The third biennial NFB Youth Slam is slated to take place in the summer of 2011.
Registration is now open! Click here to apply.
Whether or not science or technology is “your thing,” there’s sure to be something for everyone. Learn the science behind building apps for your iPod, use cutting edge equipment and technology to determine chemical reactions in chemistry labs, build robots, or learn how to use nonvisual techniques to perform a real dissection! We guarantee this summer program will be like no other you’ve ever been to before!
One hundred and fifty blind and low vision students from all across the country will be selected to attend this five-day adventure that will engage, inspire, and encourage the next generation of blind youth to consider careers falsely believed to be impossible for the blind.
Due to logistical constraints, we have not yet been able to lock in dates for the event. However, it will take place between the window of the last two weeks of July or first week of August. As soon as this information is available, we will post it on this site and notify all those who have applied to that point. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Where
The program will be held on a university campus in the greater-Baltimore, Maryland, area yet to be determined.
Who
One hundred fifty blind high school students will be selected to participate in this program. Students who would like to be considered must complete the online application and submit it to the Jernigan Institute by March 1, 2011. Students need not have a strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in order to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this academy. Students will be randomly selected from those eligible to participate. This means that the student must be able to perform basic self-care skills; have some degree of independent travel skills; be able to read Braille, print, or both; and should, at a minimum, be able to understand content appropriate for students entering the ninth grade.
What
This five-day academy will engage and inspire the next generation of blind youth to consider careers falsely believed to be impossible for the blind and bring a unified voice to the next generation of blind professionals. While staying on a college campus, students will be mentored by blind role models during fun and challenging activities meant to build confidence and increase science literacy. Activities will take place with help from instructional supporters such as institutions and corporations working in STEM-related fields. The NFB Youth Slam will culminate with an exciting closing event in our nation’s capital.
Cost
There is no cost to apply for the program. Please note however, students who apply and are accepted to the Youth Slam will be expected to pay a $250 registration fee by May 1, 2011. The total value of the program is estimated at approximately $3,000 per student, including transportation, room and board, materials, and cost of staff and mentors. The NFB and other Youth Slam partners will cover the balance of the program cost. Additionally, local members of the NFB will be available to assist students in raising the registration fee if necessary.
How to Apply
Please complete the 2011 NFB Youth Slam Student Application online before March 1, 2011. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by the first part of April. Accepted participants will then need to complete a more thorough registration process. Please note, it may take approximately 25 minutes to complete this application and information will not be saved until submitted.
Student Application
Notification of Acceptance
Selected student and volunteer participants will be notified by e-mail and regular mail of their acceptance status by April 1, 2011. Selections of participants will not be made until after the deadline of March 1, so as to give all who are interested in applying an opportunity to do so.
