Parents

What is the Youth Slam?

The NFB Youth Slam is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) academy to be held at the University of Maryland, College Park, from July 26-August 1, 2009. This event promises to be the most dynamic gathering of blind youth ever. While staying at the university, two hundred blind and low vision high school students from around the United States will engage in five days of activities designed to build confidence and increase science literacy. These youth will be mentored by blind role models as they engage in scientific exploration, as well as social events and workshops on topics such as blindness and career preparation. Interest in science, technology, engineering, and math is not a requirement to attend and benefit from this amazing event!

Who is coordinating the event?

The Youth Slam is being coordinated by the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute.

Who can apply?

Any student entering high school in the fall of 2009 or currently in high school, including those who graduate in the spring of 2009, is encouraged to apply. Students will be selected based on their ability to participate actively in the activities. 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. Interest in science, technology, engineering, or math is not a requirement for acceptance.

How can my child apply?

Students who would like to be considered must complete the application and return it to the Jernigan Institute by March 1, 2009. Students can apply online (recommended) or obtain an application by e-mailing youthslam@nfb.org or by calling the Jernigan Institute at 410-659-9314, ext. 2312. Please note that the application is split into two parts—one for the student to complete and one for the parent or teacher to complete. If you decide to apply online, please make sure to do it together as you will not be able to save it to complete later.

How are students chosen?

After the student submits an application, his/her contact information will be sent to the Youth Slam coordinator for his/her state. The state coordinator will call the student for a brief telephone conversation in order to provide feedback to the reviewing committee at the Jernigan Institute. The committee will review both the application and feedback, and students meeting the minimum requirements will be entered into a pool for random selection.

What screening processes are in place for the mentors?

The prospective mentor’s application will be reviewed, and the applicant and/or the applicant’s references will be contacted. If the applicant passes this initial screening, he/she will then be subject to a background check before final acceptance.

What is the cost to student participants?

There is no cost to apply for the program. Students who are accepted to the Youth Slam will be expected to pay a $250 registration fee by May 31, 2009. The total value of the program is estimated at $3,000, 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 will the students get to Baltimore?

All transportation for students will be arranged by staff at the Jernigan Institute.

Where will the students stay?

Students will be housed during the week at the University of Maryland, College Park.

What is the student-to-mentor ratio?

The ratio established for the week will be three students to one mentor.

What types of activities will there be at the Youth Slam?

During the Youth Slam, there is sure to be something for everyone. There will be STEM-related activities with scientists from NASA, the university, and other partners, as well as presentations on new developments in STEM fields for blind individuals. Students will also participate in challenge activities and workshops on leadership, blindness and social issues, and career development. Evenings will be filled with fun social events including a dance, karaoke, and a talent show. The week will culminate with a rally and march in Washington, D.C.

Who will run the various activities?

Activities during the week will be led by individuals from the various partners of the Youth Slam. This will include NASA scientists, students and professors from the University of Mayland, and NFB staff members.

What day do students travel to Baltimore?

Students will travel to Baltimore on Sunday, July 26, 2009.

What day do activities begin?

Youth Slam activities will begin on Monday, July 27, and run through Friday, July 31. Students will travel back home on Saturday, August 1.

What is the procedure for students who take medication?

Participants will be informed of medical procedures once they are accepted to the Youth Slam.

How can students and mentors be contacted during the Youth Slam?

A Youth Slam office will be established on campus at the University of Maryland. Individuals who wish to contact participants in the academy will be able to leave messages with the office staffer, who will locate the individual to return calls as soon as possible. Cell phones will be allowed but will be prohibited for use during activities.

What should students pack for the week?

Packing lists will be provided to participants prior to attending the Youth Slam.

What is the dress code?

Conservative summer attire is recommended. We strongly discourage students from wearing clothes that are revealing or that have inappropriate slogans or prints. Please keep in mind that this program is going to receive a lot of recognition and promotion, so we would like participants to help us present a positive image.

Will the students have any pre-Slam readings/assignments?

We will contact participants regarding possible readings as the Youth Slam draws closer.

Can chaperones attend the Youth Slam with their student(s)?

One of the underlying goals of this program is to promote independence among the students. Because of this, we discourage additional chaperones from attending with the students. In anticipation of the various needs of the students, and because of the large number we are expecting, we have arranged for each mentor to be responsible for three students, and several other mentors will also be available for further assistance.

What type of materials will be used during Slam activities?

One of our main goals of this program is to promote the idea that STEM fields do not have to be closed to blind individuals. 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.