[Greater-Baltimore] FW: BISM Gold STAR Information to Spread

[Danielsen, Chris]

From: Kariza Herbert <kherbert at bism.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 4:56 PM
Subject: BISM Gold STAR Information to Spread

Hi all!

BISM’s Gold STAR Program will be running during Summer 2026! ! We are currently gauging student interest and looking for staff. We would really appreciate it if you could pass along the following announcements to your contacts and network to spread the word.

Gold STAR Student Interest Announcement
Have you ever wanted to gain experience in the working world before formally entering it? Or wished you could get paid for learning instead of the other way around?

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is excited to continue the Gold STAR Program for Summer 2026! This fully residential program will provide participants with a 4-week Work Based Learning Experience. Students will reside in apartment style housing with their peers while working in a professional environment and receiving Job Readiness Skills Training from competent Blind professionals.

This work experience will provide you as a student with a first-hand perspective of professional environments and the responsibilities that come with a career. Additionally, the Job Readiness skills (i.e. Professionalism, Technology, Self-Advocacy, and Independent Living) will help you learn how to become independent while maintaining a job.

  *   Program Dates: July 11 to August 7, 2026 (including weekends)
  *   Ages Eligible: 16 to 21
  *   Location: Baltimore, MD

If you are interested in attending this program, please complete the Gold STAR 2026 Interest Form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFzKsyhmklcRCp0IUCOyo6sdBwIhMihXSiMuNGo6N8DhBKWw/viewform?usp=header<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFzKsyhmklcRCp0IUCOyo6sdBwIhMihXSiMuNGo6N8DhBKWw/viewform?usp=header>

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Juhi Narula at jnarula at bism.org<mailto:jnarula at bism.org> or 410-737-2642.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gold STAR Staff Application Announcement
BISM Gold STAR Summer Program Staffing Position Open!
BISM is excited to continue the Gold    STAR Program for Summer 2026!

This 4- week, fully residential program aims to prepare participants to enter the work force and gain hands on skills and experience. Students reside in apartment style housing with their Blind peers while working in a professional environment and receiving job readiness skills training from competent Blind professionals. The work experience provides students with a first-hand perspective of professional environments and the responsibilities that come with a career. The job readiness skills (i.e. Professionalism, Technology, Self-Advocacy, and Independent Living) introduce the students to a roadmap for professionalism and independence.

  *   Program location: Baltimore, Maryland (you do not need to reside in Maryland to apply as a staffer)
  *   Program Dates: July 11 to August 7, 2026 (including weekends)
  *   Staff Training: June 27 to July 1, 2026
  *   Pay for 4-week staffing: $3,000 to $3,500

As a Gold STAR Program Staffer, your role will be to serve as an instructor, leader, and mentor to the students. Applications should be submitted by April 6th, 2026. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and are anticipated to take place in mid-April.

All offers of employment will be contingent upon a successful comprehensive background check.

You can find the position responsibilities and additional details in the application link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO5_6wgx81Io6k3VGtVjvLlX_DpkrukHS9mYwFGdUkxWUS3g/viewform?usp=header<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO5_6wgx81Io6k3VGtVjvLlX_DpkrukHS9mYwFGdUkxWUS3g/viewform?usp=header>

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Juhi Narula at jnarula at bism.org<mailto:jnarula at bism.org> or 410-737-2642..


Youth Transitions Program Manager
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland
O: 410-737-2642
Email: JNarula at BISM.org<mailto:JNarula at BISM.org>

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.