Gear Up for Greatness!

National Federation of the Blind
2010 Junior Science Academy

Mentor Application

Registration Deadline: March 15, 2010

When: 

Mentors can apply to serve for one or both of the sessions. Selected mentors must be able to stay through the four-day duration of the program for which they have been accepted. Mentors will also need to be present for the entire training session prior to their respective program. 

Session 1: July 28-August 1, 2010

Mentors will be expected to arrive on Monday, July 26, by 5:00 p.m. approximately to participate in training prior to the arrival of students on Wednesday, July 28.  Mentors will need to remain in Baltimore until Sunday, August 1.

Session 2: August 4-August 8, 2010

Mentors will be expected to arrive on Monday, August 2, by 5:00 p.m. (approximately) to participate in training prior to the arrival of students on Wednesday, August 4.  Mentors will need to remain in Baltimore until Sunday, August 8.

Where: 

Baltimore, Maryland

What:

A four-day session that will expose blind children to the excitement of science in real-life applications. The students will learn that science can be fun through hands-on instruction, field trips, and interactive activities as they learn about how different aspects of the environment work together to create the world around them. 

The Junior Science Academy (JSA) will be rooted in the high expectations of NFB philosophy and will expose participants to a variety of positive experiences. Under the guidance of accomplished blind educators and mentors, students will learn how alternative techniques help make science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects accessible and more engaging. 

Who:

We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are passionate about encouraging the next generation of blind youth. Mentors will preferably be blind role models; however, others are welcome and encouraged to apply. Mentors should be energetic, responsible, caring role models who have a positive philosophy about blindness and enjoy working with children. Mentors do not have to be experts in science, technology, engineering, or math to be effective participants in the NFB Junior Science Academy. Mentors will be assigned to three blind children during the day and will be expected to participate in all activities with the families during the program. Mentors will have primary responsibility for ensuring the safety and well being of students during activities and when traveling in the Baltimore area when the children are not in the care of their parents. Prior to final selection as a mentor, all mentors will be subject to a criminal background check unless the NFB has conducted a background check for the individual within the last year.

Benefits:

All aspects of the program, including transportation, room, and board, will be provided by the NFB at no expense to selected mentors. Participation in this program is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals to assist blind children as they participate in exciting, confidence-building activities. In addition, selected applicants will gain valuable experience from the opportunity to work with the NFB Jernigan Institute.

How:

Those wishing to be considered as mentors for the 2010 Junior Science Academy should complete the online application below.  Mentors will be selected from among those who have submitted the complete application by March 15, 2010.  Please note that the application is merely the first step of the application process.  More information may be requested and/or you may be asked to participate in an interview with staff from the NFB Jernigan Institute. 

Please complete the form below, ensuring that all required fields have the necessary information.  Please be sure to fill out the entire application at one time because you will not be able to save it.