Annual Envision Level Up Program Open Nationwide for Students
By Holly Herring • Apr 12, 2023
Blog Content
Annual Envision Level Up Program Open Nationwide for Students
WICHITA, Kan. (Apr. 12, 2023) — Envision, one of the nation’s largest service providers and employers of people who are blind or visually impaired, has opened high school registration for the 2023 Level Up Technology Program designed to equip students with vision loss with academic, professional and interpersonal skills needed for college and beyond.
High school students with vision loss across the United States are invited to attend the six-day event packed with more than 50 hours of hands-on sessions led by professionals currently working in the field. Sessions include assistive technology training, money management, cyber security, tackling transition, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), career planning and more. With the high demand in technology-based careers, Level Up works to prepare students for a successful transition into college or career. All nine core areas of Expanded Core Curriculum are covered within the weeklong Level Up event, and the exploration of potential career fields support the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
.jpg "Untitled-design-(17).jpg")
“Level Up continues to evolve. We research programs throughout the country that are preparing typically sighted teens and young adults for college and career. We always consider what kids are currently interested in and how we can make that accessible for our students. We especially look to Wichita State University to introduce our students to potential educational and career paths,” said Hannah Christenson, Director of Community Programs at Envision. “We are proud to see the impact Level Up makes on so many lives and we are driven to find even more ways to ensure the brightest possible future for youth with visual impairments.”
Since launching in 2006, Level Up has engaged nearly 500 students from 18 states across the country. Many families learn about the program through their school districts, and students are referred to the program by their teachers of students who are visually impaired (TSVI). Other professionals in the field of low vision, like orientation and mobility specialists and ophthalmologists, also recommend students to attend. Participants learn the value of self-expression, critical thinking, discovery and exploration through hands-on accessible activities with support from Envision staff, peers, educators and community professionals.
Level Up students from Kansas have even more opportunities through the KEEP Program, which provides a $1,000 award per student to pay for various educational goods and services that promote learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities. The KEEP Program has designated the 2023 Envision Level Up Program as an authorized service provider, and families can apply for the grant to help cover the cost of attending.
“We are thrilled that the state of Kansas has approved Level Up for the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), enabling parents with financial need to apply for a grant to fully cover the cost of this year’s program for Kansas based students. We look forward to the growth students will receive to help them thrive in postsecondary education or in their first jobs.” -Noreen Carrocci, Envision Senior Vice President, Foundation and Mission Services.
The Level Up High School Program kicks off with an interactive Expressive Arts Experience at the Envision Arts Gallery and concludes with a College and Career Expo. Students take what they have learned about professional etiquette and interpersonal communication throughout the week and apply it directly. In partnership with the Wichita business community and institutes of higher education, students have the opportunity to learn about the wide range of options available to them once they transition out of high school.
The opportunity for students to “Level Up” does not begin and end with high school. A separate program for middle school students will be held July 10-14 at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. The 2023 Level Up Conference is made possible through support from presenting sponsor High Touch Technologies.
For more information about Level Up or to register, visit envisionus.com/level-up or contact programs@envisionus.com.
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education, and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
Media Contact: Beth Walker, Content Marketing Coordinator
Office: 316-440-1518 | Email: media@envisionus.com
