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VRCBVI's STEPS to Sucess!
What is the VRCBVI STEPS to Success program?
VRCBVI’s STEPS to Success (Strategies & Techniques for Enhancing Performance & Skills) is a three-week virtual collaborative program between the University of Richmond’s School of Professional & Continuing Studies and the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (VRCBVI). Our innovative program introduces valuable skills, techniques, and strategies to help maximize success in preparing for college or careers. This year, we are pleased to make this program available to more students by offering a virtual program.
Specialized classes taught by highly experienced and enthusiastic teachers include:
- Common Application and Supplemental Essay Writing
- Preparation for the English portion of the S.A.T. test
- Standardized Test Taking Tips
- Self-advocacy in college and career
- Public speaking
- Interviewing techniques
- Leadership
- Time-management and mindfulness
- Selecting colleges/career paths
Attending the VRCBVI STEPS to Success program will give rising high school juniors and seniors and high school graduates from spring 2021 the opportunity to assess their college-readiness skills, enhance awareness of the academic and blindness-related demands of college, and evaluate their ability to manage time and priorities.
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Dates to Remember:
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Application Deadline: Friday, April 30, 2021
- Classes begin July 5, 2021
- Closing Ceremony: Friday, July 23, 2021
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STEPS to Success Feedback
Feedback will be provided to students and parents after the completion of the program. Students will be able to meet by teleconference with their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, designated VRCBVI staff, and parents to discuss assessment results and recommendations.
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Requirements for the VRCBVI STEPS to Success:
- Be blind or vision impaired
- Be a rising junior or senior in high school in the fall of 2021 or a spring, 2021 high school graduate planning to attend college
- Have reliable internet access
- Have during the STEPS program a laptop, Mac or Chromebook with appropriate access technology (JAWS, Zoomtext, or equivalent) and working audio/video to participate in virtual classes and complete assignments
- Have an existing personal e-mail account (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.)
- Have a method for taking written notes during class
- Be able to participate fully in all three weeks of the virtual program
- Be able to participate in a program that is group structured
- Have an open or be willing to open a Vocational Rehabilitation case with Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
What is the application process for the VRCBVI STEPS to Success program?
The following steps must be completed by the April 30, 2021 deadline.
- Complete the online VRCBVI STEPS to Success application (upon completion, you will receive a confirmation email indicating that step 1 of your application has been received)
- Submit transcripts documenting GPA of 2.5 or above (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) to Brooke Rogers (see mail, fax and email info below)
- Submit two letters of reference (one must be an academic reference) to Brooke Rogers (see mail, fax and email info below)
- Print the DBVI Eye Exam Report and have it completed by a medical professional (must be dated not more than one year prior to the VRCBVI STEPS to Success application deadline).* Once completed, please send to Brooke Rogers (see mail, fax and email info below).
*If a student attended a summer program at VRCBVI in the past, the eye exam report form submitted for that program is acceptable, provided the parent(s) submit a statement that the student’s eye report information has not changed and is still accurate.
Please mail, fax or email the above to:
Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired
ATTN: STEPS - Brooke Rogers
401 Azalea Ave.
Richmond, VA 23227
brooke.rogers@dbvi.virginia.gov
Fax: (804) 371-3092
Hurry! Applications will only be accepted until midnight on April 30, 2021.
- After April 30, complete applications will be reviewed and final decisions on acceptance will be made by May 14.
- If the applicant has a DBVI VR counselor, he/she will be notified of the applicant’s acceptance into VRCBVI STEPS to Success program, and the counselor must complete and submit a DBVI Service Authorization.
- Upon acceptance into the VRCBVI STEPS to Success program, students will receive a VRCBVI welcome packet, which provides additional information regarding the class schedule for the virtual program as well as required forms which must be signed and returned by June 18, 2021, in order to confirm acceptance.
For additional information, contact:
Amy Phelps, Assistant Director for Instruction
amy.phelps@dbvi.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 371-3052
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© Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired |
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