Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT)
The application period for the Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT) program is now closed. The deadline was April 8.
Due to the growing interest in the program, many more applications were received than there are participant spots in the program. All applicants have been notified via email whether or not they were selected to participate in the program this year.
At this time, we're planning for LOFT to be held in late July 2011 in Washington, DC. We'll be announcing the dates on the AG Bell website and in AG Bell Update as soon as the specific dates are confirmed. Information and an application packet will be available on the AG Bell website in January 2011.
We are also planning to hold LOFT around the time of the AG Bell Biennial Convention in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona in 2012.
LOFT 2010 Information
LOFT
"LOFT went way above and beyond my initial expectations. It was more than a leadership opportunity--it was something that changed my life. It helped me see the world in a new perspective and gave me the ability to see myself in a new light." -- Teen Participant
LOFT Testimonials
LOFT 2009 |
Program Mission
Provide an active learning and bonding experience for teenagers who are deaf and hard of hearing and who use listening and spoken language. And, ultimately, to create a network of confident individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and use spoken language.
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Program Overview
This four-day program is designed for participants to develop skills in individual leadership, teamwork, understanding group dynamics and communication, public speaking, and self advocacy. The program is structured in such a way that participants increase their self confidence and their understanding of their own strengths and abilities through activities designed to challenge them more each day to push beyond their comfort zone in a supportive environment.
This program has a capacity to serve 20 participants and is a great opportunity for high school and college-bound teens interested in a leadership experience away from home with their peers.
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Target Audience
Participants are teenagers with hearing loss who have completed their freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior year of high school.
In order to be eligible for this program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- The teen’s bilateral hearing loss must have been diagnosed prior to age 7 (during the language-learning years).
- The teen’s hearing loss may be in the mild to profound range, and must be bilateral. Unilateral hearing loss does not qualify.
- Spoken communication must be the teen’s primary mode of communication.
- At the time of the program (June 2010), the teen must have just completed their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year of high school.
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Dates & Location
June 20-24, 2010, at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando, Florida
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Fees
Program Registration Fee: $495 per registrant
This covers all meals, snacks, activity fees and ground transportation from arrival to departure.
Lodging Fee: $400 per registrant
This is for a double-occupancy room and covers hotel room and related taxes.
Families are responsible for the cost of the teen’s transportation to Orlando.
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Scholarships
AG Bell endeavors to provide three to five LOFT scholarships for teens with a demonstrated financial need.
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Deadline
Applications must have been received at AG Bell by April 8, 2010.
Applicants were notified via email on April 20, 2010, whether or not they were selected to participate in the 2010 LOFT program.
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Questions?
Please email Wendy Will, wwill@agbell.org, youth and family programs manager, with any questions you have about the program, application or scholarship.
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