CRCC American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute

When will applications for the AMCLI V (2012-2013) program be available?
The application process for 2012-13 is now closed. 

How much time does the application require?
Please make sure to allocate sufficient time to complete the application as well as provide your recommenders enough time to write thoughtful recommendation letters. This is not an application you can successfully complete the night before it is due. Therefore, we recommend you start the application early. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Request an application now so you can review all of the components required and get started early.  Following your request, you will receive an e-mail with a unique link to your online application. This link will enable you to complete your application at your own pace, allowing you to exit and reenter your application without losing your entries.

Tip: To get a head start, complete the short essay questions listed in the Application Section in a word processing program, then cut and paste each answer into the online application form (750 word max per question) once you receive it. 

How long is the AMCLI program?
The program will convene over the course of seven months. During this period, AMCLI participants will participate in three residential programs, as well as a series of conference calls and online programs.

What are the program dates?

What is the deadline for applications and when will I be notified if I have been accepted?

May I submit a letter from an AMCLI alumnus for my recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is required from a professional who has worked closely with you and can speak to your leadership qualities and accomplishments. An additional recommendation letter from an AMCLI alumnus is highly encouraged, but not required.

How do I submit my recommendation letter(s)?
Please use the following links to upload your recommendation letter(s) or copy and paste the links to your browser:

From professional reference (required): http://bit.ly/OqZWR6

From AMCLI Alumnus (optional): http://bit.ly/Nf8H1a

If I’m accepted, what is the deadline to confirm my acceptance and what is required?

• Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 6:00 PM (PST): Deadline for receipt of acceptance forms (submit online) and program fee (to arrive via mail by the deadline).

Visit the Application Section and scroll to the bottom for more details.

Who is eligible to participate?
AMCLI is open to applicants who:

• Hold a leadership position on staff of an organization engaged in civic work in the Muslim community, or with an organization working on issues that affect the Muslim community. (Individuals who are chief executive officers, chief operating officers, program directors, program coordinators, lead organizers, and board members are qualified to apply.)
• Are between the ages of 25-40 at the time of application.
• Are proficient in written and spoken English.
• Confirm they can attend all AMCLI residential programs and conference calls.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $35(cashier’s check/money order ONLY). This fee is required regardless of acceptance to the program.
• Pay a non-refundable program fee of $750 (credit card or cashier’s check/money order ONLY).

The program does not have formal educational requirements, but applicants with a bachelor's degree or advanced degree are strongly encouraged to apply.

What does the program cost?
Accepted applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $35 application fee and, if accepted, $750 program fee to secure their place in the program. Money orders and cashier’s checks only.

Through the generous support of our funders, AMCLI is able to underwrite the remaining program fee for the program.  The average cost per fellow for training, travel, accommodations, most meals, and materials is $15,000.

Is the program fee a tuition fee for tax purposes?
No.

I was not accepted last year. May I resubmit the same application?
You are welcome to reapply, but a new application is required. The application form, essay questions, and recommendation letter requirements are slightly different for this year's program. You are welcome to incorporate content from previous applications, if applicable, but you must follow the current guidelines provided to submit a new application and application fee.  In the past, we have accepted applicants who have applied and were not accepted in previous years.

Does a request for an interview mean I am or am not advancing in the application process?
No. AMCLI may elect to conduct phone, video, or in-person interviews with applicants to obtain more information.  Interviews do not indicate whether an individual has advanced in the application process. They are intended to gather additional information.

What is the acceptance rate for the program?
AMCLI approximately receives four applications for each available spot in the program.

Are travel costs covered?
Transportation between the airport and the venue for the residential programs will be covered by the program. Participants are responsible for the cost of ground transportation between their homes and the airport and any related costs such as airport parking, baggage, or meals en route. In some instances, travel will be arranged by AMCLI prior to travel, and in other instances, participants will be asked to pay for their travel and submit their original receipts for reimbursement (maximum amounts will be provided). Detailed instructions will be provided in the acceptance materials that are sent to participants.

Are all the retreat sessions mandatory?
Yes, all sessions are mandatory. The retreats are intensive programs with sessions, exercises, and conversations that build upon each other, thus it is crucial that fellows be present and engaged throughout.

Are the retreat evenings unscheduled?
The retreats are intensive programs and most evenings are scheduled with sessions. Fellows will receive an agenda within a month before each retreat.

Do I need a BA or advanced degree to participate?
There are no degree requirements for the program, but a command of spoken and written English is necessary for full participation.

Who are the AMCLI trainers and presenters?
AMCLI trainers and presenters include scholars, experts, and practitioners from across the country in the areas of Islamic theology, civic participation, and a range of skill-building and team-building topics. AMCLI staff have identified leading experts from within the host institutions, as well as from other universities and organizations across the country.

What books and materials are required reading?
Materials will be provided to you before your arrival at each residential session and you will be notified at that time of the reading requirements for the sessions. You will also be sent materials to review in between the residential programs.

Do I need to bring a laptop computer?
We do not encourage use of laptops during AMCLI sessions.

What is the dress code?
Business casual dress for the residential sessions. Participants will be notified when more formal attire is required.

Where will participants stay and will participants have a roommate?
Participants will be provided with accommodations in either university housing or a hotel. Participants will share a room with two double beds with another participant of the same sex. If someone prefers to have their own room, they will need to make a request to AMCLI and if approved will need to book and pay out of pocket for the additional cost of a private room where the group is housed.

When will I receive my certificate of completion?
The certificate of completion will be presented to each participant at the end of the program, during a graduation ceremony held during the third residential program.

How are prayers handled?
The programs incorporate regular breaks that coincide with prayer times for those observing. Space for prayer is provided at each retreat. All prayers are self-organized, optional, and intended to be inclusive of the diversity of the AMCLI fellows.

Additional Questions
Please carefully review this page and the Application page for information about the AMCLI V application process and program. 

If you have any questions remaining, please feel free to email us at amcli@usc.edu and include your full name and phone number.