(Image above title: space rocket/shuttle)
We are pleased to announce that the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) and KC Blind All-Stars (KCBAS, a non-profit that supports KSSB) are providing funds for 4 high school students (preference given to upperclassmen) from Kansas to attend Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS). This is a week-long camp held in Huntsville, Alabama at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It is a camp for students who are blind and visually impaired from the U.S. and around the world. The dates for this year's camp are September 26, 2020 to October 2, 2020. Kansas students who receive a Space Camp Scholarship may attend one of 2 camp options:
Advanced Academy or Mach III Aviation Challenge.
SCIVIS provides an exciting and experiential learning opportunity. A unique space, science and aviation curriculum is presented and teamwork is a key component during simulated space/aviation missions. All program materials are available to students in braille (both contracted and uncontracted), large print, or electronic magnification as needed. Students are encouraged to bring any handheld magnification devices they use and if the student is a cane traveler, they are required to bring their cane. Many areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum are also addressed at the camp.
More information regarding SCIVIS can be found at
http://www.scivis.org/Adult chaperones attend with students from Kansas but, because of the nature of the camp, the chaperones may not be with the Kansas students the entire time they are at the camp. Because of the camp structure, a certain amount of independence is required for a student to have a good camp experience. Due to these reasons, a required Life Skills checklist is attached to this application.
This three-step application process must be completed in order to qualify for a scholarship.
1. Complete the KSSB & KCBAS Space Camp Application.
2. Write a one page essay answering the following prompt: Why should you be chosen to receive a scholarship for space camp? (Please send response separately) (A rubric is at the bottom of this application)
3. Two letters of recommendation are required. These should be from the student's Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (TSVI), and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
Application is due by March 15, 2020. Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or emailed to the address below. We will accept applications in braille, electronically, or in print.
If sending a paper copy or hard copy braille, please send to:
Kansas State School for the Blind
Attn: Space Camp Scholarship Committee c/o Judy Imber
1100 State Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66102
Questions concerning SCIVIS and this application process may be conveyed to the following contact person:
Pam Arbeiter
913-424-3324
parbeiter@kssdb.orgIf you are pre-selected to receive the KSSB/KCBAS Space Camp Scholarship, you will be notified in April 2020. The scholarship covers the cost of the camp, travel and food during travel. Please note further paperwork, including a waiver of liability, will need to be completed by parents and students upon acceptance of the scholarship.