[Mabs] 2007 Bind Youth Slam

[David Andrews]

>
>National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam
>A 2007 STEM Leadership Academy
>
>Fact Sheet
>
>What:   The largest gathering of blind youth ever.  This four-day
>academy will
>engage and inspire the next generation of blind youth to consider
>careers falsely believed to be impossible for blind people to enter.
>While staying at Johns Hopkins University, youth will be mentored by
>blind role models during fun, challenging, and inspiring activities
>meant to stretch the imagination, build confidence, and increase science
>literacy.  Activities will take place with support from partners such as
>the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Johns Hopkins
>University Whiting School of Engineering, and other institutions and
>corporations working in science, technology, engineering, and math
>(STEM).  The NFB Youth Slam will culminate in an inspiring rally at
>Baltimore's Inner Harbor and a celebration at the center of innovation
>in the field of blindness-the NFB Jernigan Institute. 
>
>When:   July 30 - August 4, 2007.  This includes two travel days.
>
>Where:          Baltimore, Maryland
>
>Why:            The NFB Youth Slam is needed to shatter some of the most
>significant 
>barriers and misconceptions limiting blind youth.  First, the Slam will
>break the relative isolation of blind youth; it will show blind youth
>that it is respectable to be blind.  Second, it will expose blind youth
>to STEM fields in a way that powerfully demonstrates that these fields,
>and other challenging fields, are open to them.  Third, the Slam will
>create a greater understanding among parents, teachers, and the general
>public that blind people can learn and excel in STEM subjects and
>careers.
>
>Who:    Two hundred blind or low vision youth who will be entering high
>school in the fall of 2007, who are currently in high school, or who
>graduate in the spring of 2007.
>
>How:    Eligible students need to complete an application by April 1,
>2007.  Applicants who are accepted to the NFB Youth Slam will be
>expected to pay a $200.00 registration fee to complete the application
>process.  The registration fee is NOT required at the time of
>application to the Slam.  The registration fee ensures the student will
>receive air and ground transportation, room and board, and access to all
>Slam activities and materials (valued at $3,000.00).  Any other
>incidental costs, such as souvenirs, will need to be covered by the
>student.
>
>Find the latest information on the 2007 NFB Youth Slam by visiting:
>www.blindscience.org