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  Issue # 30 | September 2025
Pursuing a college degree in a field you can leverage will open opportunities for career advancement, increase your knowledge and result in independence and personal growth.
Some fast facts:
- College graduates are more likely to report higher job satisfaction and stability.
- Many job opportunities, internships and mentorship are available exclusively to college students and alumni. The references and experience you gain from these opportunities sets you apart from other applicants in a job search.
- In a college environment, students are able to make more of their own decisions, advocate for their needs and gain essential life skills such as time management, financial literacy and effective communication.
- Support services, especially for those with disabilities, are continuously growing on college campuses. Many universities offer assistive technology, tutoring, counseling and accommodations that support a student’s academic success.
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- Attend a community college to complete transferable credits for a lower cost! Through the Michigan Transfer Agreement, most universities in Michigan will accept two-year colleges course credit in place of their general education requirements.
- Apply for federal and state financial aid through FAFSA – you may be eligible for the Pell Grant, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Reconnect or many other public programs.
- Seek out financial aid through your university and third-party sources. For a listing of scholarships available for students with visual impairments, see the Scholarships and Grants for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired page.
BSBP offers tuition assistance!
BSBP can cover college costs for current customers who have:
- Provided written documentation identifying their current vocational goal and plan for attainment.
- Completed the FAFSA and applied to the numerous grant/scholarship programs available to pay for their higher education.
- Participated in a BSBP’s Post Secondary Assessment at the BSBP Training Center or an approved post-secondary readiness program.
After these steps are completed, BSBP can assist with numerous costs, including:
- Tuition and fees for required courses, including required electives for the approved certificate or degree program. Please note that for the first 48 credit hours a student earns, BSBP will only provide financial support for tuition at the rate of the student’s local community college.
- Required textbooks, course materials, supplies and equipment as defined in the course syllabus.
- Reader or tutor services if determined necessary by one’s rehabilitation professional and academic advisor.
- Assistive technology devices, including adaptive software and equipment.
- Room and board expenses (up to 75% of normal living expenses).
For more information on how to receive tuition assistance from BSBP, reach out to your vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Spartan Works, an 8-week summer work-based learning program for high school students at Michigan State University (MSU), wrapped up at the end of July. The program partnered with MSU Athletics, Residence Education and Housing Services, and Culinary Services to offer students hands-on experiences, workplace and soft skill development and career exploration. Participants worked 8-10 hours per week on MSU’s campus, with duties ranging from office skills, nutrition and sports management.
One of the two BSBP customers who participated noted the program was beneficial, allowed them to learn job skills, be a team player in a work environment and provided opportunities to explore their ultimate career interests.
Programs like this helps make BSBP’s mission come alive – programming can empower our students to gain independence, exploration and motivation to pursue their future career goals.
To learn more about the program, see the Spartan Works page.
For one unforgettable week, 14 high school students with visual impairments gathered at the BSBP Training Center in Kalamazoo County for a groundbreaking Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) career exploration camp. In partnership with the San Jose State University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and Space Telescope Science Institute, the camp blended cutting-edge technology, hands-on activities and direct interaction with professionals to break down accessibility barriers and open doors to futures in STEMM.
From the first day, students were immersed in the latest 3D printing innovations and wearable AI assistive technology. Smart glasses described complex diagrams in real time, while tactile 3D models brought astronomical concepts to life. Kinesthetic activities helped reinforce technical concepts and several field trips took students behind the scenes of STEMM workplaces—an observatory visit, a museum, air zoo and off-site classroom training for the medical portion of the program.
Throughout the week, professionals from astronomy, engineering and medical technology fields shared their journeys, offering both mentorship and inspiration. Students also earned first aid certifications and trained with medical devices like AED machines, learning how technology plays a vital role in saving lives.
During a hands-on session with AI-powered smart glasses, the students were tasked with analyzing online astronomy resources. While using AI-powered smart glasses to research astronomy resources, students spotted an inconsistency in galactic data on NASA’s website — an error so subtle it had been replicated on multiple expert sites. Working together, they documented their findings and presented them to the visiting subject matter experts, Dr. Thomas Madura, Associate Professor from the San Jose State University Department of Physics and Astronomy and Dr. Carol Christian, Hubble Space Telescope Outreach Project Scientist. Dr. Madura and Dr. Christian confirmed the mistake and promptly contacted NASA’s web content managers to correct the error!
Students buzzed with pride as they realized their analysis had made a real-world impact. Their discovery not only sparked an even deeper interest in the subject but also bolstered their confidence that they had the skills and insight to succeed in STEMM fields.
“Thank you for encouraging me to send my son to STEMM camp,” shared one parent. “This camp did wonders for him, it sparked his interest in the subject, and he met other students to bounce ideas with. They seem to have formed an everlasting bond.”
By the end of the week, the students left with more than new knowledge and certifications, they left with the belief they could shape the future of science and technology. For many, the camp was not just a career exploration, it was the start of a journey.
Don't forget to check out the BSBP Pre-ETS/Transition Services page and see what new and exciting programs are planned. Explore, sign up and connect with your counselor today regarding any questions.
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Our goal is to help students aged 14 to 26 to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. We offer lots of exciting camps and weekend trips to help you learn while having some fun and meeting other students who are Blind and Visually impaired across the state!
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Check out this list of scholarship and grant opportunities from around the country.
Please check the specific application deadline and requirements for each because they vary.
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Livingston ESA Apple Picking with BSBP
September 21 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Livingston ESA current and potential students/family, join us on September 21 for a Family Engagement Event to learn more about BSBP! The event will take place at Schell Family Farm, which has many acres of apples, sunflowers and wildflowers, pumpkins and wagon rides.
All activities will be free for all Livingston ESA students and family.
Location: 10055 Dexter-Pinckney Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169
Register here by September 12 to participate!
Jackson ISD Bowling with BSBP
October 7 from 6-8 p.m.
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BSBP is holding a Family Engagement event on October 7 at Jax 60 Bowling Alley for Jackson ISD students who are currently enrolled with BSBP and those who are considering enrolling. This is a no pressure event where BSBP will have a brief presentation about our services, an opportunity for you to interact with a BSBP Manager, Counselor and Transition Consultant, and bowl of course. Come out to learn more and enjoy some free bowling, pizza and fun!
There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m. followed by open bowling and food. This event is free and open for Jackson ISD students, families and staff!
Location: Jax 60 Bowling Alley – 3501 Wildwood Ave Jackson, MI 49202
Register at https://tinyurl.com/BSBPBOWL.
Eastern Michigan University Fall Tour
October 23 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Pre-ETS students interested in attending college – BSBP and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will be hosting a Disability Focused Tour and Resource Fair on October 23 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This program will provide students and families with the opportunity to visit EMU to explore a local mid-size college campus, learn about valuable college resources and:
- Explore what college has to offer by visiting a mid-size campus
- Explore one of the campus residence halls and enjoy lunch in a dining hall
- Engage in a mini resource fair with various campus partners
- Engage in a student panel with current EMU students
Interested? Complete the EMU Fall Tour Interest Form.
Location: Eastern Michigan University – 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov.
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MDE-RBLV Goalball and Adaptive Sports Camp
Sept. 19-21 at Camp Tuhsmeheta
Students aged 10-17 who are blind/low vision (BLV), come out to Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) and join MDE-RBLV, Camp T staff and members of the Michigan Blind Athletic Association for fun with sports!
The camp will be led by experienced adult athletes who are BLV, and campers will participate in team-building exercises and learn about various adaptive sports, including goalball, a team sport designed for athletes who are BLV. Camp will conclude with an exciting goalball tournament on Sunday morning! Don’t miss this opportunity to play games and make fun memories with your camp friends.
Location: Camp Tuhsmeheta (10500 Lincoln Lake Ave. NE, Greenville, MI 48838)
Check in on Friday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. and check out on Sunday, September 21 at 2 p.m.
Cost $5 per camper
Registration closes September 3 – For more information, contact MDE-LIO-Events@michigan.gov or visit https://mdelio.org/events/goalball-and-adaptive-sports-camp-0.
MDE-RBLV East Michigan Cane Quest
Saturday, October 4 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Join MDE-RBLV and Leader Dogs for the Blind for Cane Quest® on Saturday, October 4 for a free, regional orientation and mobility (O&M) contest for students, created and organized by Braille Institute of America. At this event, students will be challenged to demonstrate fundamental orientation O&M skills and travel techniques for navigating the sighted world they live in. Regional Cane Quest® events are held across the country, and contestants are divided into three grade categories: Scouts, Explorers and Trailblazers.
Participants will:
- Get direct feedback on their O&M skills
- Interact with other students and mentors who are cane users
- Gain information about O&M skills and training
This event is for students in grades 3-12 who are blind/low vision, have received instruction in using a white cane, and are able to walk independently for an hour at a time. An adult family member must accompany the student, and participants’ families are welcome to attend!
Location: Leader Dogs for the Blind – 1039 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307
For more information and to sign up, visit the 2025 East Michigan Cane Quest page or email MDE-LIO-Events@michigan.gov! Register by Sept. 8 to receive a Cane Quest® shirt and other swag.
Ingham ISD Fall Fun Fest
Sunday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Celebrate a decade of connection and community on September 14! Ingham ISD is hosting a free, family-friendly event welcoming Ingham County students up to 26 years old who have an IEP or 504 Plan and their families for an afternoon of fun, resources and support. Enjoy interactive activities and helpful information from more than 20 local community partners, including BSBP!
Plus: Free admission for eligible students and one parent/guardian per family, while tickets last. Light snacks and water provided.
Location: Potter Park Zoo – Tiger Den Pavilion (1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave)
For more information, go to InghamISD.org/FallFunFest.
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 2025 State Convention
October 30 - November 2, 2025
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The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan actively creates opportunities for blind people to turn their dreams into reality. Their annual state convention, the largest consumer-focused gathering of blind people in the state of Michigan, boasts potential advocacy, education and networking resources across ages, professions and cities. Whether it’s their college scholarship program or our informative presentations on resources for blind people; each year our state convention provides programming for everyone, including:
- Parents of Blind Children
- Blind Parents
- Blind Children and Students
- Blind Adults
- Blind Seniors
- Blindness Rehabilitation Professionals
Location: Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac – 3600 Centerpoint Pkwy, Pontiac, MI 48341
Click here to register (deadline for lower cost is Oct 16)!
Please note: the conference is available at a convention rate of $139. If you are unable to attend in person or if you would like to attend for free, you can join online using the Zoom link below. All general sessions and the banquet will be streamed.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 961 269 5221
Passcode: 902855
For more information, please visit National Federation of the Blind of Michigan page or contact Sheila Fulmore, State Convention Coordinator at convention@nfbmi.org.
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The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is pleased to announce its 2025 scholarship program benefiting blind college students. This year, they will offer four scholarships, one for $1,500, and three for $1,000 each. These awards are earned by outstanding students who are blind and currently live in Michigan or are attending college in Michigan during the spring 2026 term.
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is an organization dedicated to creating opportunities that encourage security, equality and opportunity in the lives of blind people throughout the. However, applicants do not need to be a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan to apply for these scholarships.
The NFB of Michigan offers these scholarships as a way to recognize the achievements of students who are blind in their academic affairs, personal pursuits and service to their community. These scholarships are based on merit and will not affect any rehabilitation services you may be receiving.
To be eligible for these scholarships, all applicants must:
- Be certified as legally blind
- Be a resident of the state of Michigan or a student at a Michigan college or university
- Be pursuing a full-time postsecondary course of study during the spring 2026 academic term. We will also consider part-time students with additional responsibilities such as employment or parenting. Part-time students must be enrolled in at least half of a normal course load.
- Participate in the entire NFB of Michigan 2025 state convention and all scheduled scholarship activities
- Attend the student programming of the Michigan Association of Blind Students during the 2025 Michigan state convention.
- Submit all application materials by September 15, 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit https://nfbmi.org/scholarship25 or email scholarships@nfbmi.org.
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Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊!
We would love to feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.
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Not a student currently working with BSBP and want to get in on the action?
BSBP has offices across the state and can meet you in the comfort of your own home and/or school. Contact our BSBP mainline at 1-800-292-4200 to get started or visit this link for office locations.
Questions for the Pre-ETS Team? Reach out to LEO-BSBPTransition@michigan.gov.
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Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics |
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