Initiative to enhance blind people’s access to information and STEM subjects

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute is collaborating with regional science museums and science centers to enhance blind people’s access to information and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. To accomplish this goal, the NFB will be conducting a number of programs through the National Center for Blind Youth in Science. In addition, the NFB will be working directly with museums to increase the accessibility of their facilities.

During the 2014-2015 school year, the NFB will conduct three regional programs, known collectively as NFB STEM2U. This program will have a few different components. For high school students, we are offering leadership training and a chance to work as apprentices in mentoring younger students. They will also have the opportunity to explore the many study and career options within the STEM fields.

Through participation in NFB STEM2U, elementary school students and their parents will enhance their science skills and learn how to navigate and access the informal learning opportunities at regional science museums.

NFB STEM2U expands on the exciting and innovative work conducted by the NFB in the area of informal STEM education through previous National Center for Blind Youth in Science programs, such as the NFB Youth Slam, NFB Project Innovation, and NFB STEM-X.
Eligible Participants:

  • · blind elementary school-aged students and their parents
  • · blind high school-aged students
  • · teachers who work with blind students

Programs:
· NFB STEM2U Leadership Academy 9/5/14-9/7/14
(Leadership Academy is required for the high school students)

  • · NFB STEM2U Baltimore, MD, 11/6/14-11/9/14
  • · NFB STEM2U Boston, MA, 3/12/15-3/15/15
  • · NFB STEM2U Columbus, OH, 5/14/15-5/16/15

Registration fee: $0

Application deadlines:
· Elementary students and their parents July 31, 2014
· High School students June 15, 2014
· Teachers July 31, 2014

Apply Online at www.blindscience.org/nfb-stem2u

If you have questions or require further information, please contact us by e-mail at STEM@nfb.org or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2418.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1322855. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.