A. Applicant is OSD Employee: Yes
B. Narrative does not exceed 2-3 pages: Yes
C. Application includes budget: Yes
D. Request discussed with OSD departments: Administrative, Residential
E. Application has all required signatures: Yes
Project Narrative
This funding request is to support Gloria Flores Estrada’s participation in the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) in Summer 2025. YLC is a prestigious four-week leadership training program designed to develop teamwork, communication, self-advocacy, and leadership skills in Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school students.
Gloria is a standout leader at Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD), excelling in academics, extracurricular activities, and student leadership. She was OSD’s winner and Oregon’s semifinal contestant for Poetry Out Loud, a national arts education program that builds public speaking and performance skills. She is an active member of Student Body Government, where she advocates for student needs and initiatives. She also contributes to OSD’s vibrant community by participating in sports, earning Citizen of the Month, and managing Jungle Java, OSD’s student-run coffee shop.
Beyond these commitments, Gloria serves as the student representative on the Nightmare Factory Committee and volunteers additional time to support its success. Her leadership extends across campus, where she demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and a commitment to fostering a positive school environment.
By attending YLC, Gloria will gain leadership, advocacy, and problem-solving skills that align with OSD’s mission to empower students. This experience will allow her to mentor peers, strengthen student-led initiatives, and continue serving as a role model.
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Project Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
Project Purpose:
This project provides Gloria with the opportunity to attend YLC, a highly respected program cultivating leadership, teamwork, and advocacy skills in Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Research shows that youth leadership programs enhance self-confidence, communication skills, and community engagement (NAD.org). YLC has a strong record of producing leaders who become advocates and role models in their schools and communities.
Goals:
-Develop leadership skills through experiential learning at YLC.
-Strengthen self-advocacy and public speaking abilities to benefit Gloria in academic and extracurricular settings.
-Mentor and inspire OSD students, reinforcing a culture of leadership and involvement.
-Expand networking opportunities by connecting with Deaf leaders and peers nationwide.
Objectives:
-Successful completion of YLC, including leadership training, team-building, and advocacy workshops.
-Application of leadership skills upon returning to OSD through increased involvement in Student Body Government and peer mentorship.
-Development of a leadership presentation to inspire OSD students.
-Increased advocacy engagement through school and external leadership opportunities.
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Project Benefits
This project addresses the need for strong student leadership at OSD by supporting Gloria’s participation in YLC. Through YLC, she will:
-Gain leadership and advocacy skills to strengthen student-led initiatives.
-Mentor and inspire peers to take on leadership roles.
-Share YLC strategies through school-wide presentations and discussions.
-Enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills in school activities.
Impact on OSD Students:
-Around 100 students will benefit through Gloria’s involvement in:Student Body Government, advocating for student needs and organizing events.
-Jungle Java, mentoring peers in teamwork and business operations.
-Poetry Out Loud and academic competitions, inspiring public speaking skills.
-Athletics and extracurricular activities, fostering teamwork and school spirit.
By bringing back stronger leadership skills, new perspectives, and advocacy strategies, Gloria will help create more opportunities for her peers to develop leadership abilities. This project supports OSD’s mission to empower students with confidence, communication, and leadership experience.
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Project Evaluation
Evaluation Methods:
-Completion of YLC – Gloria will successfully complete the program and receive a certificate of completion.
-Application of Leadership Skills – Gloria will take on increased leadership roles at OSD, mentoring students and contributing to school-wide initiatives.
-Presentation to OSD and FOSD – Fall of 2025, Gloria will:
Deliver a presentation to OSD students and staff, and FOSD representatives will be invited.
Provide a written report or video summary highlighting key takeaways and leadership applications.
-Long-Term Impact Tracking – Her leadership contributions will be monitored throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
-Reporting to FOSD – A final report will document Gloria’s leadership impact, submitted at the end of the academic year.
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Proposed Budget
Total Cost: $4,000, covering:
-Lodging at Camp Taloali
-Meals and canteen snacks
-Laundry services
-Field trips and transportation
-YLC t-shirt, hoodie, and group photo
Funding Sources:
$2,000 – Nightmare Factory Haunted House Fund
$2,000 – Friends of OSD EEA (this application)
Gloria and her family are also exploring payment plans and additional sponsorships as needed.
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Project Timeline
Deposit Due: $100 upon acceptance (Gloria's family will be responsible for this)
Funding Deadline: June 1, 2025 (full tuition due)
July 2 - 26, 2025 – YLC participation (four weeks)
Fall of 2025 – Presentation and report to Friends of OSD
June 2026 - Final report to FOSD
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Project Reporting and Accountability
Payment will be made directly to NAD Youth Leadership Camp ([email protected]) on behalf of Gloria Flores Estrada.
Responsible Party:
-Kelsey Gilstrap (OSD Outreach Specialist) will oversee fund disbursement, reporting, and accountability to Friends of OSD.
Reporting Timeline:
-A formal report will be submitted to Friends of OSD after YLC’s conclusion, including a summary of Gloria’s experiences, skills gained, and community impact at OSD.
-Presentation materials (slides, photos, and testimonials) will be shared as proof of program impact.
This structured reporting and accountability plan ensures that the funds awarded are used effectively and demonstrate a tangible impact on student leadership development at OSD.
Upload Additional Documents:
YLC Program: https://youth.nad.org/ylc/ylc-program/
Information for Families: https://youth.nad.org/ylc/families/
Gloria's Resume (attached)
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Documents
