LEAD UP Parent-Guardian Consent & Approval Form

Thank you for your participation in completing this form. Your participation, feedback, and support of your child is very important.

Thank you for your interest in the LEAD UP program. As a parent/guardian, your participation, involvement, and support of your child is very important. The LEAD UP (Leadership, Education, Adolescent Development and Unlimited Potential) Youth Achievement Program is for racial/ethnic minority youth who are invited to participate in the program between 10th through 12th grades. The program provides leadership and college preparation supports for youth who really want to achieve in life, beginning with their education. To learn more about the Lead UP program visit myleadup.com.

The participation and support of a parent and/or guardian is very important to the success of young people in life and in participation in the program. If your youth is applying to participate in LEAD UP, it is very important that we know the youth has the interest and support of a parent/guardian. The following information provides a brief overview of the program, as well as collect some basic information from you about you and your youth that will be necessary for participation in the LU Program and Summer Academy. As part of the program requirements to host students at KU, we have to ensure we have current information (e.g., insurance information) on file, therefore, an updated consent form must be provided by the parent/guardian each year.

Participation in the program includes the following:

Youth participation in the three-day summer academy at KU! The academy cost is $170.  Your child has received a waiver or financial assistance from a partner program to participate. 

Youth participation in online weekly communications (e.g., text messages, emails) provided through the LEAD UP Collaboratory (myleadup.com) including the Achiever 365 blog and other tools.

Parent/Guardian participation in the LU Connect blog and online resources available through the LEAD UP Collaboratory.

Youth Participation in monthly LEAD UP Meet Up sessions hosted with the partnering community or school organization who referred you to the program.

ALL youth who want to participate in LEAD UP must complete either a new or continuing renewal online application.

As part of completing the online application, the following are required:

1. Submission of an online application by the youth. Youth are required to complete all questions in the online application. Youth should make sure they are ready to complete the form and submit the required and have some time before you begin the online application. (Note: The application for returning LU Achievers is briefer.)
2. Provide well-written responses to the essay questions in the application (make sure they proofread), It is recommended that youth review the essay requirements and complete the essay in another document like Word BEFORE they begin the online application. Then, they can copy and paste or attach the essay response into the online application (make sure if you copy and paste you check the formatting in the online application);
3. Submit a copy of their most recent grade card/report from the last school year (for BOTH fall and spring semesters).
4. Parents/Guardians complete an online form that verifies approval for the youth to participate in the program. (A separate online consent form must be completed by a parent/guardian for EACH youth applicant.) Parents/guardians will have to complete and provide information related to your health provider contact information and some other basic information. If you child has participated before in the program we still need to complete and update this information each year.

If you have questions or need additional information contact Dr. Jomella Watson-Thompson at leadup@ku.edu.

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