[Blindtlk] Fwd UPS Foundation Delivers Support for Blind YouthOutreach Program

[David Andrews]

>
>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
>CONTACT:
>John G. Paré Jr.
>Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives
>National Federation of the Blind
>(410) 659-9314, extension 2218
>(410) 913-3912 (Cell)
>jpare at nfb.org
>
>UPS Foundation Delivers Support for Blind Youth Outreach Program
>
>$100,000 Grant Will Support Blind Students in Maryland
>
>Baltimore, Maryland (January 22, 2008): The 
>National Federation of the Blind Jernigan 
>Institute, a center of excellence run by the 
>blind for the blind, announced today that the 
>UPS Foundation will provide support for the 
>Transition to Independence Project, which 
>provides outreach services to transition-age 
>youth who are blind or have low vision.
>
>Since 2005, the project has worked to increase 
>employment readiness, instill independence 
>skills, and build the self-confidence of blind 
>or low vision high school students in 
>Maryland.  While the program emphasizes the 
>science, technology, engineering, and math 
>(STEM) industries, it also focuses on other 
>career paths for blind youth by increasing their 
>exposure to role models in a wide range of 
>fields.  Students participate in a variety of 
>challenging and rewarding activities throughout 
>the duration of this comprehensive program and 
>also receive the opportunity to interact with other blind youth and mentors.
>
>"There is currently a 70 percent unemployment 
>rate among blind persons in the United States. 
>With the support of generous partners like the 
>UPS Foundation, the Transition to Independence 
>Project will be able to equip blind youth with 
>the tools they need to make the important 
>transition to employment and independence," said 
>Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind.
>
>"Giving back to the communities is an important 
>part of UPS's culture that is embraced by our 
>employees through volunteerism, making 
>donations, and sharing their intellectual 
>capital," said Lisa Hamilton, president of the 
>UPS Foundation.  "Together with nonprofit 
>partners such as the National Federation of the 
>Blind, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need."
>
>On February 21, 2008, the program will be 
>holding its third annual Transition to 
>Independence Career Fair for blind and low 
>vision students in grades 8-12.  Students will 
>have the opportunity to meet with exhibitors 
>from universities, trade schools, and 
>businesses, as well as attend informative 
>workshops.  For more information about the 
>career fair, please contact Karen Zakhnini at 
>(410) 659-9314, extension 2293, or via e-mail at kzakhnini at nfb.org.
>
>The Transition to Independence Project is a 
>program of the National Federation of the Blind 
>Jernigan Institute under the auspices of its 
>National Center for Blind Youth in Science 
>(NCBYS) initiative, in partnership with the 
>Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).