February 18, 2009
Sophomore Also Honored with “Gold Storm
Student Award” on February 18 on Staten Island
Kevin
James, a sophomore majoring in political science at St. John’s
University’s Staten Island campus has been chosen for the Institute
for Responsible Leadership’s Class of 2009. The Institute for
Responsible Leadership is an intensive leadership program in
Washington, DC designed to equip young African-American males with
the tools to be successful in their chosen professional
career. In addition to classes in constitutional and economic
principles, recipients receive career and leadership development,
high-level paid internships around Washington, D.C., unparalleled
networking opportunities and life-long mentorship from some of the
most prominent African-American figures in the country, all
expenses paid.
James is one of 18 students nationwide who were selected from a
pool of over 300 young men. Three other young men from St.
John’s also applied for the program. Nashia Whittenburg and Jamaal
Brown, both Assistant Directors for Multicultural Affairs at St.
John’s University, worked closely with these students to make sure
their applications were strong, complete, packaged and met all
deadlines.
For his academic achievement, service to the community and civic
involvement, James will receive the “Gold Storm Student Award” at
the Staten Island Campus Black History Celebration Dinner this
evening at 5:00 p.m. in the University’s Kelleher Center.
The 2009 Institute for Responsible Leadership program will run
from Saturday, June 6 - Saturday, August 1, 2009 and students must
commit to two summers in order to complete the requirements.
Tuition and housing are paid for by the Institute and students will
be placed at paid internships based on their career interest. Those
students placed at unpaid internships will receive a $3,000
stipend.
Although there is no GPA requirement, the average participant
GPA is a 3.65. Other achievements such as campus involvement,
honors and awards earned, athletics, and volunteer work are also
considered highly during the admissions process.
Highlights of program offerings include:
• Meeting with influential leaders such as General Colin
Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Dr.
Sheila C. Johnson
• Taking rigorous academic courses on constitutional and
economic principles
• Participating in roundtable discussions, including seminars
on career development
• Working at high-level internships around Washington,
DC
• Enjoy a host of social activities that help participants to
bond with each other.
For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice
President for Media Relations at St. John’s University by calling
(718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.