The Alliance for Access to Computing Careers

AccessComputing Team Application

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The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) sponsor the AccessComputing Alliance for the purpose of increasing the participation of people with disabilities in computing careers. It is funded by the National Science Foundation (grant #CNS-0.540615). This Alliance provides a nationwide resource to help students with disabilities pursue computing fields and computing educators and employers, professional organizations, and other stakeholders develop more inclusive programs and share effective practices.

Students with disabilities can become part of the AccessComputing Team and engage in an on-line community of peers and professionals as they transition to college, graduate school, and employment. AccessComputing will also identify opportunities for paid internships and research, especially with college students.

The AccessComputing Alliance is recruiting high school and college students with disabilities who are interested in computing careers to join the AccessComputing Team. AccessComputing student participants will engage in experiences that will enhance their college and career success.

AccessComputing Team Eligibility

High school or college students with disabilities in the United States are eligible to be AccessComputing Team members. Participants must demonstrate an interest and/or aptitude in pursuing professional careers in computing fields. These fields include systems designers, computer scientists, information professionals, software developers, information systems analysts, technology teachers, and computing faculty. AccessComputing participants must have an email account and access to the Internet.

Participation Agreement

As a member of AccessComputing, you must actively communicate with AccessComputing staff, peers, and mentors. To remain on the AccessComputing team and to be eligible for work-related opportunities, such as internships, you must be an "active participant." As an "active participant," you are expected to:

1. Log on to your email account at least once per week and read and respond to electronic mail messages.
2. Attend AccessComputing events when possible.
3. Notify AccessComputing staff of any changes in your contact information, or your ability to participate in AccessComputing internships and activities.

Application Requirements

Please contact DO-IT if you would like assistance in completing any portion of your application.

1. Application Form
   Complete the attached two-page AccessComputing Student Application form. This form must include a parent or guardian signature if you are under 18 years of age.
2. Essay
   Submit a brief essay with your application explaining why you are interested in participating in an AccessComputing internship and mentoring and how participation will help you reach your career goals. Include school honors, extracurricular and community activities, work-related experiences, and any other relevant information about yourself.
3. Letter of Recommendation
   Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, faculty member, or someone who has worked with you closely.
4. Resume
   Submit an up-to-date copy of your resume.

Submitting AccessComputing Student Applications

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The AccessComputing Team application packet may be submitted via postal mail or FAX.

AccessComputing

c/o DO-IT
University of Washington
Box 355670
Seattle, WA 98195-5670
accesscomp@u.washington.edu
http://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/
206-221-4171 (FAX)
206-685-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
888-972-DOIT (3648) (toll freevoice/TTY) WA, outside Seattle
509-328-9331 (voice/TTY) Spokane
Director: Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.
Program Manager: Michael Richardson

Copyright © 2006 University of Washington. Permission is granted to copy these materials for educational, non-commercial purposes provided the source is acknowledged.

AccessComputing Team Application Form

Send the following information via email to accesscomp@u.washington.edu:

Student Data

• Name
• Postal Address
• Telephone Number(s)
• Email address
• If under 18, Name and Address of Parent/Guardian
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Ethnic background (optional)
• Disability Type
• Accommodations You May Need in an Internship

Academic Background

• Academic level currently enrolled in (high school, community college, technical college, four-year institution)
• School Name
• City
• State
• Anticipated Graduation Date
• Major Area(s) of Study (if applicable)
• Specific Career Interests

Employment/Internship Information

State whether you are a U.S. citizen. If NO, indicate if you have a right-to-work permit and, if so, where you are able to work in an internship or other work-related experience.

Publication Guidelines

Please note that, on occasion, AccessComputing Team members are featured in DO-IT printed and web-based materials such as DO-IT News and in other publications. As an AccessComputing Team member, you agree to allow DO-IT and DO-IT project partners to publish information including, but not limited to, your first and last name, email address, city and state of residence, name of school, employer, disability, age, and interests. This information is used for program reporting and data analysis. As an AccessComputing Team member, you also waive any right to inspect or approve the finished publication or the eventual use for which it might be applied. Although we will work with AccessComputing members to plan and initiate disclosure of their disabilities to potential employers or schools, through the above mentioned publications and in conjunction with AccessComputing activities, your disability may be disclosed or implied.

Use of Photographs and Videotape

Some AccessComputing events and work-related experiences are photographed and/or videotaped. When you participate in these activities you may be photographed and/or videotaped. As an AccessComputing Team member, you agree to give DO-IT and DO-IT project partners permission to copyright, distribute, sell, broadcast, duplicate, exhibit and/or use film, audiotape, photographs, printed information, and/or drawings of yourself without limitation for general education, information dissemination, and research purposes in videotapes, audiotapes, and printed publications, and on the World Wide Web. In addition, you waive any right to inspect or approve the finished publication or other product in which your image/information might be used.

Indicate whether you do not give permission to be included in pictures or videotapes:

_________________________

I have read and agree to the expectations listed in the Participation Agreement, Publication guidelines, and the Use of Photographs and Videotape guidelines as indicated above.

I understand that DO-IT may request a criminal background check of program participants. I agree to report to DO-IT any past convictions or present charges that relate to minors or vulnerable adults.

For Applicants Under the Age of 18 Years

If you are under the age of 18, print out your application email message and have a parent or guardian sign it and print their full name and relationship to you, indicating their agreement with what you have included in the application.

Further Information

If you have questions about AccessComputing or this application, please contact DO-IT at 206-685-DOIT (3648) voice/TTY; 888-972-DOIT (3648) toll free voice, TTY, Washington, outside Seattle; or accesscomp@u.washington.edu. Mail your completed application to DO-IT, University of Washington, Box 355670, Seattle, WA 98195-5670.

Copyright © 2006 - 2009 by University of Washington. Permission is granted to copy these materials for educational, noncommercial purposes provided the source is acknowledged.