The DO-IT Scholars program helps prepare high school students with disabilities to succeed in college and challenging careers.
DO-IT is:
- People with disabilities successfully
pursuing college and careers, including challenging fields in business,
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Resources to advance the use of
accessible electronic and information technology and universal design.
- Publications and videotapes for you to
reproduce and distribute at presentations and exhibits.
- Resources for K-12 educators,
postsecondary faculty and administrators (The Faculty Room), librarians,
employers, and parents and mentors.
- Programs that maximize the
independence, efficiency, and participation of people with
disabilities.
- Co-sponsor of AccessIT, the
National Center
on Accessible Information Technology in Education.
- Sponsor of AccessSTEM ,
the Northwest Alliance for Access to Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Receiver of the National Information
Infrastructure Award in Education, the Golden Apple Award, and the
President's Award of Excellence in Mentoring; and showcased at The
President's Summit on Volunteerism.
- People helping people achieve success
with the support of Washington
State, the federal
government, foundations, corporations, and people like you.
- Directed
by Sheryl Burgstahler.
- Resources
for you!
DO-IT Scholars:
- explore careers and the world of work.
- learn to select and use adaptive
technology.
- experience college life on a
university campus in the summer.
- learn about reasonable accommodations
at school and in the workplace.
- network with peers and working
professionals with disabilities.
- gain the right knowledge to enter and
succeed in college and challenging careers
Application Process for DO-IT Scholars Program
High school students with disabilities, who are residents of Washington
state, are encouraged to apply on or before January 10th to be
considered at
the first selection meeting of the Advisory Board. Priority is given to
students in their sophomore year in high school, followed by students
in their
junior year. Freshmen are considered on a space available basis. After
January
10th, applications continue to be accepted and reviewed until all
available
openings are filled.
Only complete application packages are reviewed by the Advisory
Board. The application
package consists of four items:
- student application,
- recommendation from a high school
teacher or administrator,
- student grade report for the last two
years, and
- parent/guardian recommendation and
consent.
PHASE I SCHOLARS
Phase I DO-IT Scholars participate in the activities below:
Internetworking- DO-IT Scholars learn to use
computers
to enrich their education and to explore academic and career interests
using the Internet. They communicate electronically with mentors and
other DO-IT participants from home using computers and, if necessary,
special adaptive technology. DO-IT Scholars who do not have the
necessary technology are loaned equipment and software while they
participate in program activities.
Mentoring- Frequent electronic communications and
personal contacts bring Scholars together with DO-IT Mentors to
facilitate academic, career, and personal achievements. Mentors are
college students, faculty, and practicing professionals in technical
fields, many with disabilities themselves.
Summer Study I- During a two-week, live-in summer
program at the University of Washington in Seattle, DO-IT Scholars
participate in academic lectures and labs; live in residence halls; and
practice skills which will help them to be independent and successful
in a college setting.
PHASE II SCHOLARS
PHASE III SCHOLAR