Canadian youth with sight loss are invited to join CNIB Learning Academy for engaging virtual and in-person programs offered throughout the year!
Our programs challenge youth from grades six to first year of post-secondary studies to develop pre-employment, leadership, independence and social skills.
All Learning Academy programs are tailored to grade level categories. Please read program descriptions carefully.
Current Programs:
Primary Explorers (grades 4-6)
Stay tuned for future Primary Explorers sessions.
This 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?”
Attendees 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.
Junior Explorers (grades 7 and 8)
Get the jump on high school with this unique virtual program.
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.
Participants 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.
More information
Stay tuned for updates to the Junior Explorers program! To be notified of upcoming Junior Explorers sessions or for more information, contact Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Program Lead, Learning Academy at Rhonda.Underhill-Gray@cnib.ca or by phone at (647) 535-8962.
Young Achievers (grades 9 and 10)
Get serious about your academic and career goals with Young Achievers.
This bridging program to the flagship SCORE Scholars program helps participants build fundamental analytical and goal setting skills. 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.
Please note for the 2025 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!
More information
Stay tuned for updates to the Young Achievers program!
To register, please contact Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Program Lead, CNIB Next Generation and SCORE at rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642
SCORE Scholars (Grades 11, 12 & first year post-secondary)
Dates: July 19 – August 2, 2025 (in person)
Application deadline: Monday, April 14, 2025
Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity!
This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers.
SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions. Accommodations and programming will take place on a post secondary campus in the Greater Toronto Area.
Originally the National 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.
Apply now to CNIB Learning Academy’s SCORE Scholars program to secure an admissions interview!
Eligibility
To be considered for the 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.
Apply for the 2025 SCORE Scholars program
To participate, complete the SCORE Scholars program application form, and answer questions about yourself, your interests, and goals. You’ll also need 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. Additionally, you will include a 750-word essay introducing yourself and discussing how you’ll benefit from attending the SCORE Scholars Program. Please send a copy of your resume if you have one.
Download the SCORE Scholars Application Form.
If your application is picked for an interview, you will be contacted and scheduled. Your parent or guardian will also be interviewed separately.
Submit the application by Monday, April 14, 2025 to Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Program Lead, Learning Academy at rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca or call 647-535-8962.