SYF students go for win at international DECA contest

Senior high school student Amanda Miller spent much of the current academic year refining a proposal for the business she wants to start, a nonprofit that would use community donations to purchase bundles of blankets, coats and Bibles and distribute them to the needy.

Now the business she thought up to help others may actually help Miller advance her young business career with a win at a major competition.

Miller and three other students from an alternative learning academy in Missouri that is supported by Simon Youth Foundation will compete with as many as 14,000 other worldwide students in a business entrepreneur contest at the DECA International Career Development Conference, April 30-May 3, 2011, in Orlando, FL.

“You want to always do your best, but I did not expect to even be named a finalist of the district competition,” Miller says. “I ended up winning the DECA district competition, finished third at the Missouri statewide competition and earned my place in the international conference.”

Amanda Miller, third from left. Janessa Mitchell, fourth from left.
Blake Bolin and Caleb Carlisle, sixth and seventh from left.

Miller and fellow seniors Blake Bolin, Caleb Carlisle and Janessa Mitchell will represent the Simon Youth Academy at Independence Center located in Independence, MO, at the DECA international competition. The school, which operates inside the Independence Center mall that is owned and managed by the Simon Property Group, offers its students an alternative, business-focused curriculum.



Bolin and Carlisle, working as a team, and Mitchell and Miller, working independently, have spent their senior year at the academy developing their three business projects. Bolin and Carlisle went on to win the statewide DECA contest in their respective category, and Mitchell and Miller both placed in the top four of their judged events to move on to the international competition.

“Our Simon Youth Academies exist to bring hope to students that their academic and professional dreams can be realized,” says J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D., president and CEO of Simon Youth Foundation. “We are so proud of the students from the academy at Independence Center who have chased their dreams and caught them by earning a spot in the international DECA competition.”

Carol Bolin, the academy’s administrator and its single teacher, says that in addition to their DECA business proposals, the students in her program complete eight-week internships and are responsible for managing the Independence Center’s gift wrap service.

“Simon Youth Foundation’s support of our academy has given these students opportunities that most kids their age do not have access to, and they will prove very successful in their future endeavors because of their experiences,” Bolin says.

“I did not know what Simon Youth Foundation was until I began studying at the academy this last year, but I now appreciate every little thing I’ve been able to do with its support,” Miller says.

The students behind the business presentations selected as the best at DECA’s international conference could receive scholarships and trophies or ribbons of recognition.

SYF President and CEO is leaving on a jet plane

Simon Youth Foundation President and CEO J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D., is trading the comforts of his office chair for the cramped confines of an airplane seat. Durnil is taking to the friendly skies as part of a tour of Simon Youth Academies throughout the country in April and May, 2011, to meet our great educators and inspiring students.

At all of his stops, which include cities in Texas, Missouri and Massachusetts, Durnil also is taking time to thank the leaders at the Simon mall locations that support so well the SYF mission with their time and treasure each year. In particular, he's attending Simon mall regional meetings, and alongside Simon Youth Academy students, he's sharing the story of how the malls' support is changing the lives of at-risk high school kids who came critically close to dropping out of school.

The praise for the Simon mall family and Simon Property Group is well deserved. Together, in 2010 alone, they generated more than $1.7 million for SYF, including coins collected in SYF wishing wells, which our mall partners graciously locate in high-traffic areas in their shopping centers.



In the slideshow above are a few photos from the Simon malls Central Region meeting attended by Durnil and SYF students. The students, from the Simon Youth Academy at Independence Center, a Simon mall in Independence, MO, are seen in a couple of pictures presenting an SYF Best Fundraising Award to representatives from Simon's Orange Park Mall, which is located in Florida.

UPPSALA UNIVERSITY - DEPARTMENT OF LAW: FOUR DOCTORAL STUDENT POSITIONS

Uppsala University hereby invites applications for the following position:

Four doctoral student positions

At the Department of Law from 1 September 2011.

An employed doctoral student shall, foremost, be devoted to his or her own postgraduate research. Other duties at the faculty which relate to teaching and administrative work may be included within the scope of the employment (to a maximum of 20%).

A requirement for employment as doctoral student is that the applicant must be admitted to postgraduate studies. To this extent, the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the doctoral studies will be decisive. The regulations governing the employment of doctoral students may be found in Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 of the Higher Education Ordinance.


Local guidelines are established for setting the salary.

A person may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but no longer than the equivalent of four years of full-time postgraduate research study.

All applications must be in writing and should include the following:

completed application forms for admission to postgraduate studies, and employment as doctoral student (forms available on the faculty website www.jur.uu.se/ under “Research education”),

a signed and witnessed curriculum vitae,

certified copies of degrees obtained and other relevant documents,

a description of the doctoral project with a time schedule for the entire period of study, and
a substantial piece of written work e.g. undergraduate degree final essay (or similar),

all documents attached to the application should be translated into English or Swedish.

Further information may be obtained from Torbjörn Ingvarsson, Director of Studies, phone: +46 18-471 2019, e-mail: Torbjorn.Ingvarsson@jur.uu.se or Christina Andersson, phone: +46 18-471 2054, e-mail: Christina.Andersson@jur.uu.se Union representatives are: Anders Grundström, Saco Council, phone: +46 18-471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone: +46 18-471 1996, and Stefan Djurström +46 18-471 3315.

The application should be sent , preferrably by e-mail to: registrator@uu.se, or by fax + 46 18 471 2000, or by mail to:

Registrar´s Office,

Uppsala University,

Box 256, SE-751 05

UPPSALA, Sweden.

In any correspondence, please use the reference number UFV-PA 2010/2817.

Application deadline on 1 March 2011.


SOURCE: CLICK HERE

The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Dr. Anita Borg (1949–2003)


Anita Borg believed that technology affects all aspects of our economic, political, social and personal lives. A technology rebel with a cause, in her life she fought tirelessly to ensure that technology’s impact would be a positive one. It was this vision that inspired Anita in 1997 to found the Institute for Women and Technology. Today this organization continues on her legacy and bears her name, The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (www.anitaborg.org).

The Scholarship

Dr. Anita Borg devoted her adult life to revolutionising the way we think about technology and dismantling barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. Her combination of technical expertise and fearless vision continues to inspire and motivate countless women to become active participants and leaders in creating technology.



As part of Google’s ongoing commitment to furthering Anita’s vision, we are pleased to announce The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Through the scholarship, we aim to encourage women to excel in computing and technology, and become active role models and leaders.

Multiple scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of candidates’ academic performance, leadership experience and demonstrated passion for computer science. A group of female Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD student finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool. The scholarship recipients will each receive a €7,000 (or equivalent) scholarship.

In June 2011, all scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to visit Google’s Engineering Centre in Zurich for a networking retreat. It will include workshops with a series of speakers, panels, breakout sessions and social activities, and will provide an opportunity for all finalists to meet and share their experiences.

Eligibility requirements

Candidates must:

Be a female student enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme (or equivalent) in 2011/2012.

Be enrolled at a University in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. Citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply.

Be studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or a closely related technical field.

Maintain an excellent academic record (e.g. a First Class Honours degree).

How to apply

Please complete the online application and submit all requested documents by 18th February 2011. All application documents must be in English. Scholars and Finalists will be notified in April 2011.

You will be required to submit the following:

Up-to-date copy of your CV

Answers to the following short essay questions
(suggested word count is 400-600 words per question):

Describe a significant technical project you have worked on. If you have worked on a major independent research project (such as research for a Master’s or PhD programme), please describe that work here. Give an overview of the problem and your approaches to the key technical challenges. If this was a group effort, be sure to specify your individual role and contributions.

Give one or two examples of your leadership abilities. Explain how you were influential and what you were trying to achieve. These need not be demonstrated through formal or traditional leadership roles. Feel free to think broadly and examine the many ways you impact members of your technical community.

Suppose someone gave you the funding and resources for a 3- to 12-month project to investigate a technical topic of your choice. Write a short version of a proposal, including a description of the project, your planned methodology, and your expected results. Please pick something other than the project you described for the first question.

Transcripts
Bachelor’s: A copy of your current academic record.

Master’s and PhD: A copy of your previous and current academic records.

Enrollment confirmation for 2011/2012 or confirmation of graduation date

Please include with your application an official enrollment confirmation or a confirmation of your graduation date issued by an official authority of the university e.g. your departmental administrator or a professor.

Recommendation letters
Two strong referral letters from individuals who are qualified to evaluate your academic and leadership accomplishments, e.g. from a professor, adviser or supervisor.

For specific questions not answered on this page or in the FAQ section, please e-mail anitaborgscholars-emea@google.com The subject field of your email must include “Anita Borg Question”. We look forward to receiving your application!

SOURCE: CLICK HERE

MAKULILO, Jr.
California, USA

The Newton International Fellowships 2011

A new round of Newton International Fellowships – an initiative to fund research collaborations and improve links between UK and overseas researchers – has now opened.

The Newton International Fellowships are funded by the British Academy and the Royal Society and aim to attract the most promising early-career post-doctoral researchers from overseas in the fields of the humanities, the natural, physical and social sciences. The Fellowships enable researchers to work for two years at a UK research institution with the aim of fostering long-term international collaborations.

Newton Fellows will receive an allowance of £24,000 to cover subsistence and up to £8,000 to cover research expenses in each year of the Fellowship. A one-off relocation allowance of up to £2,000 is also available.


In addition, Newton Fellows may be eligible for follow-up funding of up to £6,000 per annum for up to 10 years following completion of the Fellowship to support activities which will help build long term links with the UK.

The scheme is open to post-doctoral (and equivalent) early-career researchers working outside the UK who do not hold UK citizenship.

Applications are to be made via the Royal Society’s online application system which is available at https://e-gap.royalsociety.org/

The closing date for applications is Monday 4 April 2011.

Further details are available from the Newton International Fellowships website: www.newtonfellowships.org or call 00 44 (0)20 7451 2559

Newton International Fellowships
6-9 Carlton House Terrace
London SW1Y 5AG
tel: +44 (0)20 7451 2559
fax: +44 (0)20 7451 2543
The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH Tel: 020 7969 5200, Fax: 020 7969 5300, Web: www.britac.ac.uk


SOURCE & Application: http://www.newtonfellowships.org/the-fellowships.aspx

MAKULILO, Jr.
California, USA

The Hewlett Foundation/IIE Dissertation Fellowship

Hewlett Foundation/IIE Dissertation Fellowship in

Population, Reproductive Health, and Economic Development

Before reading, please WATCH this video about this Fellowship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGHsgCKS620

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is now accepting applications for the Dissertation Fellowship in Population, Reproductive Health, and Economic Development. Sponsored by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the fellowship awards up to $20,000 per year for work and research on the dissertation. In addition, Fellows will become part of a network of researchers and participate in professional development opportunities. Applicants should be currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs in either sub-Saharan Africa, the United States or Canada, and should have completed their coursework by the start of the fellowship. Students in economics, economic demography, geography, and epidemiology are especially encouraged to apply.

These fellowships will support dissertation research on topics that examine how population dynamics and family planning and reproductive health influence economic development, including economic growth, poverty reduction, and equity. Dissertations that address population and development issues pertinent to the African continent are especially encouraged. The research must include a strong quantitative component, with an emphasis on rigorous data analysis. We encourage the development or use of new statistical methods. Finally, the research must have a strong policy-relevant component, demonstrating an interest in communicating research results with program managers, planners, and policymakers.

The objective of The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation/IIE Dissertation Fellowship is to produce sound evidence on the role of population and reproductive health in economic development that could be incorporated into national and international economic planning and decision making.


To learn more about the fellowship, access the Application, and check for Fellowship related news, please visit our website at:
http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Hewlett-IIE-Fellowship


The deadline is March 4, 2011. The selected cohort will be announced in late spring 2011.

Research that is not about the relevant subject matter will not be considered.

SOURCE: CLICKE HERE


MAKULILO, Jr.
California, USA

International Summer School in Forced Migration:11 - 29 July 2011

The Refugee Studies Centre’s International Summer School fosters dialogue between academics, practitioners and policymakers working to improve the situation of refugees and other forced migrants. It provides the time and space for them to reflect on their experiences and to think critically about some of the aims and assumptions underlying their work.

The brochure of the Summer School is available in PDF format.

Who is the summer school for?

Policy makers and practitioners involved with humanitarian assistance and policy making for forced migrants. Participants typically include host government officials, intergovernmental and non-governmental agency personnel engaged in planning, administering and co-ordinating assistance.

Researchers specialising in the study of forced migration.

Why participate?
The summer school offers an intensive, interdisciplinary and participative approach to the study of forced migration. It aims to enable people working with refugees and other forced migrants to reflect critically on the forces and institutions that dominate the world of the displaced.

Now in its 22nd year, the three-week course combines the very best of Oxford University’s academic excellence with a stimulating and participatory method of critical learning.


The details

When?
Annually. In 2011 the dates are 11–29 July.

Where?
At the University of Oxford. In 2011 the summer school will be held at Wadham College and the Oxford Department of International Development.

How much?
The fee for 2011 is £3,125. Pay by 31 March to qualify for a reduced fee of £2,950.
What is included?
This covers 19 nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation and all weekday lunches; all tuition; all course materials, including reading materials; and a range of social activities.Evening and weekend meals are not included in the course fees.

Requirements
Applicants should have:

experience in working with, or on issues related to, refugees or other forced migrants
a first degree
proficiency in the English language. As a guide, foreign-language English speakers should be able to obtain a score of 7.00 in ELTS/IELTS or 570 in TOEFL.
Accommodation
Accommodation is of general student standard. There are no facilities provided for partners or other family members. Participants arriving before or staying on after the summer school should make their own accommodation arrangements.

Subsistence
As well as fees and travel costs, participants should budget for subsistence and incidental expenses during the course. We suggest a minimum of £20-£25 per day. In addition, you might want to add a books/photocopying allowance.

Sponsorship
A number of bursaries are offered on a competitive basis. Conditions for their allocation are dependent on the bursary providers' criteria, and are usually linked to certain poorer countries or regions. Some past participants have been successful in obtaining sponsorship by dealing directly with funding sources that they have researched themselves. We strongly advise potential applicants to look for funding as widely as possible, as we always receive many more bursary applications than we are able to offer.

Use of the RSC’s library collection
The programme provides a course pack of reading materials. Many more documents are available in the University of Oxford’s Social Science Library, which houses the RSC collection.

Insurance
Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Participants from outside the European Union should consider medical insurance if their country does not have a reciprocal agreement with the UK for free medical treatment.

How to apply
You can apply online, or by fax/post. Please use the application form (available online or as a Word document). All applications are reviewed by a selection committee. The closing date for applications is 1 March 2011 for applicants requesting a bursary through the RSC, 1 May 2011 for all other applicants. As the summer school is typically oversubscribed, we advise you to apply in good time.

Please send all applications and enquiries to

The International Summer School Manager
Refugee Studies Centre
Oxford Department of International Development
University of Oxford
3 Mansfield Road
Oxford, OX1 3TB, UK
tel: +44 (0)1865 281728
fax: +44 (0)1865 281730
email: summer.school@qeh.ox.ac.uk


IMPORTANT: For more information and the source, CLICK HERE