US
RIT/NTID Youth Programs and Competitions | National Technical Institute for the Deaf | RIT
RIT/NTID Youth Programs and Competitions | National Technical Institute for the Deaf | RIT
RIT/NTID Youth Programs and Competitions
Programs and Competitions
for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Middle and High School Students
The RIT/NTID Youth Programs team is committed to empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students through comprehensive workshops and programs. Our mission is to create an inclusive, interactive, and engaging learning environment that allows every student to grow academically, discover new interests, participate in unique extracurricular activities, and meet other deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Know your program? Find more info here.
Advanced Tech Careers
Career Exploration Series™
Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition™
Explore Your Future™
Health Care Careers Exploration Program™
Math Competition
Pre-Employment Transition Services week
Spirit Writing Competition™
STEM Trivia Contest
TechTigers™
Tiger Gaming League
Tiger Science Challenge
We offer unique programs, competitions, and workshops year-round that focus on:
Academic Development
Explore a diverse range of workshops designed to enhance the academic skills and abilities of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Workshops cover a broad spectrum, including communication strategies, career development, technology proficiency, and personal growth.
Hands-On Learning
Our innovative programs centered around hands-on learning; are coordinated by deaf and hard-of-hearing program directors; and are structured to ensure academic success, foster independence, and promote self-advocacy.
Communication Access
We are committed to providing deaf and hard-of-hearing students with access to their preferred communication modality through assistive technology, use of sign language and sign language interpreters, captioning services, and academic accommodations to create an impactful learning experience.
Community Building
Students enjoy a diverse selection of overnight summer programs that fosters a sense of community and belonging among deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We achieve this by prioritizing a community environment where students can learn and grow alongside their deaf and hard-of-hearing teachers and peers.
Through our workshops and programs, we empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and become confident, self-reliant individuals who are well-prepared to succeed in both their academic and personal endeavors.
Programs and Competitions
Summer Program
RIT/NTID
Advanced Tech Careers
For deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10
th
, 11
th
, and 12
th
grade
Advanced Tech Careers is a week-long program for students interested in taking a deep dive into advanced technology and exploring a variety of high-tech careers.
Learn more about Advanced Tech Careers
Summer Program
RIT/NTID
Explore Your Future™
For deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10
th
, 11
th
, and 12
th
grade
EYF is a week-long career awareness program where students experience college life, enjoy hands-on activities and get a taste of real-world careers in the fields of business, computing, engineering, health sciences, science and art.
Learn more about Explore Your Future™
Summer Program
RIT/NTID
Health Care Careers Exploration Program™
For students entering 10
th
, 11
th
or 12
th
grade who are interested in a career in the health care field
Learn about various careers in health care; enjoy field trips to area medical facilities; be a part of hands-on demonstrations in biology, exercise science, laboratory science, microbiology, nursing, and nutrition; become CPR certified; and more.
Learn more about Health Care Careers Exploration Program™
Summer Program
RIT/NTID
TechTigers™
For students entering 7
th
, 8
th
, and 9
th
grade who are interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math
Students will build a high-tech gadget, create 3D designs of products, conduct laboratory experiments, and more.
Learn more about TechTigers™
Competition
Virtual
Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition™
For 9
th
– 12
th
grade students with an interest in art
Students can submit their original artwork to win a prize!
Learn more about Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition™
Competition
RIT/NTID
Math Competition
For middle school students who are deaf or hard of hearing
Student teams compete in several rounds that test speed, accuracy, teamwork and other math skills.
Learn more about Math Competition
Competition
Virtual
Spirit Writing Competition™
For 10
th
– 11
th
grade writers
Write about any topic you want for a chance to win a prize!
Learn more about Spirit Writing Competition™
Competition
Virtual
STEM Trivia Contest
For 9
th
– 12
th
grade students who are deaf or hard of hearing
The STEM Trivia Contest will test your knowledge on a variety of STEM and pop culture topics.
Learn more about STEM Trivia Contest
Competition
Virtual, RIT/NTID
Tiger Gaming League
For high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing
The Tiger Gaming League begins with a series of virtual individual and team competitions on a variety of platforms and games, leading up to a national competition in person at RIT/NTID.
Learn more about Tiger Gaming League
Competition
Virtual
Tiger Science Challenge
For middle school students who are deaf or hard of hearing
The Tiger Science Challenge is a series of challenges that will test your scientific knowledge, creativity, and hands-on skills in a variety of topics.
Learn more about Tiger Science Challenge
Seminar
Virtual
Career Exploration Series™
For 9
th
– 12
th
grade students
Each webinar in this monthly series focuses on a unique topic that relates to career options and includes a fun activity. Students also learn which college majors can lead to a career in their area of interest.
Learn more about Career Exploration Series™
Seminar
Various locations
Pre-Employment Transition Services week
For deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students
This free one-week virtual program offers qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing students an opportunity to gain experience and explore their career interests in STEM fields. Learn about different STEM fields, make new friends during social night, and receive free kits with cool tech and activities.
Learn more about Pre-Employment Transition Services week
Our Staff
Charles McFadden
Executive Director
cbmnca@rit.edu
Erin Clegg
Director, Outreach Consortium
elcnsl@rit.edu
Eunyoung Doucet
Assistant Director for Outreach and Special Projects
5852700057
epdnca@rit.edu
Yvette Chirenje
Assistant Director for Outreach and Special Projects
585-475-6639
yacnsl@rit.edu
Joanne Dollhopf
Assistant Director for Outreach and Special Projects
jvgnsl@rit.edu
Michele Steele
Senior Staff Assistant
585-475-7695
mmsnca@rit.edu
Margie Renteria
Senior Staff Assistant
mlrtis@rit.edu
If you would like information on additional programs currently under development, leave your name and address on our
information page
Do you have questions about our programs? Connect with us!
Search RIT
This website uses cookies to provide better user experience and functionality. You can control and configure cookies in your web browser.
Cookie Statement
How to Disable Cookies