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What is the Life-Sustaining Fellowship?

The Life-Sustaining Fellowship Program is aimed at reducing the incidence of suicidality among Black youth through culturally responsive, wellness, and community-informed interventions. It focuses on enhancing and expanding the resources and capacities of Black youth workers, advocates, educators, and families in the Portland and broader Oregon community.

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What is the program's primary focus?

The program emphasizes protective factors over risk factors in dealing with youth suicidality, aiming to reconnect Black youth with ancestral practices, community ties, and wellness-centered forms of education.

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Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?

The fellowship is open for applications from adults who are 18 years and older and identify as Black, African, or African-American. Those eligible to apply must reside in the Portland Metropolitan area and fall into one or more of the following categories: community elders, youth workers, individuals directly impacted by specific issues, family members and friends, educators, healers, health advocates, mental health practitioners, and clinicians.

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How long is the fellowship program?

The fellowship program has a total duration of 24 months and is broken down into two phases. The first phase runs from February 2024 to August 2024, and it concentrates on research, community building, and the development of an intervention aimed at protecting Black youth in Portland. The second phase takes place from October 2024 to August 2025, during which the developed intervention will be implemented.

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What are the application requirements?

The application requirements include:

• Personal Information (Full Name, Contact Information, Professional Affiliation)

• Resume/CV

• Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words)

• Two References 

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What are the key responsibilities of a fellow?

In the first phase, the primary duties of a fellow involve participating in monthly 2-hour meetings from February through August and contributing to the formulation of a program plan focused on the protection of Black youth. 

 

In the second phase, the fellow is responsible for recruiting young participants for the program. Additional responsibilities will be specified as the intervention takes shape.

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What is the stipend for the fellowship?

The monthly stipend for participating in the fellowship is $300.

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Deadlines & Timelines

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 02, 2023.

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When will the interviews be conducted?

Interviews will take place between November 10 and December 20, 2023.

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When will the selection be announced?

The selection announcement will be made on January 15, 2024.

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When does the program start?

The program starts on February 1, 2024.

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Contact & Support

How can I apply?

You can submit all application materials to email@ourprogram.org by the application deadline.

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Who can I contact for more information?

For any queries, you can contact the Program Coordinator at [Email] or [Phone number].

 

By participating in this groundbreaking fellowship, you will contribute to substantial and sustainable changes in the mental health landscape for Black youth. We look forward to your application.