Student LEAPS Program 2019-2020

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Student Leadership Enhancement And Professional Success (LEAPS) Program

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The Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida (ATAF) Student Leadership Enhancement And Professional Success (LEAPS) Program is designed to prepare athletic training students to assume leadership positions in professional organizations. The mission of the ATAF Student LEAPS Program is to promote the professional development of athletic training students so that they feel confident and empowered to become engaged in the profession and assume a leadership role at the state, regional, national, or international level. This 11-month program will provide guidance and resources to enhance leadership skills for the athletic training student. Educational experiences offered through the program shall provide a foundation for athletic training students to seek leadership positions in professional organizations post-certification. Highlights of the program will include:

 

• An in-person, 2-day seminar (scheduled for October 25-26, 2019) that will include professional development activities to promote leadership, team building, communication, networking, and professional advocacy (funding support may be available)

• Monthly professional development activities (e.g., readings, Ted Talk reflections, discussion board posts) pertinent to leadership and professional development in the athletic training profession

• Virtual attendance to a minimum of two ATAF Executive Board Meetings

• The development of an action plan focusing on career and leadership goals

• The opportunity to serve on an ATAF Committee, and

• An in-person, 3-day meeting affiliated with the annual ATAF Symposium & Business meeting (July 2020) focusing on the presentation of students’ experiences with the Student Leadership Enhancement Program (students who present at the meeting will receive complimentary registration)

 

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the Student LEAPS Program:

 

• Athletic training student enrolled in a professional athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

• Although not required, prior experience in a leadership role is preferred

 

Selection criteria

Athletic training students will be nominated by their respective Program Director for participation in the ATAF Student LEAPS Program. The request for nominations will be sent to Program Directors in August of each year. Two students from each accredited athletic training program may participate in the program.

 

Expectations

Students are expected to actively participate in all components of the ATAF Student LEAPS Program. Each student will be required to sign a Contract of Commitment to secure a spot in the program. If a student does not actively participate in all components of the ATAF Student LEAPS Program, s/he will be dismissed from the program. Upon completion of the program, students will be presented with a certificate.

 

 

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