NFB Youth Slam 2009
Unique Summer Academy Lets Blind Students Explore Careers in Science
Feb 6, 2009
The NFB Youth Slam is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) academy sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute's National Center for Blind Youth in Science.
The Slam is a five-day adventure (July 26-August 1, 2009) designed to engage, inspire, and encourage young blind students to consider careers once believed to be impossible for the blind.
At the Youth Slam, students can launch rockets, perform astronomy, examine new technology, learn about engineering, solve crimes like those on CSI, and design environmental solutions. They can meet new friends from across the United States, play goalball, watch movies, make podcasts, and dance.
NFB Youth Slam Lets Blind Explore Careers in Science
The NFB Youth Slam brings 200 students to College Park, Maryland, College Park, where blind role models (one for every three students) mentor them during fun and challenging activities designed to build confidence and increase science literacy. Participants can also attend workshops on topics such as leadership, career preparation, and blindness.
During the week, students will use Braille, tactile charts and diagrams, access technology, and a variety of other accessible equipment from talking multi-meters to tactile graduated cylinders. There will be STEM-related activities with scientists from NASA, the University of Maryland, and other partners, and presentations on new developments in STEM fields for blind individuals.
In addition, students will have time for fun and socializing during activities, such as karaoke, recreation night, and a talent show. The NFB Youth Slam culminates with an inspiring rally and march in Washington, D.C.
How to Apply for the NFB Youth Slam 2009
Any blind or low vision student entering high school in 2009 or is currently in high school (including those graduating in 2009) can apply.
Interested students must submit an application (online is recommended) to the Jernigan Institute by March 1, 2009. The application has two parts – one for the student and one for the parent or teacher. Online applicants should complete both parts together as data cannot be saved for later completion.
State coordinators then conduct brief phone interviews with applicants to provide feedback to the review committee, which places qualified applicants into a random selection pool.
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 be able to understand freshman-level content. The committee might specify pre-Slam reading assignments.
NFB Youth Slam Costs, Lodging, and Travel
There’s no application fee. On acceptance, students pay a $250 registration fee by May 31, 2009. NFB and other Youth Slam partners cover program costs, estimated at $3,000. If necessary, local NFB members can assist students in raising the registration fee.
Students will travel to Baltimore on Sunday, July 26, 2009. Youth Slam activities run from Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31. Students return home on Saturday, August 1. Jernigan Institute staff will arrange travel to and from Baltimore.
Students are housed at the University of Maryland. A Youth Slam office will be established on campus for those wishing to contact program participants. Cell phones are permitted but prohibited for use during activities.
Students are advised to wear conservative summer attire to present a positive image as the program is going to receive a lot of recognition and promotion.
The NFB Youth Slam provides students with an opportunity to explore exciting careers in science and math, to build self-esteem working with blind mentors, to make new friends, and to have fun. For more information, contact the Jernigan Institute’s Education Project Manager Karen Zakhnini at 410.659.9314 (Ext. 2293).
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