“From the unanswered questions about our world to the puzzles of the universe and beyond, we imagine a future where the blind are encouraged and empowered to apply their diverse capabilities to the exploration of new horizons along with their sighted peers. That is why we, the blind, have committed our Jernigan Institute to improving educational opportunities for blind youth in a way that no one else has ever imagined.” Dr. Marc Maurer, President, National Federation of the Blind (photo of Science Academy students loading rocket on launcher)

2010 NFB Junior Science Academy

This summer the NFB Jernigan Institute facilitated its second Junior Science Academy for blind children ages 8-12. Fifteen children from across the country participated in each of the two week long sessions held this summer. This year’s theme, “Gearing up for Greatness” incorporated the exploration of simple machines to teach basic principles of physics through hands-on methods. The program aimed to promote the belief in young blind children and their parents that the perceived barriers in studying scientific content need not exist. By reaching younger students, we hope to foster greater educational opportunities to provide a more well-rounded academic experience where STEM curriculum plays an equal part.

Parents also accompanied the children to the program and attended specially designed sessions which focused on addressing the issues of raising an empowered blind child. The sessions provided lots of opportunities for parents to network with each other and also with blind mentors assisting in the program.

2011 NFB Youth Slam: A STEM Leadership Academy

The third biennial NFB Youth Slam took place on July 17-23, 2011 at Towson University in Towson Maryland.

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Students learned the science behind building iPod apps, used cutting edge equipment and technology to determine chemical reactions in chemistry labs, built robots, and learned how to use nonvisual techniques to perform a real dissection! We guarantee this summer program will be like no other you’ve ever been to before!

One hundred and fifty blind and low vision students from all across the country were selected to attend this five-day adventure. Read about the 2011 NFB Youth Slam in the November issue of the Braille Monitor.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and activities related to the NCBYS initiative:

Stay up-to-date on the latest information with the NFB Science Blog.