ISU Academy Next (New and exiting Transitions) Program (Virtual)
*2024 Dates to be determined
Virtual Academy NExT is a summer program for students with disabilities interested in learning skills to help find a job. Students will participate from their home using a computer or other mobile device. The Academy will offer high school students ages 14-21 the opportunity to participate in a 5-half day virtual learning experience using web-quests and Minecraft.
ISU Academy Next
(New and exciting Transitions)
Program 1 (Residential)
*2024 Dates to be determined
Students spend 5 consecutive days on the ISU campus to experience college life, learn how to take notes in college, access Educational Access Center, understand financial aid, how to advocate for oneself. Students will work with avatars to work on communication skills. Appropriate for students with significant communication needs.
Boise State University PREP Academy (Residential)
Session 1 – *2024 Dates to be determined
Session 2 – *2024 Dates to be determined
Drop off at 3:00 p.m. – Pick up at 2:00 p.m.
Students spend one week on the BSU campus to experience college life, learn how to take notes in college, access Educational Access Center, understand financial aid, and financial literacy. Student will be introduced to STEM careers and majors.
U of I Vandal Academy (Residential)
*2024 Dates to be determined
Drop off at 4:00 p.m. – Pick-up at 2:00 p.m.
Students spend one week on the UI campus to experience college life, learn how to take notes in college, access Educational Access Center, understand financial aid, and financial literacy. Students will learn more about courses for areas of career interest.
IESDB Career Chat Camp and Paid Work Experience:
*2024 Dates to be determined (plus 4 weeks paid work experience)
Students will participate in a Work Readiness workshop series that teaches students who are deaf or hard of hearing and in high school (ages 14-21) the skills needed to find and secure long term gainful employment after graduation; interpreters and captioning will be available. After camp, students will return to their communities and participate in 4-weeks of paid work experience. Interpreters will be available for students who need one.
Work of Art
Youth with disabilities create an original piece of art under the guidance of a professional teaching artist. Students will collaboratively determine the type of visual art produced with the teaching artist. They will choose from photo mosaic interpretations of an organization’s products, word paintings using a generated word list of the client’s choice, or contemporary art utilizing the client’s materials or client portfolio samples. (Dates vary based on project. During the summer one virtual option will be available for those who live in communities that do not have a program available.)
Paid Summer Work Experience
Students will participate in one week non-paid job readiness training to prepare for working. Students will then participate in a part time paid experience for 5 weeks. On the job work site trainers will be available to students as support is needed. Paid Summer Work varies by location. For dates and locations, contact your local VR office.