Selection Tools
Application FormsMost Networking Academies require candidates to complete an application including: name, address, telephone number, pager number, e-mail address, date of birth, marital status, number and ages of children, education history, employment history, hobbies, organizational memberships and languages spoken. Some Networking Academies request disclosure of any substance abuse history or convictions. The application can be used later to help graduates prepare a resume.Sample application forms:  Borough of Manhattan Community College Reach Across Houston Emergency Housing Consortium Focus: HOPEMost adult community-based training programs request proof of a high school diploma or GED, because employers will require it as well. Most high schools require a passing grade point average and demonstrated reading comprehension for entry.
InterviewHow do you find a serious, high energy, enthusiastic, self-motivated, life-long learner with an aptitude for networking and communicating? The interview is often considered more telling than academic scores or non-academic obstacles."Communities in Schools interviews the student and the parents. They try to put computers in the home and get parents involved." Dennis Quatrine,
Henry Ford Community College Regional Academy Detroit, MI Many Networking Academies agree that the purpose of the interview is to determine the person's desire and level of commitment. Linda Hanks
Focus: HOPE Detroit, MI By providing a comfortable, yet serious environment for the interview, Networking Academies can ask and answer sensitive questions. This is where an adult can talk about a substance abuse problem or a possible conviction. This is where an interviewer can ask about that 2-year gap in the employment history. This is the time to discuss the possibility of removing the tongue ring or getting a hair cut.
"There are things you try to look for in an individual you would want to hire or that you think would want to do this job. You want to know how badly they want to do it. Sometimes I ask, 'If it's [Cisco training] really that important, will your family pay for you?'" Bennie Sanders
Reach Across Houston Houston, TX Though labor intensive, interviews can reveal diamonds in the rough. Samples: Borough of Manhattan Community College Interview Assessment Form Focus: HOPE Interview Questions and Answers Focus: HOPE Network Administration Marketing Sheet Focus: HOPE Success Stories Marketing Sheet
ContractsSome Networking Academies use student learning and parent contracts to communicate rules and expectations. The contracts create a formal commitment and a willingness to sign the contract identifies a serious student."Acceptance is based on student interest, and recommendations from counselors and teachers. In draft is a student contract that has the student commit to 95% attendance and a general average of 2.0. Also, a parent contract explaining the benefits of the program: technology skill, summer job, paid internship and potential college credits earned during the senior year. The purpose of the parent contract is to obtain support outside the classroom and educate the parent." Jose Velazquez Chicago Public Schools Chicago, IL Samples: |
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