Envision Invites Students to Prepare for College and Careers with Annual Level Up Technology Camp
By Holly Herring • Apr 19, 2022
Blog Content
Registration is now open for the Level Up 2022 high school conference
WICHITA, Kan. (Apr. 19, 2022) — Envision, one of the nation’s largest service providers and employers of people who are blind or visually impaired, has opened high school registration for the 2022 Level Up Technology Camp designed to equip students with vision loss with academic, professional and interpersonal skills needed for college and beyond.
High school students with vision loss across the United States are invited to attend the six-day event packed with more than 50 hours of sessions ranging from assistive technology training, financial literacy and college prep, cyber security, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), interpersonal and self-advocacy skills, career planning and more. With the high demand in technology-based careers, Level Up works to prepare students for a successful transition into college or career.
“Level Up continues to evolve. We research programs throughout the country that are preparing typically sighted teens and young adults for college and career. We always consider what kids are currently interested in and how we can make that accessible for our students. We especially look to Wichita State University to introduce our students to potential educational and career paths,” said Hannah Christensen, Director of Community Programs at Envision. “We are proud to see the impact Level Up makes on so the promising lives and driven to find even more ways to ensure the brightest possible future for youth with visual impairments.”
Since launching in 2006, Level Up has engaged nearly 500 students from across the country. Many families learn about the program through their school districts, and students are referred to the program by their teachers of students who are visually impaired (TSVI). Other professionals in the field of low vision, like orientation and mobility specialists and ophthalmologists, also recommend students to attend. Participants learn the value of self-expression, critical thinking, discovery and exploration through hands-on accessible activities with support from Envision staff, peers, educators and community professionals.
The Level Up conference for high schoolers will kick off June 19th at the Wave in downtown Wichita. Keynote speaker, Bridget Frank, AKA DJ B, will open with an inspirational speech and get students pumped for the week by DJing. Diagnosed at an early age with Stargardt’s disease, a form of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, Frank’s vision has never slowed her down. A recent graduate from Texas A&M with a degree in political science, Bridget is pursuing her passion for music and making a name for herself as a DJ. Frank will be participating in the conference by providing an opportunity for high school students to speak with her about advocacy and leadership titled, “What Would you do?”
The Level Up High School Conference concludes with a College and Career Expo. Students take what they have learned about professional etiquette and interpersonal communication throughout the week and apply it directly. In partnership with the Wichita business community and institutes of higher education, students have the opportunity to learn about the wide range of options available to them once they transition out of high school.
“Level Up is a game-changer. It opens doors to higher education, jobs, and career advancement,” said Noreen Carrocci, Senior Vice President of Foundation & Mission Services at Envision “It’s a great example of our mission and one we’re thankful to offer with the generous support of our program sponsors.”
The opportunity for students to “Level Up” does not begin and end with high school. A separate program for middle school students will be held July 18-23 at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. The 2022 Level Up Conference is made possible through support from presenting sponsor High Touch Technologies.
For more information about Level Up or to register, visit envisionus.com/youth-programs/level-up or contact programs@envisionus.com.
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or have low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education, and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
Media Contact: Holly Herring, Marketing Manager
Office: 316-440-1531 | Email: media@envisionus.com
