Welcome

What is Project Strive?

Successful (Having a favorable outcome)
Transition (The act of passing from one state to another. Giant step from High school to Adulthood)
Requires (Imperative, Must, No Excuses)
Independence (Competent, Free, Contributing)
Vocation (and) (Employment, A Job)
Education (Continual Learning, College)

NFB Project Strive creates programs that will meet the unique needs of blind and visually impaired youth in Utah. These programs will model, mentor, encourage and teach skills necessary to successfully transition into adult life.

Program Descriptions

Jr. Blind Mentor Employment. Project Strive provided four summer stipends to blind or visually impaired students (age 14-24) to assist in the NFB BELL (Braille Enrichment Literacy & Learning) Program as Jr. Mentors. These Jr. Mentors worked with blind children ages 5-12 to promote and increase Braille literacy. Jr. Mentors were required to submit a resume, letter of application, go through an interview process, attend mandatory trainings, were assessed daily on their job, and and received daily job coaching. Jr. Blind Mentors also networked with successful, employed, blind adults throughout the 2 week program The goal of this program was to provide employment opportunities and on job training to increase job readiness skills and develop leadership skills.

Club Strive. Club Strive is a program developed for blind and visually impaired youth who are currently in 7th-12 grade. Club Strive will meet the 2nd Saturday a month beginning in September 2010. There will be an exciting KICK OFF EVENT on August 21, 2010 at the Draper Boondocks from 9am-2pm. Club Strive will provide practical experiences, information, and life skills training through activities, mentoring and interaction with peers. Training will be instructed by competent blind adult mentors who will focus on areas such as: technology, braille literacy, orientation & mobility, job readiness, active daily living, and social skills. The goal of this program is to create a positive and fun learning environment where youth feel comfortable about their blindness, gain confidence, leadership qualities, and learn necessary techniques and skills to transition successfully into adulthood.

Project Strive Student/Employment Programs. Project Strive will support existing programs, and will develop and implement unique opportunities, training, and support for youth 10th grade through 26 years of age. The goal of the program is to provide opportunities for youth to address specific college and employment readiness skills which include, but not limited to: writing and building a resume’, mock interviews, college expectations and support, advocacy training, volunteer opportunities, recreation and social events. Programs will be held quarterly and lead and implemented by competent blind or visually impaired adult role models who have graduated from college and/or currently gainfully employed.

College Scholarships. During the recent 2010 NFB State Convention, Project Strive presented a $200 award to each scholarship applicant (18 in total). 7 finalists were recognized and awarded scholarships that ranged from $500-$2,000 to support the educational goals of these blind and visually impaired students. Tri-Phase, a local company matched and donated $1,000 toward the top scholarship of the evening. Project Strive will be seeking local business support and additional funding for 2011. More details to come.

We hope you come here often to visit and chime in.