2010 Youth Stipend Information


The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland offers youth empowerment grants for blind and visually impaired students in elementary and secondary school. These grants help deserving students take advantage of some wonderful training opportunities available in Maryland and around the country.

Application Deadline: 30 days before funds are needed.

View information about the Youth Stipend in Word Fromat
View the 2010 Stipend Application in Word Format

Please call Ellen Ringlein, NFBMD Youth Empowerment Chair, at 410 659-9314, extension 2421 to let her know an application is on its way, or with any questions.
Please send applications to Ellen via email at eringlein@nfb.org
or mail to this address:
NFBMD Youth Empowerment
Attention: Ellen Ringlein
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230

Requirements:

Students who receive stipends are required to perform at least one of the following reflection activities within 45 days of completing the program. Parents may assist with this activity. Failure to complete a reflection activity may impact future eligibility for NFB support.

Reflection Activities:

● Prepare a short article of at least 500 words for publication in the NFB of Maryland's newsletter, The Spectator, or for posting on the NFB of Maryland Web site.
● Attend an NFB meeting. Give an overview of the program attended, and describe the benefits of the experience (approximately a 3 to 5 minute presentation).

The youth programs described below offer blind students opportunities to develop important skills for independence, leadership, and socialization. These grants are designed to defray a portion of expenses that cannot be paid through other funding sources. Resources are limited, so please apply for grants as soon as a need is identified. Please provide complete information so that decisions can be made promptly.


BLIND, Inc.


The following programs are offered by BLIND Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

● Life 101 – college and employment readiness training for blind high school and college students.
June 13 - August 7, 2010
For more information visit
http://www.blindinc.org/life101.html

● The Buddy Program (ages 9 -13)
July 16 - August 7, 2010
For more information visit
http://www.blindinc.org/buddy.html
Or contact Al Spooner, Summer Programs Coordinator, at aspooner@blindinc.org or 800 539-9558, Ext. 226

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM)


The following program is offered by BISM in Baltimore, Maryland.

Independence 2010 (high school age)
June 30 - August 1, 2010
For more information visit
http://bism.org/r_youth_TEMP_2.cfm
or contact Amy Phelps at independence2010@bism.org or 410 737-2642

Colorado Center for the Blind


The following programs are offered by The Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton, Colorado:

● Initiation to Independence Middle School Program (ages 12 - 14)
July 19 – August 7, 2010

● Earn and Learn High School Program (ages 14 - 18)
June 12 – August 7, 2010

● Summer for Success College Program (Ages 18 - 25)
June 12 – August 7, 2010
For more information visit
http://www.cocenter.org/pages/our-programs/summer-youth.php
or contact Brent Batron, Youth Services Coordinator, at bbatron@cocenter.org or 800 401-4632, ext. 222.

Louisiana Center for the Blind


The following programs are offered by the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston, Louisiana.

● Buddy Program (grades 4 - 8)
July 18 - August 7, 2010
● STEP Program: Striving for Success High School Summer Training Employment Project
June 13- August 7, 2010
For more Information visit http://www.lcb-ruston.com/programsandservices/
Or contact Eric Guillory, Director of Summer Programs at eguillory@lcb-ruston.com or 800 234-4166