely,
PeerForward

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARTICIPATION

Every participant, together with staff, volunteers and parents, contributes to the success of our program. Below is an outline of expectations that we ask of all participants, their parents/guardians, and program staff and volunteers.

I, _______________________________________________,  agree to meet these program expectations:

- Treat my fellow participants and staff with respect.
- Plan ahead for personal needs so that I can participate fully and on time in all activities.
- Challenge myself to learn and advocate for my needs, including requesting help or accommodation when I need it.
- Be an active bystander: do what I can to help others or find help when needed.
- Follow staff, volunteer and guest instructions and raise concerns respectfully.
- Complete assigned individual and group projects on time.
- If applicable: Contribute ideas and adhere to a youth-driven group agreement.

What are the consequences if I do not meet expectations of the program?

Staff will give me a warning regarding behaviors and actions that are not allowed and in most cases give me an opportunity to correct the behavior. Depending on the behavior, they may also contact my parent or guardian.

In some cases, staff may discuss with me and require me to sign a corrective action plan in order to stay in the program.

Some behaviors may result in immediate suspension or termination.

The following may result in being dismissed from the program:

Bullying, harassing or using derogatory language towards another person or group of people. This includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about others online. This can include sharing personal or private information about someone else online.

Possessing or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons.

- Repeated absences or failure to meet agreed upon program work requirements.

As the parent/guardian I will support my child’s participation in this program by:

- Making arrangements so my child is available to participate in the program during specified times.
- Allowing time for my child to complete required assignments.
- Communicating with staff prior to program start time if my child must be absent.
- Not making inappropriate requests of staff that conflict with program guidelines.
- Working together with program staff to resolve issues that arise with my child.
- Having a conversation with my child about online safety and understanding that program staff are not able to monitor, nor responsible for, what my child does online outside of program activities.

Program staff and volunteers commit to:

- Respectful and effective communication with all participants and their parents.
- Helping you have a safe and fun experience.
- Addressing problems that are brought to our attention.
- Creating an environment where everyone is welcomed and given the opportunity to succeed.

Everyone contributes to the success of our program!

Sign and select "Yes" below acknowledging your understanding of and a commitment to following this code of conduct. 

This document gives your student permission to attend PeerForward's Training Camps and/or Workshops.

Parent Liability Release

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS DOCUMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND IS LEGALLY BINDING. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE RELEASING PEERFORWARD FROM ALL LIABILITY AND FOREVER GIVING UP ANY CLAIMS THEREFOR

Assumption of Risk

I, in my legal capacity as parent/guardian of the minor named below (“Minor”), acknowledge and agree that any use of PeerForward facilities, services, equipment and premises (“Facilities”) and any participation in PeerForward programs and activities (“Programs”) comes with inherent risks including, but in no way limited to: (1) moderate and severe personal injury, (2) property damage, (3) disability, (4) death, and (5) sickness or disease including, without limitation, COVID-19. I voluntarily, for myself and Minor, accept and assume full responsibility for these risks as well as any and all other risks of the use of Facilities and participation in Programs. I agree that I have full knowledge of the nature and extent of all such risks and am not relying on all such risks being described in this document.

Waiver, Release, Indemnification & Covenant Not to Sue

In consideration of Minor’s use of Facilities and participation in Programs I, in my legal capacity as parent/guardian of Minor, agree on behalf of myself and Minor that PeerForward, its officers, directors, agents, employees, volunteers, insurers and representatives (“Releasees”) will not be liable for any personal injury, property damage, disability, death, sickness or disease incurred by Minor, however occurring including, but not limited to, the negligence of Releasees. I understand that Minor and I will be solely responsible for any loss or damage, including personal injury, property damage, disability, death, sickness or disease sustained from the use of Facilities and participation in Programs.

I further agree, in my legal capacity as the parent/guardian of Minor, on behalf of Minor, myself, and any and all legal successors and proxies, to release and HEREBY DO RELEASE, WAIVE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Releasees from any causes of action, claims, suits, liabilities or demands of any nature whatsoever including, but in no way limited to, claims of negligence, which Minor, myself, and any and all legal successors and proxies may have, now or in the future, against Releasees on account of personal injury, property damage, disability, death, sickness, disease or accident of any kind, arising out of or in any way related to the use of Facilities or participation in Programs, whether that participation is supervised or unsupervised, however the injury or damage occurs, including, but not limited to, the negligence of Releasees.

In further consideration of the use of Facilities and participation in Programs, I, in my legal capacity as parent/guardian of Minor, agree on behalf of myself and Minor to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Releasees from any and all causes of action, claims, demands, losses, suits, liabilities or costs of any nature whatsoever, including claims of negligence, arising out of or in any way related to the use of Facilities and participation in Programs.

I understand that my student’s school transcripts are used by PeerForward for student counseling sessions and for statistical analysis.  I understand that PeerForward strictly protects the confidentiality of student transcripts.  I hereby authorize the release to PeerForward of my students's school transcripts.

I also consent to the use of my student’s name, likeness, essay, and speech, whether written or spoken, in any audiotape, videotape, film, book, or photograph made at the Workshop, Training Camp, or any PeerForward program or event for any informational, instructional, and/or fundraising purposes of PeerForward, including the use of such media via dissemination through PeerForward’s websites and social media platforms.

I also give PeerForward permission to video record sessions in order to ensure the safety of all participants, quality of interaction and evaluate coaching techniques. The video file(s) will be treated with confidentiality and will only be accessed by PeerForward staff. 

I also give PeerForward permission to provide my and/or my student’s contact information and other personally identifiable information to colleges, universities, and other educational institutions with which PeerForward partners toward its mission, in order to help such colleges, universities, and other educational institutions identify and contact students with information about educational opportunities.

I also give PeerForward permission periodically to trace and record my student’s postsecondary status, including, but not limited to, my student’s postsecondary enrollment and graduation status.  I permit PeerForward to track and record my student’s postsecondary status with or without the child’s prior consent.  I permit PeerForward to use any and all previously-released or -provided personal information regarding my student, and/or to provide such information to the National Student Clearinghouse or an affiliated or similar service, in connection with PeerForward’s postsecondary status tracking efforts.

During the Workshop and/or Training Camp, my student agrees to abide by the following commitments.  My student understands and agrees that if they breaks any of these commitments, they will be dismissed from the Workshop and/or Training Camp:

In-Person Sessions:

1. Demonstrate constant respect for self, staff, fellow participants, and property. This includes, but not limited to, harassment, bullying, and verbal abuse.
2. No drugs, alcohol, or smoking. I agree to not consume any alcoholic beverages, use any tobacco products. If ordered by a medical practitioner to take medication, I agree to make arrangements with PeerForward staff at the beginning of the program. 
3. No sex. I agree to not interact in a sexual nature which includes but is not limited to kissing or touching another person. I agree to not have sex with anyone during the PeerForward Summer Workshop.
4. No leaving campus. No one should leave campus during the Workshop.
5. Abide by curfew. I agree to be in my room at the specified times.

Virtual Sessions:

1. Videos On - We'll look for nonverbal and verbal cues throughout the session.
2. Be Present - Full participation via chat, polls, and breakout groups.
3. Honor Time - Minimize the multitasking (no other windows open)
4. Assume positive intent
5. Be prepared for a cold call (coaches will call on you to share your experiences)
6. Outside of designated Q&A time, put questions in the chat
7. Demonstrate constant respect for self, staff, and fellow participants. This includes, but not limited to, harassment, bullying, verbal abuse.