Apprenticeship Program: Student Application
for Arts and Media Preparatory Academy
DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 7th, 2015
Submit your completed application in school to Ms. Neisha Johnson.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
This program is available for 11th and 12th graders only. Applicants will be evaluated and
selected based on their grades, personal essay, and schedule of availability.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Exploring the Arts’ Apprenticeship Program places juniors and seniors as apprentices at
arts organizations for the duration of one school year (October 2015 – May 2016, with a
mid-year break in January). Apprentices are paid an honorarium of $250 in December and
$450 in May upon successfully completing each semester of the program. Apprentices will
work approximately 3-6 hours/week (a minimum of 12 hours/month) and must make a
school year-long commitment.
Exploring the Arts is the nonprofit organization founded by legendary singer, Tony Bennett,
and his wife, Susan Benedetto, a former public school teacher, to support arts education in
public high schools.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
( ) Part 1: Student Information Form
( ) Part 2: Additional Information Form
( ) Working papers (if you are under 18 years-old)
( ) Most recent transcript
( ) Schedule of Availability
( ) Part 3: Personal Essay
( ) Part 4: Signed Student Contract
( ) Part 5: Signed Parent/Guardian Permission Form
( ) Part 6: Signed Photo/Video Waiver Form
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
Available Apprenticeships:
*Please note: Some Apprenticeships may require an interview, portfolio review or audition. Once you’ve
applied, you will be notified if you are selected for this next step.
*We suggest: A great way to learn more about these Apprenticeships is to visit the organizations’ websites
to read about what they do in more detail.
VISUAL ART
MARQUIS STUDIOS is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing arts-in-education services to more
than 100 New York City public schools, specializing in providing services to populations that would not
normally have access to arts education. The Apprentice will work with a teaching artist to facilitate an afterschool arts program with younger children. Additionally, the Apprentice will assist with a variety of
administrative tasks such as maintaining art supplies, conducting research projects, supporting events, and
sending out mailings. This is a good apprenticeship for a student interested in arts education and arts
administration. The ideal student for this position is interested in a variety of artistic mediums and has basic
computer skills. The Apprentice should be mature, committed, and reliable.
Schedule Requirements: Flexible.
THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN DIASPORAN ARTS (MoCADA) uses exhibitions and
programming focused around the visual arts to incite dialogue on pressing social and political issues facing
the African Diaspora. The Apprentice will help to develop, run, and evaluable all educational programs for
MoCADA’s 2015-2016 season. The Apprentice’s primary responsibility will be assisting with the “Artists-inSchools” afterschool program, in which artists travel to public schools to teach students. In addition to
assisting teaching artists, the Apprentice will conduct tours for school groups, provide support for the
exhibitions team, work at the MoCADA visitors shop, and create their own piece of art to be showcased in a
museum exhibition. This is a good apprenticeship for students interested in visual arts and arts
administration. The ideal student for this position is interested in the African Diaspora and creating a legacy
that benefits their community.
Schedule Requirements: Flexible. Must be available Monday-Friday form 3:30-6:30pm, and on one
Saturday per month.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
PART ONE: Student Information Form
Student name: ________________________________________________________
High school: ________________________________________
I am a: ( ) JUNIOR ( ) SENIOR
High school major (if your school has majors): ____________________________________________
Home address:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(Address)
(Apt #)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(City)
(State)
(Zip)
Student phone numbers:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(Home)
(Cell)
Student email address: ________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name: _____________________________________________________
Apprenticeship preferences:
Please carefully read the descriptions of available Apprenticeships in the preceding pages. Consider any
schedule or skill requirements, and think carefully about any conflicting school or family commitments you
may have, as well as any commitments that may not start until Spring semester (like a sports team, school
musical, or college prep class). Then identify your top two choices:
1st choice Apprenticeship: ________________________________________________________
2nd choice Apprenticeship: ________________________________________________________
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
PART TWO: Additional Information
A. Attach a copy of your MOST RECENT TRANSCRIPT to your application.
B. All students who participate in the program are required to provide Exploring the
Arts with a copy of their WORKING PAPERS (for students under 18 years old).
Please check one:
( ) I have attached a copy of my working papers to this application.
( ) I am in the process of securing my working papers. I understand that if I am selected to join the
Apprenticeship Program, I will have to provide a copy of my working papers to Exploring the Arts
before I begin my Apprenticeship.
( ) I will be 18 years old by October 16, 2015. I do not need to submit working papers.
C. Please indicate how you heard about this opportunity (you may select more than
one):
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
) I participated in the Apprenticeship Program last year
) A classmate participated in the Apprenticeship Program last year
) My Principal or an Assistant Principal
) A teacher at my school: ______________________________ (name of teacher)
) Promotional posters hanging in my school
) Exploring the Arts staff visited my school to present this opportunity
) I received an email from an Exploring the Arts staff member
) Exploring the Arts’ E-Newsletter
) Exploring the Arts’ social media (Facebook or Twitter)
) Other: _____________________________________
D. SCHEDULE OF AVAILABILITY
Please fill in your weekly availability below, thinking carefully about your other commitments (like a sports
team, school musical, or college prep class).
When writing in times please do not include travel time from your school or home. (ex.: if your last period
ends at 3pm, your availability should begin at 3pm.)
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
PART THREE: Personal Essay
Directions:
Please tell us why you should be chosen for this Program by answering each of the
questions below in an essay.
Your essay must be 1 to 2 pages in length and typed in 12-point font. We will not consider
hand-written essays. You may wish to ask a teacher or another adult to proofread your
essay before you submit your application.
1. How have you demonstrated a commitment to your art form?
2. How would you use an Apprenticeship to further your professional, personal and/or
artistic growth?
3. Tell us why you would like to apprentice at the places you have indicated for both
your 1st and 2nd choices in Part One of this application.
**If you have selected an Apprenticeship in an artistic discipline that you have not
studied at your high school, be sure to explain why you wish to pursue that
Apprenticeship.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
PART FOUR: Student Contract
Once you have read and considered this entire statement, please sign below:
I understand that this opportunity requires a serious commitment. I will behave with maturity, show a
positive attitude, do the work that is asked of me, and keep an open mind. I will also keep up my grades
and proper behavior in school.
I am willing to commit to an Apprenticeship for the duration of this program, which runs from October (fall
semester) through May (spring semester), with a mid-year break for the December holidays and month of
January. After creating a schedule with my Apprenticeship Supervisor, I will make every effort to maintain
regular attendance; to always arrive on time; and to make up missed sessions. I understand the program’s
Attendance Policy outlined below and promise to respect its guidelines:
1. Students will be issued a Warning if they miss one session at their Apprenticeship without notifying
their Supervisor in advance.
2. Students will be expelled from the program if they miss a second session at their Apprenticeship
without notifying their Supervisor in advance.
3. If students are sick or have an important obligation for school or family, they can reschedule an
Apprenticeship session by communicating about this schedule change in advance with their
Supervisor. This program is flexible, but Exploring the Arts may take action if we feel students are
abusing this flexibility. Excessive schedule changes could be grounds for a Warning or Expulsion.
4. Students are expected to apprentice 3-6 hours/week for a minimum of 12 hours/month for each
month that the Apprenticeship Program is in session.
I understand that I am also required to attend the Student Orientation, Mid-Year Progress Meeting, and
Final Wrap-Up Meeting organized by Exploring the Arts, unless I have a legitimate conflict, which I will be
sure to communicate in advance.
I understand that I am responsible for arranging for my transportation to and from the Apprenticeship
Program and that the Program Administrator (my supervisor) is prohibited from transporting me at any time,
whether to or from the Program, or otherwise.
I understand that if selected, failure to uphold any aspect of this promise could result in expulsion and/or a
loss of pay. A decision to expel a student from the Apprenticeship Program or deny payment can be made
by Exploring The Arts Staff, the Apprenticeship Supervisor, or the student’s School Principal.
Student Full Name (PLEASE PRINT): _____________________________________________________
Student Signature (PLEASE SIGN): _______________________________________________________
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
Letter to Parents/Guardians
Dear Parent or Legal Guardian:
Your child has applied to participate in the Tony Bennett Apprenticeship Program, which is
sponsored by Exploring the Arts, a nonprofit organization. If selected, in this program your
child will receive significant training in a real world setting with one of our arts partners.
In order to participate in the program, we require that you sign the attached release
indicating that you will not hold Exploring the Arts responsible for any liability. This is a
standard form that we use for this purpose, even though the risk of any injury or loss of
property is very remote.
If you have any questions about the release or the program itself, please do not hesitate to
contact Exploring the Arts’ Student Opportunities Coordinator, Sara Klugman, at (646) 7459128.
Sincerely,
Cheri Walsh, Executive Director
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
PART FIVE: Parent/Guardian Permission & Emergency Contact
(For Participating Students under the age of 18)
___________________________________________ (the “Participating Student”)
Name of Participating Student (please print)
____________________________________________
School Attended by Participating Student (please print)
I, the undersigned parent/legal guardian with legal responsibility for the above named Participating Student,
agree to allow him/her to enroll and participate in the Tony Bennett Apprenticeship Program (the
“Apprenticeship Program”). I understand that the Apprenticeship Program will require my child to train with
an artist or arts organization (the “Program Administrator”) as an intern for between 3 and 6 hours/week,
which will take place after-school hours and/or on the weekends, and will be conducted off campus and not
on school grounds.
I understand that, at the sole discretion of the Program Administrator, my child, as the Participating Student
may be selected to receive extra training (“Additional Private Training”) beyond that provided within the
Apprenticeship Program. I agree to allow my son/daughter as the Participating Student to participate in the
Additional Private Training if selected, which I understand will commit him/her to spend additional time in
training with the Program Administrator. I understand that Additional Private Training, if any, shall be
arranged between the Parent/Guardian and the Program Administrator, and shall not be part of the
Apprenticeship Program.
I further understand that I am responsible for providing or otherwise arranging transportation for the
Participating Student at all times, whether in connection with the Apprenticeship Program or any Additional
Private Training, and that Exploring the Arts prohibits the Program Administrator from transporting the
Participating Student at any time, whether to or from the Apprenticeship Program, to or from any Additional
Private Training, or otherwise
WAIVER, RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
I, the undersigned parent/guardian with legal responsibility for the above named Participating Student, for
good and valuable consideration, including Exploring the Arts (“ETA”) allowing me to participate in the
Apprenticeship Program, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, agree to the terms set forth in
this Waiver, Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk in favor of ETA and its agents, managers,
members, representatives, directors, officers, employees and insurers (hereafter referred to collectively as
the “ETA Releasees”).
I recognize and acknowledge that there are risks, by way of accidents, of physical injuries to my
son/daughter, and damage to property, by participating in the Apprenticeship Program. I, as the
(parent/legal guardian) of my son/daughter as the Program Participant, agree to assume the full risk of any
and all injuries, damages or losses, regardless of severity, that he/she sustains as a result of his/her
participation, and that the ETA Releasees shall bear no responsibility therefore.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
I HEREBY WAIVE, AND RELEASE THE ETA RELEASEES FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
LOSSES, SUITS AND ACTIONS OF ANY KIND IN CONNECTION WITH ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE TO,
OR LOSS OF, PROPERTY, IN CONNECTION WITH MY CHILD’S PARTICIPATION IN THE
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.
I promise that I will be solely responsible for making sure that my son/daughter takes the precautions
necessary to protect himself/herself against such risks, and that such risks shall be his/her responsibility. I
further acknowledge that, ETA will not allow my son/daughter to participate in the Apprenticeship Program
if I refuse to agree to the terms of this waiver and release of liability.
This waiver and release of liability shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York and any dispute arising in connection herewith shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and
venue of the State and Federal courts located in New York County, New York.
I have read and fully understand the above important information, warning of risk, and assumption of risk,
and I agree to the waiver and release of all claims that I or my representatives or heirs could pursue against
the ETA Releasees in connection with my son’s/daughter’s participation in the Apprenticeship Program.
_____________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian (please print)
__________________________________________ ___________________________
Signature
Date
___________________________________________ ___________________________
Witness Signature
Date
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application
PART SIX: Photo/Video Waiver
Student Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of School: _______________________________________________________________________
I consent to the participation in interviews, the use of quotes, and the taking of photographs, movies or
video tapes of the student named above by Exploring the Arts.
I also grant to Exploring the Arts the right to edit, use and reuse said products for nonprofit purposes
without compensation, including use in print, on the internet, and all other forms of media. I also release
Exploring the Arts and its agents and employees from all claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever in
connection with the above.
If student is under 18:
Signature of Parent/Guardian ____________________________________
Date _____________
If student is 18 or older:
Signature of Student ___________________________________________
Date _____________
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2015-16: Student Application