Pre-Employment Transition Services week

Program Description

The Pre-Employment Transition Services week provides opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing college-bound students from different states to gain experience and explore their career interests in STEM fields. These programs are available to all eligible deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students with approval and paid for by their state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Each summer, we partner with organizations from various states around the country to provide a number of programs supported by NTID. See each section below for the type of programs we offer and the states these programs are available in.

STEM Week

STEM Week is offered as one of our Pre-Employment Transition Services programs. All programs, deadlines, and dates vary by state. Check the flyers below for more information. 

As part of this program, students will:


Get hands-on experience in technology and specialized skills


Receive a free package filled with cool tech and activities


Learn more about what their interests are as they look toward a career


Join fun evening activities and make new friends from all over the state


Have fun!

Students will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn more about computers in a programming workshop
  • Participate in unique and interesting engineering challenges using a free robotics kit
  • Investigate a mock crime scene with a free crime scene kit
  • Explore microbiology and the world of microorganisms


Students will work with career counselors and faculty in small group settings to:

  • Determine their interests in career, specifically Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers
  • Develop decision-making skills
  • Build confidence and develop personal awareness
  • Develop leadership skills and independence

The STEM Week programs available include:

California

California STEM Week event flyer

Español

Sponsored by: California Division of Rehabilitation Services

Illinois

Illinois STEM Week event flyer

Español

Sponsored by: Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services

Washington

Sponsored by: Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation


Pre-Employment Transition Services programs are supported by Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf in partnership with the above organizations.

Create Your Future

NTID is partnering with California Department of Rehabilitation Services to offer Create Your Future (CYF), a one-week program for qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students preparing for life post-graduation. This program is available to students from the state of California only.

Students will have an opportunity to:


Learn financial responsibility and budgeting


Go on a Starbucks factory tour


Practice mock interviews

At CYF, students will:

  • Learn new skills
  • Explore different careers
  • Make new friends
  • Have fun!

Students work with CYF staff to:

  • Explore the job searching process
  • Learn about resources available
  • Build knowledge and set new goals
  • Develop leadership skills and confidence

Learn more about CYF and download our flyer below:

Create Your Future 2024 event flyer 

Apply Today

Apply today for Pre-Employment Transition Services week! Once the application is completed, please also complete the additional forms below:

Apply now for California programs

Apply now for Illinois program

Contact Us

 For any questions or concerns, contact Yvette Chirenje, Yvette.Chirenje@rit.edu.

You may also contact us via phone: 
585-475-7695 (voice)
585-286-4555 (videophone)

Yvette Chirenje
Assistant Director for Outreach and Special Projects
585-475-6639