The CNIB Learning Academy invites Canadian youth experiencing sight loss to join us for vital virtual and/or fun in-person summer programs! Take part in workshops and challenges that will help develop your pre-employment, leadership, independence, and social skills.
All opportunities are based on grade level categories so please read program descriptions carefully.
Curent Programs:
- Primary Explorers (grades 4-6)
- Junior Explorers (grades 7-8)
- Young Achievers (grades 9-10)
- SCORE Scholars (grades 11, 12 & first year of post-secondary)
Primary Explorers (grades 4-6)
This new one-week virtual camp is about becoming aware of the world of work and how it relates to us at a very early age. We will address the basic questions “What is a job?”, “What sorts of jobs do our family members have?” and “Why is work important?” Participants will learn how to perform their own research through casual conversation with family and community acquaintances. Through short group conversations, fun interactive educational games, interesting guest speakers and playful exercises, participants will learn to dream big and expand their possibilities for the future.
Applications for the 2024 Learning Academy programs will open January 2024. Please check back then.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Hopkins, Program Coordinator Learning Academy at jennifer.hopkins@cnib.ca or call 437-335-6845.
Junior Explorers (grades 7-8)
Take it to the next level of the CNIB Learning Academy with this unique summer experience of self-discovery and get the jump on high school. Participants will explore their skills and strengths, hear from successful visually impaired community members about their careers, and learn about best practices for academic success. For just an hour a day over ten weekdays, attendees can begin to build foundations for this important transition and plant the seeds for early career recognition and exploration. Program content will be delivered in a fun and engaging style utilizing group games, challenges, and chats.
Applications for the 2024 Learning Academy programs will open January 2024. Please check back then.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Hopkins, Program Coordinator Learning Academy at jennifer.hopkins@cnib.ca or call 437-335-6845.
Young Achievers (grades 9-10)
This bridge program to the Learning Academy’s SCORE Scholars, provides students serious about their academic and long-term career goals with important tools for the future Fundamental analytical and goal setting skills are introduced to build an individualized map for success. Early volunteer, summer and part time jobs are discussed in relationship to long term school and career aspirations. Special guest speakers who experience vision loss and are leaders in their field will provide personal stories for inspiration. Extra support and guidance to participants will be provided by assigned mentors from the CNIB Apprentice program. An hour and a half per day for ten weekdays will give attendees an important edge in their future endeavours.
Please note for the 2024 SCORE Scholars program, applicants with at least one successfully completed Learning Academy program will be given preference for inclusion. Young Achievers can be that important program for consideration!
Applications for the 2024 Learning Academy programs will open January 2024. Please check back then.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Hopkins, Program Coordinator Learning Academy at jennifer.hopkins@cnib.ca or call 437-335-6845.
SCORE Scholars (grades 11, 12 & first year of post-secondary)
Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! Be part of a transformational experience that will provide you with an edge in forthcoming academic and job-seeking pursuits. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers.
Originally the SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) Program, and now part of Learning Academy as SCORE Scholars, this is a two-week in-person commitment.
Week 1: Land in Toronto and travel to CNIB Lake Joe Centre to take part in their Leadership Training Program. Enjoy a blend of recreation and learning in a safe, inclusive environment on the shores of Lake Joseph in the beautiful Muskoka. You'll have the chance to take part in fun group educational activities and break for relaxation while swimming, rock-wall climbing, playing golf, tandem biking and water tubing.
Week 2: You'll travel to Toronto and take part in challenging programs that will help you develop pre-employment, leadership, independence, and social skills. We'll explore the city by visiting restaurants and local attractions. Accommodations and daily programming will be held at the Seneca campus near Yonge and Finch.
Recorded in 2019, this short documentary asks SCORE participants: what makes SCORE such a unique experience?
Eligibility
To be considered for the CNIB Learning Academy SCORE Scholars program, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian student in grades 11-12, or first year of post-secondary.
- Have strong orientation & mobility skills and independent living skills.
- Be interested in experiential learning activities and developing leadership skills.
- Be determined to work on personal independence and problem-solving skills.
- Have a demonstrated interest in putting personal strengths to use for the betterment of peers, family, and community.
- Be committed to participating in all program activities.
Application Requirements
- Complete the SCORE Scholars Program application form, and answer questions about yourself, your interests, and goals.
- A letter of recommendation from an endorser (who will be contacted). This should be someone who knows you well, like a CNIB staff member, teacher, workplace/volunteer supervisor or youth group leader.
- A 750-word essay introducing yourself and discussing how you’ll benefit from attending the SCORE Scholars Program.
- If you have a resume, please include it with your application.
If your application is picked for an interview, you will be contacted and scheduled. Your parent or guardian will also be interviewed separately. As space is limited, please apply early! Explore and learn more about yourself, your interests and goals.
Applications for the 2024 the CNIB Learning Academy SCORE Scholars program will open January 2024. Please check back then.
For more information, please contact Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Lead, CNIB National SCORE Program at rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca or call 647-535-8962.