Definition

In this document, student refers to the trainee while the instructor/facilitator is the same as the trainer/teacher.  The term ‘school’ refers to every location where SVAP programs are conducted.

PROGRAM

Silicon Valley Future Stars program is an integrated and innovative afterschool program that focuses on youth cultural awareness and educational enrichment programs that include career training in technology, broadcasting and performing arts. The program is operated by Silicon Valley African Productions (SVAP,) a non-profit San Jose based organization. So we use this enrichment program as an academic/civic commitment incentive, and innovation outlet/spotlight for paving a brighter future for the participants. The Future Stars program is to open to all middle and high school students in the Silicon Valley of California. However, the highest priority is given to the underserved, disadvantaged lower income, and lower achieving middle and high school students, in San Jose, who are at risk of dropping out of school.

The Future Stars program is made up of the general homework assistance and tutoring activities as well as educational enrichment programs in specialized tracks.

Compulsory General Activities/Homework Assistance And College Preparation

The general include Tutoring, College Preparation (PSAT/ACT/SAT and AP Test preparation, etc), Mentoring; Math, Science and Engineering Empowerment; Conferences and Workshops; Internship and Work Experience and Monitored Community Service (at least 5 hours a semester.) Every student is required to take PSAT or ACT or SAT every year.

The Specialized Economic Empowerment/Fun Tracks Include

• TRACK 1: Multimedia Production Skills Development

·         TRACK 2: Computer and Technology Access and Skills Development

·         TRACK 3: Job Readiness Development

·         TRACK 4: Leadership and Entrepreneurial Skills Development

·         TRACK 5: Visual and Performing arts Skills Development

Registration and Fees

Registration runs throughout the year on an ongoing basis. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. However, the highest priority is given to the underserved, disadvantaged lower income, and lower achieving middle and high school students, in San Jose, who are at risk of dropping out of school. The program is FREE however, we will collect a commitment fee of $50.00 from each student every semester. The deposit will be refunded if the student finishes the semester with 90%  attendance and good conduct.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE/HOURS OF OPERATION

To compliment and align with the regular school year, the program is a semester-based program. A year’s program consists of three semesters: Spring, Summer, and Fall. New students are admitted into the program at the beginning of each semester. The students are required to complete each semester they start. The program is all year round and will have the following schedule:

·         Regular Afterschool Session: Monday to Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.

·         Summer Session: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (this may very each year)

·         Weekend Session: Will vary based on the scheduled activity. Special events and supplemental programs like workshops are usually held on Saturdays.

·         Weekly technology, business training and drop in sessions are also scheduled as needed.

Schedule is updated regularly, please check the schedule from time to time for exact dates and time of each activityevent.

Office Hours

The office is open all year round and will have the following schedule:

·         Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

·         Weekend Session: Will vary based on the scheduled activity. Special events and supplemental programs like workshops, seminars, etc. are usually held on Saturdays.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

All the participants have to be enrolled in a school (grade school or college) full time to be admitted in the program.  They are all expected to be in the program daily or according to the schedule of their enrolled activity/event. Attendance is taken daily and the parents will be notified each time the student is absent. The student’s schools are notified when they enroll in the program. Progress report of each student is sent to the school and the parents upon request.

Attendance and Conduct:

1. Every teacher and staff member in the programs shall hold students to a strict account for their conduct in formal class sessions as well as on the way to and from the program, during recess, on the playgrounds, off site events or field trips. 
2. All students shall comply with the regulations, pursue the required course of study, and submit to the authority of the teachers of their schools. 
3. All students are expected to attend classes according to schedule of their enrolled activity. 
4. Instructors are required to monitor attendance and record all student absences.  General appearance shall be neat, clean, and appropriate for school attendance. 
5. Students are expected to follow the reasonable directions of any faculty or staff member. 
6. Where an absence is likely to be extended beyond a half day, participants are requested to notify the instructor by telephone or e-mail as early as possible.  Even when it is only half a day’s absence, a phone call is appreciated.
7. All absences and tardiness will be recorded
8. Students who are terminating their enrolment are required to notify the school of their intentions at least 24 hours prior to training start time. 
9. Any parent, guardian, or other person whose conduct in a place where an SVAP staff member is required to be in the course of his or her duties materially disrupts class program activities or involves substantial disorder is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is punishable by law. 

Unacceptable Behavior

Certain acts of behavior by students are unacceptable and will not be tolerated during the training Program. These may include but not be limited to the following:

• Acts that may cause injury to themselves or others
• Disrespect for other students or staff members
• Disruptive behavior
• Intentionally cause or attempt to cause physical injury to another student or staff member
• No student or other person, shall conspire to haze, engage in hazing, or commit any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces, tends to injure, degrade, or disgrace any fellow student or person. 
• All forms of fighting or conspiracies to engage in fighting are strictly prohibited. 
• Any student who commits an assault and/or battery on any person will be subject to suspension or expulsion. 
• Disrespect for personal belongings of others
• Intentional damage to school property
• Obscene language or behavior
• Possession of any object that could be considered a weapon (gun, knife, etc.)
• Possession or use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol. 

I Agree       I Disagree

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

I am aware that during any trip or excursion injury or death may occur from hazards, including but not limited to, hazards of accidents or illness in places without medical facilities, hazards created by the forces of nature, and hazards of travel by air, train, bus, automobile and walking. I am voluntarily permitting Participant to participate in the above activity with the knowledge of the damages involved and I agree to accept any and all risks of injury or death.

In consideration of Participant’s participation in the activity described above, I agree that I, my heirs, spouse, guardians, legal representatives, and assigns will not make a claim against, or sue Silicon Valley African Productions, its officers, agents, or employees for injury, death or property damages arising from Participant’s participation in the activity described above.

In addition, I release and discharge the Silicon Valley African Productions, its officers, agents and employees from all actions, claims, or demands that I, my heirs, guardians, legal representatives or assigns now have or may later have for injury, death or property damage resulting from Participant’s participation in the activity described above.

This Agreement and Release of Liability are intended to be binding upon heirs, guardians, legal representatives, and assigns.

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

The undersigned representing him/herself, or on behalf of the child named above, hereby authorizes an agent of the SILICON VALLEY AFRICAN PRODUCTIONS to consent to any medical, dental, surgical, or hospital care, treatment or diagnosis for the above named child, under the care or supervision of any licensed physician, surgeon or dentist. If given on behalf of child, this authorization shall be deemed given under California Family Code Section 6910. I further agree to pay for any medical, dental, surgical, or hospital care, treatment, or diagnosis provided the above named child pursuant to this authorization, and to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Silicon Valley African Productions from any actions, claims, or demands that I, my heirs, guardians, legal representatives or assigns, or any other person or entity may now have or may later have, including but not limited to claims for injury, death, property damage, or medical bills and expenses resulting from care, treatment, or diagnosis provided to the above named child pursuant to this authorization. 

MEDIA AUTHORIZATION AND TALENT RELEASE

1.      With full knowledge of my rights, I do hereby grant Silicon Valley African Productions of San Jose, California, any successors, assignees, licensees and any other designees, forever, the absolute right and permission to broadcast and rebroadcast on television and/or radio; publish and republish in any publication, any sound recording of my voice, any photographs, motion picture film or videotape, literary, or multimedia material of my person or my legal minor(s) person in whole or in part.

2.      I affirmatively release and discharge Silicon Valley African Productions, its successors, assignees, licensees or any other designees, from responsibility for any distortion or manipulation, whether intentional or otherwise, of media materials mentioned in paragraph 1. above

3.      I understand by signing this media authorization and release form, I waive any right to inspect or approve any of the media materials mentioned in paragraph 1. above.

4.      I hereby waive any right to compensation of any kind, type or nature whatsoever, now and/or in the future.

5.      I hereby represent and warrant that I am of full age and have every right to contract in my own name or my legal minor(s) name in the above regard and I state further that I have read the above authorization and release prior to its execution, and that I am fully familiar with the content thereof.

Student’s Current School: