A Working Document: Key Issues & Insights on Recruitment and Selection Application and Review Process September 2002

IFP Selection Process Identifying Population Outreach Process Screening Process Application Screening and Review Process Interview / Final Selection

IFP Target Population Group Exclusion Characteristics: Race, Caste and Ethnicity Physical Disability Gender or Sexuality Geography(rural,urban,major cities) Individual Exclusion Characteristics: Socioeconomic Status- (verifiable) Parents Education Level Quality of Schooling Key Characteristics of Exclusion The ideal target population combines group and individual characteristics to determine exclusion

Assessing Outreach Strategies Effective Strategies ensure target communities view program as accessible Assessing the outreach strategies: To what degree are you working to reduce the risk of self-exclusion within the target group? Does the process allow sufficient time and space for prospective fellows within the target group to apply? Does the material speak to unique social or cultural characteristics of the target group that may encourage them to apply? Have you identified preferred geographic areas and/or determined areas to be excluded? Are you exploring alternative outreach strategies beyond National-based media (individuals, NGO networks, etc)? To what extent are your outreach strategies guided by your screening process, expected application volume and the number of fellowships? Are your outreach strategies cost effective and time efficient? Do the marketing materials reflect current IFP policies? How are you assessing the effectiveness of the outreach strategies? Effective Strategies = Informed & Appropriate Applicant

Pre-Application / Screening Process What is the objective of the pre-application process? What instruments are used and are they effective? What is involved in the informal pre-application process? What is done to make sure this process is consistent and fair? Given the outcome of Pre-application process (ie. number of ineligible inquiries / pre-applications) is there something that can be learned about the outreach strategies? Applications sent out vs. applications received? * * Formal Pre-Application forms used in only a few sites, however questions pertain to all sites’ use of any pre-screening tool.

Selection Criteria within “Excluded” Population Academic Background & Proposed Study Past Accomplishments Field of Study Link Between Prior & Proposed Study Demonstrated Social Commitment: Relevant Work Experience Volunteering/ Social Service Significant Work Experience Proven Leadership Potential Past Leadership Experience Individual Trajectory Relevant Leadership Experience

Refining the Review Process Academic Background & Proposed Field of Study Demonstrated Social Commitment Proven Leadership Potential Represents applicants from “Excluded/ Marginalized” populations as defined by IFP IFP Target Group

Screening & Review Models Determine Marginalized Status Threshold for Inclusion in Candidate Pool Staff Review Eligibility Documentary Review/ Academics Semi-finalist Panel Finalist Interview Fellows Selected Academic Social Commitmen t Leadership Determination of “Excluded” Population occurs in initial screening All Three Criteria are applied throughout the review process

Screening & Review Models Threshold for Inclusion in Candidate Pool Staff Review Eligibility Documentary Review/ Academics Semi-finalist Panel Finalist Interview Fellows Selected Academic Social Commitmen t Leadership Determination of “Excluded” Population occurs during initial screening All Three Criteria are applied throughout the review process Determine Marginalized Status

Screening and Review Models Initial review to determine appropriateness using all four criteria categories Continue to review with all four criteria and scoring system Pool continues to decrease through further refining criteria Fellows Selected Academic Social Commitmen t Leadership Excluded Population Some sites use scoring matrix in the process All Criteria are Considered throughout the process * Percentages vary depending on site

Screening and Review Models Initial review to determine appropriateness using all four criteria categories Continue to review with all four criteria and scoring system Pool continues to decrease through further refining criteria Fellows Selected Some sites use scoring matrix in the process All Criteria are Considered throughout the process * Percentages vary depending on site Academic Social Commitmen t Leadership Excluded Population