What is the TRCS Leadership Program?
The TRCS Leadership Program is one of the many programs through which our students learn to become “leaders for the Renaissance of New York.” At TRCS we believe that leaders are people who actively take action to better themselves and the world. Thus the Leadership Program exists to motivate students to find their own answers to two essential questions: how can I make the world a better place? and how do I want to contribute to the world when I am older?
What are the requirements of the TRCS Leadership Program?
All students in grades 9-12 are required to participate in a leadership, volunteer or internship program each semester of high school. The requirements of the program vary from grade to grade as described below:
Freshmen
- Participate in leadership or volunteer programs at TRCS for at least 20 hours each semester.
- This is the list of programs available to freshmen students: http://goo.gl/YhhwBo
- Complete Fall semester hours between September and January and spring semester hours between February and May.
- Complete a minimum of 5 hours each month.
Sophomores
- Participate in a leadership, volunteer or internship program for 20 hours each semester of high school.
- May participate in programs at TRCS or outside organization.
- Complete Fall semester hours between September and January and spring semester hours between February and May.
- Complete a minimum of 5 hours each month.
Juniors and Seniors
- Participate in a leadership, volunteer or internship program for 20 hours each semester.
- Must participate in programs outside TRCS.
- Complete Fall semester hours between September and January and spring semester hours between February and May.
- Complete a minimum of 5 hours each month.
All students
- Submit the forms listed below by set deadline. The deadlines and all forms are published annually in the College Office Website.
- Leadership Program Enrollment Form
- Learning Contract
- Time Logs
- Supervisor Evaluation
- Student Self Evaluation
- Certificate of Completion
How are students graded?
The Leadership Program will appear as completed/not completed in student’s transcript at the end of each semester of high school.
To receive a completed on their transcripts, students must:
- Submit the following forms by the set due date each semester. Students who do not submit these forms by the set deadline will automatically receive a “not completed” on his/her transcript for that particular semester.
- Leadership Program Enrollment Form
- Learning Contract
- Certificate of Completion
- Students who applied to programs but have not received an acceptance letter by the set deadline must submit a Leadership Program Enrollment Extension Request form instead of a Leadership Program Enrollment Form. All students are required to be enrolled in a program by the third Friday in November.
- Accumulate at least 70 points in order to receive a “Completed” on their transcripts. 5 points will be deducted when any of these documents is submitted late.
- Time Logs (50 points)
- Supervisor Evaluation (50 points)
Students receive a “Not Completed” on their transcripts if they:
- Do not enroll in a Leadership Program by the set deadline.
- Do not submit a Leadership Program Enrollment Form, Learning Contract or Certificate of Completion by the set deadline.
- Do not complete the required number of hours by the set deadline.
- Change programs without authorization from the TRCS Leadership Program Coordinator.
- Are dismissed from their program for inappropriate behavior or conduct.
- Accumulates less than 70 points.
When are the Leadership Program forms due?
Programs that Fulfill the Leadership Program Requirement
All the programs listed on the TRCS College Office Website fulfill the Leadership Program Requirement. Programs outside of TRCS that are not listed on the TRCS College Office website must meet certain criteria in order to be approved for fulfilling the Leadership Program requirement. Students must keep these criteria in mind when finding programs outside of TRCS.
- Must be sponsored by a registered business or organization.
- Business or organization cannot be owned or operated by a family relative of the student.
- Student cannot be supervised by a family member.
How do I find a program?
Freshmen
Freshmen students may apply to seven different programs offered a TRCS. The list of programs is available at this website: http://goo.gl/YhhwBo. The application is available here: http://goo.gl/0Zo9Ly.
Sophomores
Finding a Program at TRCS
- Look through the list of available positions on the TRCS College Office website.
- Ask individual teachers and staff if they are currently offering positions to students.
Finding a Program Outside TRCS
There are many opportunities for community service and internships available to high school students in New York City. While many organizations and businesses have dedicated programs for high school students, others may offer students position only upon request. The Leadership Program Coordinator can help you develop a plan for applying to programs of your interest, but doing the actual research falls on the student. Students who dedicate time to research and ask for help will find the best opportunities.
General tips for finding programs
- Make list of programs that interest you as you conduct research.
- Ask juniors and seniors at TRCS students for help. Older students have experience in the program and can make suggestions based on your interest.
- Ask friends and family members for help. Note that students are not allowed to work with family members or in family-run businesses.
- Search the web.
- Meet with the Leadership Program coordinator for help.
Juniors and Seniors
Juniors and seniors are required to participate in programs outside TRCS. There are many opportunities for community service and internships available to high school students in New York City. While many organizations and businesses have dedicated programs for high school students, others may offer students position only upon request. The Leadership Program Coordinator can help you develop a plan for applying to programs of your interest, but doing the actual research falls on the student. Students who dedicate time to research and ask for help will find the best opportunities.
General tips for finding programs
- Make list of programs that interest you as you conduct research.
- Ask juniors and seniors at TRCS students for help. Older students have experience in the program and can make suggestions based on your interest.
- Ask friends and family members for help. Note that students are not allowed to work with family members or in family-run businesses.
- Search the web.
- Meet with the Leadership Program coordinator for help.
Applying to Programs
The application Process
Once a student has a solid list of programs of interest, he or she will be ready to start applying.
TRCS provides envelopes and postage for students who need to send applications by mail.
These are a few tips for applying to programs:
- Figure out the deadline. This is critical because most programs won’t accept applications after the deadline has passed.
- Make a list of the application’s requirements. Many programs may ask for:
- Transcript or progress report
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
- A personal statement or essay
- Parent permission form
- TRCS provides envelopes and postage for students who need to send applications by mail.
- Make an appointment with The Leadership Program Coordinator if you need help completing an application.
What to do after applying to a program
- Find out when the program is supposed to notify students of decision. If you can’t find this information online, call or email the program directly.
- Email or call the program If you haven’t received an acceptance letter by the appropriate date.
What to do once accepted to a program
- Notify the program by email or phone that you will be attending. Failure to notify the program may result in your position being given to someone else.
- Complete the TRCS Leadership Program Enrollment Form on the first day of your program.
- Submit the TRCS Leadership Program Enrollment Form to the Leadership Program Coordinator by the set deadline.
Rules and Responsibilities During the Program
The particular responsibilities of students vary by program. However, there are general rules and responsibilities that all TRCS students are expected to follow regardless of the program. These rules and responsibilities are outlined in the Learning Contract, which students, parents and supervisors must sign. The Learning Contract should be submitted to the Leadership Program Coordinator along with the Leadership Program Enrollment Form by the set deadline.
When the Program Ends
Once a program ends, students are required to complete a “Certificate of Completion Form” Supervisors complete this form that the student has completed the program successfully. This form should be submitted on or before the set deadline.
Metrocards
Metrocards are available for students who need Metrocards to attend a program outside of TRCS. To receive a Metrocard students must complete a Metrocard Request Form which are reviewed once per month. Please note that TRCS must send individual requests to the Office of Pupil transportation, so students have to allow processing time before receiving a Metrocard. Students receive notification by email once his/her Metrocard is ready for pickup.
Studying Abroad
TRCS students are encouraged to study abroad while in high school, usually during the summer. A list of study abroad programs is available on the TRCS College Office website. Talk to the Leadership Program Coordinator if you are interested in studying abroad and need help figuring out the right program for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I do not like my program?
Students who are not satisfied with their program and wish to change to a new one must complete a “Request to Change Program Form.” Please note that not all requests are approved and that students are required to complete the required 20 hours even if he/she enrolls in a new programs. Students who change programs or leave their program without authorization from the Leadership Program Coordinator will receive a “Not Completed” on their transcripts.
What happens if my program requires more than 20 hours?
TRCS requires all students to participate in leadership, internship or volunteer programs for at least 20 hours each semester. However, some programs may require students to participate for longer than 20 hours in a given semester. Students are responsible for staying in their programs throughout the duration of the program, regardless of the number of hours. Students who leave their program before it officially ends will receive a “Not Completed” in their transcripts.
Are student athletes required to participate in The Leadership Program?
All students are required to complete the Leadership Program requirement even if they are involved in a sports team. Please speak to the Leadership Program coordinator if you are having trouble balancing your extracurricular activities vis a vis the Leadership Program.
May I intern for a family member?
Students are not allowed to work with family members or in businesses run by family members. Family members includes mother, father, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Students who are found to work with family members will automatically receive a “Not Completed” on their transcripts.
May I use my job to fulfill the Leadership Program requirement?
Yes. TRCS students may fulfil the Leadership Program requirement through a job.