Summer Transition Program

Get a strong academic and social start on your college journey!


Register for RIT/NTID's Summer Transition Program (STP) and prepare to succeed!

STP is designed to prepare you for the transition from high school to college, so you can hit the ground running in the fall. The program is a six-week summer program for first-year deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

We recognize the dedication and commitment students bring to the NTID Summer Transition Program (STP). Equally devoted are the STP faculty and staff, whose unwavering support and guidance play a crucial role in students' success. Year after year, past participants reflect on the profound impact of STP on their personal growth, confidence, and readiness for their future careers. The encouragement and support students receive during STP extend beyond the program, continuing throughout their time at RIT/NTID through mentoring, tutoring, student events, and a strong, supportive community.

At STP you will:

  • Develop your academic skills
  • Enhance your college readiness skills
  • Meet key RIT/NTID faculty and staff
  • Get to know the RIT campus and Rochester community
  • Meet new friends
Students pose with Ritchie, the RIT Tigers mascot

Join us!

July 7 - August 14, 2025

STP Orientation Overview

Review the full description of the 2025 Summer Transition Program:

NTID Summer Transition Program - Overview

Program Details

Program Dates:
  • Move-in Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
  • Program Duration: Monday, July 7, 2025, to Thursday, August 14, 2025
Program Cost:
  • Some Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify
  • Total Fee: $5,600
  • Room and board is provided for the duration of the program
  • Additional Costs:
    • $500 RIT admission deposit (required prior to the start of STP)
    • Travel costs and personal expenses

The NTID Summer Transition Program is a fully comprehensive experience that provides students with housing, dining, structured programming, as well as on- and off-campus activities designed to set them up for success. The approximate value of the program is between $14,000 - 15,000.

Program Highlights:
  • Early access to RIT/NTID’s campus and resources
  • Academic courses and workshops, including:
    • Essential Communication
    • Technical Math
    • American Sign Language (ASL)
    • SEL: Practice and Application
    • College and Career Readiness
    • Financial Literacy
    • Technical Literacy
    • Various skill-building workshops
  • Opportunities to build a network of peers, faculty, and staff
  • Orientation to campus life and the Rochester area
Requirements Prior to Attending:
  1. Read the STP Community Expectations and Responsibilities
  2. Upload your immunization records to RIT's Student Health Center before you come to campus

Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

STP is open to deaf and hard-of-hearing students from across the United States and Canada who:

  • Are accepted first-year students at NTID
  • Have been identified as benefiting from additional college preparation
  • Receive external or internal recommendations (teachers, counselors, NTID admissions, STP team)
  • Demonstrate an interest in enhancing their college transition through the program’s resources
Application Online Form

Please review the program dates and costs in the section above, and eligibility criteria, before applying.

Application Form

Application Submission:
  • Applications must be submitted no later than June 1, 2025.
  • Send any supporting documents to:
    • Email: nstp@rit.edu
    • Mailing address:
      RIT/NTID Summer Transition Program
      52 Lomb Memorial Drive
      Rochester, NY 14623-5608
Questions

If you have questions please contact nstp@rit.edu.

Program FAQs

Expand All

STP accepts incoming first-year deaf and hard-of-hearing students from all over the United States and Canada. STP is an opportunity to get an early start on your college journey while familiarizing yourself with RIT/NTID's campus and Rochester.

  1. You complete the application form.
  2. STP reviews each application form.
  3. The program accepts students depending on their need for additional college preparation and external (teachers, counselors, etc.) and internal (NTID admissions, STP team, etc.) recommendations.

STP is looking for students who will benefit from and appreciate how the program assists with college transition.

No, the STP program is optional, but an early arrival to the RIT/NTID campus could help you transition from high school to college. STP could be an important part of your success in college.

During STP, students will:

  • develop their academic and social emotional skills
  • prepare to start university life
  • make new friends
  • network with campus support centers
  • learn their way around the campus and Rochester community before other students arrive.

 

July 7 to August 14, 2025 (move-in July 6)

The fee for the six-week STP educational program activities and services, including room and board is $5,600. Students also are required to pay personal expenses.

A $500 admission deposit to RIT is due prior to the start of STP.

In some states, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), or a similar office, will pay some or the entire fee. To find out, contact your VR counselor or the state VR office.

There are limited scholarships available based on your financial need. If you would like to apply for one, please make sure to complete the scholarship portion of the payment form.

You are responsible to pay for all travel costs.

  • English
  • Math
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • College Readiness
  • Various Workshops

During STP, you will be expected to attend all classes, activities and meetings. While on campus, you will be expected to follow all RIT/NTID rules and standards of behavior.

All deaf and hard-of-hearing students who are enrolled in an associate degree program, associate+bachelor's degree program, pre-baccalaureate program, or in Career Exploration Studies and who attend this program also will attend SVP. 

No, you cannot participate in both programs. You have to choose one.

Yes, on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The orientation schedule will be shared with accepted students and families prior to their arrival.

It’s optional for your parents to attend. Please refer to the SVP website for further information.

Bring what you need for the full semester (ex. warm clothes, coat, etc.). Refer to RIT Residence Halls Checklist and your official STP welcome packet.

Bring one form of picture ID to use on move-in day. This could be: driver’s license, learner’s permit, high school ID, or current or expired passport. YOU MUST BRING ID IN ORDER TO OBTAIN YOUR PERMANENT RIT STUDENT ID.

Optional: A cart or dolly to transport your items from your unloading location to your room. A limited number of carts will be available for your use.

Send an email to the STP team at nstp@rit.edu if you have any questions.

Schedule 2025

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
ASL ASL ASL ASL ASL
Essential Communication Skills (Writing) Individual Career & Academic Mentoring Essential Communication Skills (Writing) Individual Career & Academic Mentoring Essential Communication Skills (Writing)
Technical Mathematics Technical Mathematics Technical Mathematics Technical Mathematics Technical Mathematics
Essential Communication Skills (Reading) Essential Communication Skills (Reading) Essential Communication Skills (Reading) Essential Communication Skills (Reading) Essential Communication Skills (Reading)
SEL: Practice and Application Career and College Planning SEL: Practice and Application Career and College Planning SEL: Practice and Application
Presentations   Presentations   Presentations

STP Community Expectations and Responsibilities

The STP Community Expectations and Responsibilities document

The STP Community Expectations and Responsibilities video series

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