[Njabs-talk] NFB Project Innovation

[EVELYN E. VALDEZ]

If there are any high school students interested, please let me know. 
Thanks, 
Ms. Evelyn Valdez



In 2012, the National Center 

  for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS), a program of the National Federation of 

  the Blind Jernigan Institute, is introducing an exciting science program for 

  students ages 7-11 and 14-18 called NFB Project Innovation.  This pioneer 

  program will focus on fostering a sense of innovation and autonomy in young 

  students by allowing them to determine their course of study during the week 

  of the program. Students will ultimately focus on one investigation which they 

  will showcase at the Innovators Expo. However, multiple branches of science 

  will be explored throughout the program through extension 

  activities.
 
A unique component of NFB Project Innovation is how 

  it will serve two unique age groups simultaneously. The first of these two 

  groups will be comprised of students in grades 3-6 (ages 7-11).  This 

  group, called Junior Innovators, will stay at the NFBJI for three days, July 

  25-29.**  Twenty blind students will be accepted into this group.  

  Each student will be required to attend with an adult chaperone. In this age 

  group, students will interact with science professionals, blind mentors, and 

  Senior Innovators. They will have the opportunity to show off their final 

  innovations, which reflect their own personal interests and research, at the 

  Innovators Expo. 
 
The high school students, called Senior 

  Innovators, will serve as junior advisors.  They will not only 

  participate in this science program but will model blindness skills, 

  scientific investigation skills, and techniques to their younger counterparts. 

  Senior Innovators will also have the opportunity to exhibit at the Innovators 

  Expo. Students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) are eligible to apply to be a 

  Senior Innovator.  The Senior Innovators will stay at the NFBJI for four 

  days, July 24-29, 2012.**  Ten blind students will be accepted into this 

  group.
 
There will be a $250 fee for each Junior 

  Innovator/Chaperone pair and a $250 fee for each Senior Innovator attending. 

  Other expenses, such as the cost of travel, room, board, and program 

  materials, will be covered by the NFB Jernigan Institute for all students and 

  student/chaperone pairs.
 
Apply now at www.blindscience.org. Applications are 

  due by April 1, 2012. For more information on this exciting new program, 

  please contact Abby Bispo at 410-659-9314, extension 2312 or by email at 

  abispo at nfb.org
 
*Exact program dates differ based on grade 

  level
**Date range reflects travel time.
 
 
Emily Gibbs 

  M.Ed NCLB
Education Program Specialist
Jernigan Institute
NATIONAL 

  FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
at Jernigan 

  Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2407
Fax: (410) 

  659-5129
Email: EGibbs at nfb.org
Web: 

  www.nfb.org/education