STF application process and a step you need to take prior to application

Special Task Force STF-USA Address: 4 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 Phone: (510) 214 2439 Email: contact@stfusa.com December 15th, 2010

Dear STF Applicants and Parents:

We are looking forward to 2011 and the new STF members that we will welcome next August! We are writing to inform you about the application process and an important step that you need to take prior to application.

This year has been a very eventful year and STF has been transformed, and continues to be transformed in exciting new ways under In Jin nim’s leadership. In Jin nim’s desire is to invest in all of our children, as her own, sharing True Parent’s love with them.

STF provides a great opportunity for high school graduates to take a “gap year” to find out who they are and go into the college years with a solid footing and a higher purpose. In Jin nim is concerned that each STF member’s life is enriched through developing a deeper relationship with True Parents and True Children, as well as learning how to nurture their spiritual life in preparation for college, where they can continue to develop lives of internal and external excellence.

College is an important next step for STF graduates. This transition should ideally happen immediately following STF graduation. For this reason STF has a new requirement for acceptance this year: each applicant must have completed their college application or have a post STF plan. It has been our experience that it is challenging for students to apply for college while on STF and waiting to apply after STF results in students “loosing” a year before starting their studies. This makes transition back into an academic environment difficult. Additionally, high schools offer tremendous support to college applicants, both financial and practical. Time is short as college applications have to be submitted by December 31st and high schools close next week! Use your resources. For example, if the personal statement/essay feels intimidating ask for help from a local young adult who has been through the process. Have a teacher, aunt or uncle read your essay and help with editing. Please check with your school guidance counselor about what you still have to do to apply for college.

STF recommends that students apply to at least three and preferably up to six schools. Financial aid is available through your high school to do this, if you qualify. By applying for a stretch school (a school you would love to attend but are afraid is out of your reach), a four year college within your grasp, as determined by your SAT scores and GPA, and a safety school (easy to get into) which may include a community college, you will find success. Don’t worry about finances yet. Income eligible students can get great packages at four year institutions. The most important thing is for you to apply so you have options! Don’t limit the possibilities God has for you.

A minority of students are not intending to go to college. In such cases STF recommends that you research and apply for apprentice or vocational programs. Alternatively, you can describe a career plan of your choosing in an essay. We are encouraging this so that each and every student seamlessly and successfully transitions from STF into the next stage of their life. In Jin nim’s desire is to help every young person succeed. If you haven’t already done so please take time as a family to create a futures plan with your high school student.

STF has evolved into a comprehensive one-year program, which includes activities such as, Outreach, Lovin’ Life Internships, International Service Projects, Fundraising and Ocean Challenge and Academics. The greatest benefit for our students is the opportunity to develop a relationship of heart with True Parents through True Children and True Family, so that each person can experience what it really means to be one family under God. In Jin nim is encouraging all of our youth to develop internal and external excellence so that we can contribute to society and experience a happy and fulfilled life.

The application process will be open from January 1st, simply log onto www.stffamily.com and go to “Apply.” Additional information can also be found on this website. Upon receiving your application STF staff will contact you and carry out a phone interview. If you have any questions or concerns please call me.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Roland Platt Director, STF-USA