3-21-07

Three camps for middle and high school students with hearing loss will be available this summer at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY. The camps will combine career exploration, self awareness, and fun.

Among the programs offered is Explore Your Future (EYF), a 6-day, career awareness program that gives high school sophomores and juniors with hearing loss the opportunity to experience college life and hands-on activities related to real-world career choices in fields of the arts, business, computers, engineering, and science.

EYF offers one session July 14 to 19 and another session July 21 to 26. On the final day of each session, parents attend a workshop that helps them prepare their student for life after high school. The cost is $650. For more information or to register, visit www.rit.edu/NTID/EYFNR, or call  (585) 475-6700 (voice/TTY), or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Girls with hearing loss who are entering 8th grade in September can attend TechGirlz from July 29 to August 4. The camp offers an opportunity for girls to learn about jobs and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities such as building a computer  to keep, and becoming a commander on a simulated mission to Mars.

Camp activities are offered in English and in sign language, are certified by the New York State Department of Health, and incorporate National Science Education standards. The cost is $650. For more information or to register, visit www.rit.edu/NTID/TechGirlzNR, or call (585) 475-7695 (voice/TTY), or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Deaf and hard-of-hearing African-American, Latino-American, or Native American students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade can attend Steps to Success, a career exploration mini-camp August 3 to 5. Students will explore career options through hands-on activities such as working with robots and doing science experiments in labs, and stay in a college residence hall.

Parents or guardians are encouraged to attend and can get tips to support their student through this time of transition. The $50 program fee includes housing and meals. Limited scholarships are available based on financial need. Experienced counselors and instructors use English and sign language.

The camp is certified by the New York State Health Department.
For more information or to register, visit www.rit.edu/NTID/StepsToSuccessNR, or call 585) 475-7695 (voice/TTY), or send an e-mail to [email protected].

The registration deadline for all three camps is May 31.

[Source: Rochester Institute of Technology]