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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoPlainText>We are pleased to announce the 2017 National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam, a weeklong learning opportunity in a wide-variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Students will learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun while being mentored by STEM professionals, many of whom are blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>One hundred blind and low vision students from across the country will be selected to attend this weeklong adventure at Towson University in Maryland from July 23 to 29, 2017. The NFB Youth Slam will engage, inspire, and encourage you-the next generation of blind scientists, engineers, programmers, and mathematicians-to consider STEM careers. While some falsely believe these careers are not for blind students, the NFB is here to help you live the life you want. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Your hopes and dreams define your future; blindness does not.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>While staying on the campus at Towson University, you will be mentored by positive blind role models. The range of fun and challenging activities will raise your expectations, build confidence, and increase your science literacy. Build your NFB Youth Slam schedule from a selection of twenty STEM disciplines including fields such as: robotics, engineering, neuroscience, and chemistry. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>The possibilities are endless. Come to the NFB Youth Slam and meet other blind and low vision students, as well as successful blind adults, from all over the United States!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Students who are US citizens and currently in grades 9-12 are invited to apply. Interested students should apply online by May 7, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>For more information about the NFB Youth Slam and to learn about volunteer opportunities, please visit <a href="http://blindscience.org/nfb-youth-slam">http://blindscience.org/nfb-youth-slam</a>. If you have additional questions, contact us at (410) 659-9314, extension 2418, or email <a href="mailto:STEM@nfb.org%3cmailto:STEM@nfb.org">STEM@nfb.org<mailto:STEM@nfb.org</a>>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Join us as we continue to raise expectations and make history at what promises to be the best NFB Youth Slam yet!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Mya Catherine Jones<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Assistant to the Executive Director of the Jernigan Institute<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>(410) 659-9314, extension 2373 | <a href="mailto:mjones@nfb.org%3cmailto:mjones@nfb.org">mjones@nfb.org<mailto:mjones@nfb.org</a>><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><a href="mailto:mjones@nfb.org">mjones@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>[National Federation of the Blind]<<a href="https://nfb.org/">https://nfb.org/</a>><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> [Facebook] <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind">http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind</a>> [Twitter] <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><<a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice">https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice</a>> [Youtube] <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><<a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind">https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind</a>><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>