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Register Here for Session 1: Ages 16-22

Sunday, June 16 – Saturday, June 22, 2024

Register Here for Session 2: Ages 12-15

Monday, June 24 – Saturday, June 29, 2024

What is the Level Up program?

Developed in 2006 to address the learning gap between students who are blind and visually impaired and their sighted peers, the Level Up Program partners with teachers, families, assistive technology professionals, community professionals, colleges and universities to guide students as they set goals and achieve success. This comprehensive national program provides access to ongoing support and resources for students who are blind or visually impaired at every stage of their education.

CONNECT • ENGAGE • ACT

Gaining independence as you transition into adulthood is important. For students who are blind and visually impaired (B/VI), Envision offers an energetic and valuable program where students:

CONNECT with instructors and peers to learn to use Assistive Technology (AT); ENGAGE in fun and inspirational activities with friends from all across the US; ACT to help bridge the digital divide as students advance their education and prepare for transition to higher education and/or employment.

What's Included:

The Level Up Chat, monthly virtual meetings, allows students to network with one another, ask questions about their technology, learn about new devices and how to advocate for their needs in the classroom.

Level Up Studies offers in-person and remote tutoring for academic support as needed.

Our weeklong residential programs provide an immersive hands-on experience for students from across the United States.

The Level Up Program works to promote academic success by developing independence, success skills and leadership, while students learn more about assistive technology.

We further elevate these skills and prepare students to transition successfully to college and career. We offer two sessions, one for ages 16-22 and another for ages 12-15 to provide tailored age appropriate experiences to students.

Both Sessions Offer:

Inspirational Stories

Access Technology Sessions

Hands-On Career Based STEAM Workshops

Physical Fitness Acitivities

Leadership Development

Pathways to Transition

Self-Advocacy

College and Career Exploration

Communication and Etiquette

Organizational & Study Skills

The Level Up Session 1 for students ages 16-22, in collaboration with Wichita State University, is designed to provide additional support for students from across the United States as they begin the transition to college or career. We want students to gain independence and have the confidence to set and achieve their goals. By bringing students with vision loss together, this event helps them to CONNECT, ENGAGE and ACT on what they learn; it sets the stage for their success in the world today.

Younger students ages 12-15 receive critical mentorships and encouragement to build independence. In addition to offering sessions that increase technological literacy and access technology skills, students engage in activities to improve interpersonal communication, leadership and success skills. We work with students, their families and teachers to ensure students have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.

Level Up Supports Education!

Envision incorporates aspects of all nine core areas of Expanded Core Curriculum within the weeklong Level Up Conference.

Hands-on STEAM sessions provide students a unique opportunity to explore potential career fields led by professionals currently working in that field, supporting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Who is eligible?

Level Up is designed for students who are blind or visually impaired and whose vision loss is their primary challenge. Based on the training we provide our staff and volunteers, we may not be the appropriate fit for students whose behavioral, developmental or mobility issues are more challenging than their vision loss. Additionally, students attending residential programs must be able to meet their own physical and personal hygiene needs. Our goal is to provide a safe and beneficial experience for all involved. The schedule is packed with fun and engaging learning opportunities from beginning to end.

Requirements:

Students must have been enrolled in school or a transition program during the 2023/2024 school year.

Session 1: Students must be between the ages of 16 and 22 as of June 1st

Session 2: Students must be between the ages of 12 and 15 as of June 1st

How do students participate?

Students can register to participate in Level Up by contacting programs@envisionus.com. They will be added to our distribution list for ongoing programming. Summer Program Registration includes all course work, housing, meals and activities. Registration for students interested in attending either of our summer residential programs will be available soon!

$500 for Kansas residents | $1500 for Out-of-State students

We encourage students to contact their vocational rehabilitation transition counselors or local agency to ask about assistance to attend Level Up.

What follows Level Up?

Envision’s College Success Program (CSP) for students who are blind or have low vision will give you the support you need as you navigate your college journey. Explore CSP to learn more about what our program has to offer!