FAMU student chosen for selective nationwide leadership development program

FAMU student chosen for selective nationwide leadership development program

Martin, along with 150 other students, was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to participate in the Young People For (YP4) fellowship.

By Marian Gibbons and Stephanie Lambert

Florida A&M University (FAMU) student Amonte’ Martin has been selected to take part in a competitive leadership development program led by People For the American Way Foundation.

Martin, along with 150 other students, was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to participate in the Young People For (YP4) fellowship, which is a rigorous, year-long program focused on identifying, engaging and empowering young progressive leaders.

The fellowship equips college students with the skills and resources necessary to create lasting change on their campuses and in their communities.  From more than 500 applications received, Martin was selected and will represent FAMU in the program’s regional and national trainings during the upcoming academic year.

“I applied to YP4 because I want to learn different strategies and techniques to enhance and sharpen my leadership skills to accomplish my goal to be an effective, resourceful leader in my community and on campus,” he said. “I look for-ward to this as a great opportunity which will allow me to meet and network with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about positively impacting their communities.”

Martin, a senior agribusiness student in the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS), says he is very excited about being selected for this honor.

Martin’s plans for the future include making a difference for single parents through a non-profit organization that will lend support to parents for the growth and development of their respective families.

Amonte’ is very active in his collegiate life.  Always going be-yond the call of duty to be involved, he encourages other students to become a viable part of the FAMU experience. Martin is a member of the FAMU chapter of the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and was a representative on the 2012 CAFS Homecoming Court – serving as “Mr. CAFS.”

FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Associate Dean Oghenekome Onokpise applauded Martin on his accomplishment.

“We congratulate Amonte’ Martin for being selected to represent our university and our college in such a significant role,” Onokpise said. “Through this experience, he can become the ideal role model for current students as well as an advocate for recruiting prospective students to study agriculture and food sciences at Florida A&M University.  We support him in this endeavor 100 percent.”

The 2013-2014 fellowship class represents 33 states and is made up of young people from community colleges, state universities, historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, liberal arts colleges and Ivy League universities, as well as young people carrying out community work while not in school.

“This class is one of our most diverse and talented yet,” said Joy Lawson, director of YP4. “Each one of our fellows represents the diversity and energy of the millennial generation, and has the potential to become a national leader in years to come. We look forward to helping Fellows develop the skills they need to make powerful, progressive change on their campuses, in their communities, and around the world.”