QVS Summer Lab: Philadelphia

Frequently Asked Questions:

When will we open the application?	The application opens on Dec 1 2024
When will the application close?	The application deadline is March 1 2025
What is the interview process?	You will participate in one group interview with several other applicants and three of our staff members.
How many people will we be recruiting?	We hope to have 8 strong residents in our opening Summer Lab cohort of young adults ages 18-20.
How long will the waitlist be?	We will have 8 people that will consider being wait listed.
Are international students able to apply to Summer Lab?	International students are able to apply to the summer program if they already have an approved OPT visa in process. At this time we are not able to accept applications for other types of visas.
Where is the house located?	The house is located in the Mantua neighborhood of Philadelphia. The neighborhood’s northern and western reaches are predominantly are home to mostly Black working-class families although its south borders where both Penn and Drexel college campuses are located. The house is just a few minutes from the Philadelphia Art Museum and 30th Street Station and many other downtown attractions.
How much money will there be for each applicant?	Participants who complete the program will receive $600; $300 when the program starts and an additional $300 when the program ends.
What are the types of support participants will receive?	Housing: Utilities: Paid for by Summer Lab Food Stipend: The coordinator will work with you to organize your groceries for the five weeks. They will be delivered to you each week. Essentially, no grocery shopping for you. Transportation Stipend: You will receive a Zone one SEPTA pass that will allow you to use all public transportation in the downtown area. Program Entry Stipend: You will receive $300 on your first day of the program. Program Competition Stipend: You will receive $300 on your last day of the program.
What will be the most important thing for the applicants to have to succeed in the program?	We hope that applicants are interested in co-creation in our inaugural year
What are pre-sessions? How many of them are there? What are the expectations of those sessions?	Participants will be required to attend five pre-sessions in the mid-spring. The first one is on April 13 2025.The subsequent four sessions will be scheduled by the group. . Our expectation is that you are able to join these sessions for the full 2 hours with your camera and microphone on to participate and contribute to the group discussion.
What is the intake process like?	There are several forms that we will ask you to fill out online once you are accepted to the program. It is essential that you return them promptly to be able to get paid for participating.
Is there any financial support for travel to and from Summer Lab?	At this time we are not able to provide any assistance in traveling to Summer Lab or transitioning out of the program.
When does in person Summer Lab start?	Summer Lab pre-sessions begin April 13th 2025. The in person section of the program begins on July 7th 2025 in Philaelphia.
What should I expect during my five weeks of the program? How much downtime can I expect during the summer program?	You can expect many full and fun days, and slow down time.
When does the program end?	Summer Lab ends on August 11th 2025
Is the House accessible?	Unfortunately, the house that’s available to us has steps to the front door.
Can a 17-year-old apply? What if I turn 21 partway through the summer?	A 17-year-old could apply if their 18th birthday is before start of the 5-week program. If you turn 21 before the end of the program, we are unable to accept you into the summer program. Please consider applying to be a QVS Fellow!
Can I bring a support animal?	Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate animals at this time.

About Rai Carter (they/them)

Rai (they/them) grew up in Philadelphia. They came into interfaith work in their years in undergrad. Since then, Rai has spent time researching ecotheology in the Black community and learning to understand its connections to other faith and spiritual practices. They have also spent time working in Racial Equity and systems change work over the past several years.

Rai is passionate about plants and the natural world, cooking as a healing practice and understanding various community and social systems. They are interested in further exploring the intersection of religion, food, and employment and are hoping to continue this exploration with further study. They also enjoy biking, taking care of their many plants and their cat and listening to podcasts in their time off.

In 2018-2019, Rai moved to Atlanta to participate in QVS. QVS was their first introduction to Quaker practice. Rai joined staff as the QVS Atlanta Coordinator and is now the Philadelphia Coordinator.

Connect with them via Rai@quakervoluntaryservice.org.

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