[vc_row][vc_column width=”9/12″][vc_column_text]This may be your first time completing an application for a selective program. Don’t be intimidated! We have collected some tips to help make this process less confusing for you.

To apply for the program, you must complete and submit the following items:

Application Profile

The application profile will ask for basic information such as your name, contact information, and information about your parents. The information you enter here will give you your username and password to the CHCI website. Make sure you enter everything correctly and use an email address that you have access to – you will need to verify your email address in order to continue the application!

Recommendation

We require one recommendation from an individual who you worked closely with at school, in a community service setting, or a professional environment. An example of the appropriate persons to complete the form include: teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, school principals and assistant principals, religious leaders or youth organization program staff. This individual must be able to speak to your work ethic, character and leadership skills. A letter of recommendation should not come from a family member.

Once you provide and submit your recommender’s name and contact information, an email will be sent to your recommender. They will then be instructed to log on to a website where they will be able to upload and submit their  recommendation. Make sure you input their email address correctly! If it is incorrect, they will not receive notification.

Tips for the letter of recommendation:

• Ask the right person. Make sure it’s someone who knows you well and can talk about what kind of person you are.
• Ask early. Give them at least one month to complete the letter of recommendation.
• Explain the process. Let your recommender know they will receive an email from CHCI with a link to complete the recommendation. Make sure you get their correct email address.

Parent/Guardian Information and Permission Form

CHCI requires that all students who apply to the program receive permission from their parents/guardian to submit an application for the R2L NextGen program. You can download this form in English or Spanish, depending on what your parents are more comfortable with.

You can also download the form from the application. Once your parents or guardians complete the form, it can be uploaded to the application along with the resume and transcript.

Three Short Essay questions

CHCI requires that all NextGen applicants briefly answer three questions about the following topics: an issue of importance in your community, a challenge that you have faced, and how your Hispanic heritage has influenced who you are today. Each essay answer must not exceed 300 words and should address each topic within the question.
Below are the three essay questions in full:

• Please write a letter to your Member of Congress and address a policy issue of importance to you. Be sure to include why you feel this issue is important, and describe possible solutions that could improve the problem. When possible, please include personal examples of how this issue has affected you or people that you know. (Maximum 300 words).
• How has your understanding of the Latino community helped shape who you are today? Consider your family structure, family history, community involvement, educational and cultural experiences, etc. (Maximum 300 words).
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to our growth. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (Maximum 300 words)

Tips for completing your essay:

• We are looking for an essay that will help us know you better as a person and as a student. Your essays will be judged on how you are able to organize thoughts and express yourself, NOT on your opinions.
• Be yourself. The selection committee wants to hear about what is important to YOU. There are no right or wrong answers, so do not write about what you think people will want to read – write about what is important to you.
• Edit carefully. Watch out for grammatical errors and typos. Have a teacher or counselor review your essay to help you catch mistakes and make sure it flows nicely.

Transcript

You will be asked to upload a copy of your transcript. Remember that a report card is not the same as a transcript. You will need to speak with your school counselor to find out the procedure for requesting a transcript at your high school.

You will need to scan a copy of your transcript to upload it to the application website. If your school does not have a scanner, please send CHCI your transcript to:

CHCI
Attention: NextGen Program
1128 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Tips for Creating Your Resume:

All applicants need to upload a copy of their resume. Make sure your resume includes your name and contact information.

If you do not have a resume, you may upload a list of your extracurricular activities. However, it’s a great time to start putting together your resume! This document – which tells the reader about your classes, activities, and any work experience you might have – will be critical in the college application process, and can also help you if you are looking for a part-time job.

You can find tips and sample resumes for high school students on the Adventures in Education website.

Submit your application! Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on February 15, 2023.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/12″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”programs-r2lnextgen”][/vc_column][/vc_row]