top of page

What We Do

ADYN provides high impact, year-round programming for youth within the greater Washington, DC community that enhances 21st century learning.  Our expeditionary model is based on rigorous scientific research which promotes purpose-driven programs and activities that are active, meaningful, and collaborative.  ADYN Fellows are enrolled in grades 9-12 and attend schools in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

 

Fellows participate in academic year seminars and leadership training, cultural and community enrichment projects, post-secondary preparation workshops, collaboration wth college and professional mentors, student-parent activities, adult family involvement, and civic engagement.

 

The summer curriculum is highly interactive and incorporates the Gallup strengths based leadership research model to develop personal and inter-personal youth leadership skills.  The program also includes regional, national, and international service learning, study tours and trips. 

summer leadership program
Academic Year Seminars and Leadership Development

Theme-based academic year programming is conducted monthly. The seminars focus on critical global topics and draw on a variety of local and national experts. Fellows examine current and historical social and political issues and the ways that individuals and groups have mobilized to address them.

 

Seminars serve the dual purpose of helping to prepare students for the academic rigor of college through small group discussion around complex issues and providing insight on international careers. The program combines in-class activities and site visits to international organizations, embassies.  In addition, ADYN provides year-round workforce and soft skills training to support high-quality internships. Fellows learn and practice effective public speaking, fundraising, project planning and presentation skills.  Leadership training includes organizing, communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills. 

 

During seminars, ADYN helps students develop a holistic framework for analyzing local, regional, and international issues and events. ADYN’s framework of history, culture, geography, and environment provides a powerful foundation to advance the understanding of how events occurring in other places affect our own communities.

 

NOTE:  The selection process is competitive.  The size of the program limits the number of students selected.  Should students decide to apply, they are responsible for completing and submitting the application packet by the specified deadline.  If students are seloected, they will be contacted by the ADYN office.

 

mentor-mentee service trip
Community Service and Development

ADYN Fellows perform community service through each college's Community Service & Development Program (CSDP). CSDP provides opportunities for Fellows to apply their developing leadership skills. Fellows gain firsthand experience dealing with social issues while simultaneously providing a valuable service to their local communities.

 

Fellows are placed in a community organization or after-school program. Fellows may identify their own placement organization or staff will assist them in identifying a placement site. Fellow responsibilities:

 

Fellows commit to a minimum of 4 volunteer hours per week. Placements are for 1-2 semesters and may take place after-school or on weekends. Fellows may participate in groups or individually. Placement depends on interest and availability.

 

Fellows are expected to contribute to the host organization in ways that best serve its needs and constituents. While students may also perform routine tasks, the purpose of the placement is to allow Fellows the opportunity to plan and implement a project that builds on their interests while supporting the placement organization. Nonetheless, ADYN staff will work with internship supervisors to ensure that Fellows do not just provide basic office support but a meaningful contribution to the organization.

 

One of the components of CSDP is the implementation of a “service project” created by Fellows in cooperation with the internship supervisor. This project incorporates the focus of the organization and benefits its constituency. Fellows prepare proposals for the projects. Their site supervisor and ADYN staff approve the proposals.

 

In the event that a Fellow is unable to regularly commit his or her time, the Fellow will be expected to develop an independent service project that impacts her/his community. For example, Fellows can organize a youth teach-in or an ADYN seminar on an important issue or a clothing drive for community residents or international refugees.

Touring Istanbul on foot
Regional and International Summer Studies Program

ADYN’s international study programs support individual and collective leadership development experiences through hands-on experiences in Africa. ADYN offers 4-week summer programs for ADYN Fellows only. Building on the research and analytical skills they’ve fostered year-round, ADYN Fellows spend the first 2-weeks immersed in our international leadership academy to better understand the history, culture, geography and environment of the upcoming trip.  The final two weeks include an experiential learning trip to the host country.

 

Fellows also learn about the work of international development organizations such as USAID, Habitat for Humanity, and Africare. Upon their return, students incorporate what they have learned abroad by preparing school news articles, making presentations to youth organizations, to schools and other public or community-based forums. Students use these opportunities to break down stereotypes and barriers of mistrust and prejudice that separate people. 

 

How to apply for Summer Fellowship Program:

 

  • Complete, sign and return the application form 

  • Attach the most recent transcript or report card

  • Attach an original signed and notarized parent/guardian agreement form

  • Submit the materials above by December 15 to davies@adyn.org

 

Student selection and scholarship assistance are based on the following criteria:

 

  • Student currently demonstrates leadership through community or public service, sports, arts, civic organization, religious institution, student government, clubs, youth organization, membership on advisory committee, or volunteerism.

  • Student is enrolled in grades 9-12.

  • Student provides a grade transcript or report card for two consecutive school years.

  • Student makes a commitment to participate in the program evaluation.

  • Student agrees to participate in the orientation program to be held one week prior to departure.

  • Student agrees to develop and implement a plan for sharing the international experience with others (in addition to friends and family.)

School Partnership
School Partnership Program

ADYN works with middle school and high schools to create and sustain a culture of leadership and community. The academic year School Partnership Program curriculum enables middle school students to reflect on their community and provides exposure to communities outside their own. Students learn and practice critical thinking skills by examining how their families and communities are affected by and connected to broader global challenges and opportunities.

 

Middle school students learn research skills and develop group research projects focusing on community issues germaine to their identify. ADYN also works with local schools to create after-school service learning opportunities for the middle grades. High school programs focus on public service, service learning, and incorporate mentor-mentee projects with middle schoolers,. 

 

bottom of page