High School News » RIT/NTID Youth Programs Offer Enriching Opportunities for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

RIT/NTID Youth Programs Offer Enriching Opportunities for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

RIT/NTID Youth Programs include summer camps, career exploration experiences, virtual workshops, and academic competitions. Students are introduced to college-style learning while engaging in hands-on activities in fields such as STEM, technology, health sciences, business, and the arts. Programs emphasize independence, self-advocacy, teamwork, and communication access, including ASL and other preferred communication methods.

Offerings include well-known programs such as Explore Your Future™, TechTigers™, Advanced Tech Careers, and healthcare career exploration experiences, along with virtual competitions and webinars that allow students to participate from home.

These programs are an excellent way for students to build skills, explore potential career paths, and connect with peers from across the country. Many programs offer both in-person and virtual options, increasing accessibility for families.

To learn more about program options, dates, and application information, families are encouraged to visit the RIT/NTID Youth Programs webpage.

Featured Opportunities:

  • Advanced Tech Careers: A week-long summer program for students entering grades 10–12 who are interested in advanced technology careers.

  • Explore Your Future™: A multi-day career awareness experience where students live on campus, engage in hands-on activities, and explore fields like science, business, computing, engineering, health sciences, and art. 

  • Health Care Careers Exploration Program™: Designed for upper-grade high school students curious about careers in healthcare, including field trips and practical demonstrations.

  • TechTigers™: Offers middle school students the chance to build high-tech gadgets, design in 3D, and experiment in STEM areas. 

  • Competitions & Virtual Events: Students can participate in events such as the Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition™, Math Competition, STEM Trivia Contest, Spirit Writing Contest™, Tiger Gaming League, and more — many of which are virtual to increase accessibility. 

  • Career Exploration Series™: Monthly webinars introduce high school students to different career paths and related college majors. 

  • Pre-Employment Transition Services Week: A free, virtual week focused on career exploration in STEM for high school students. 

These youth programs emphasize academic development, hands-on learning, communication access, and community building, helping students gain real-world experience while connecting with others who share similar goals and interests. 

For more details or to explore individual program dates and applications, visit the RIT/NTID Youth Programs page or contact the Youth Programs team through the NTID outreach office.