Empowering Youth Through STEAM, Surfing, and Self-Discovery
Dates: July 5–30, 2027
Location: Helen Keller National Center, Sands Point, NY
Ages: 16 to 24, up to 11 participants
Apply by: May 21, 2027
HKNC’s SYVP will host up to 11 participants (ages 16 to 24) to explore careers through hands-on work experience at multiple job sites. You’ll dive into STEAM projects, experience activities like adaptive surfing, and develop self-advocacy skills, all while discovering your strengths. SYVP is about exploration and possibility, giving you the confidence and skills to shape your own future.
HKNC offers a unique adult learning community where peers, mentors and DeafBlind leaders share experiences, perspectives and support one another’s learning.
Want more? Add two extra weeks for deeper career readiness training. Please check with your Regional Representative regarding an optional two-week extension.
Program highlights
Each week builds on the last, from leading activities outdoors to working with professionals in the community.
Week 1July 5 to 9
Each participant will help plan, co-teach and debrief a lesson with trained staff. Lessons include recreational activities such as paddle boarding, yoga, biking and hiking.
Participants learn about careers in adaptive recreation, education, and health and wellness, with exposure to roles such as adaptive sports instructors and program coordinators.
Week 2July 12 to 16
Mornings are work experience: meal preparation in the HKNC cafeteria with local chefs and food service partners, plus dishwashing and kitchen maintenance. The first two days have a heavy focus on orientation and mobility and communication skills.
Afternoons are for adaptive surfing with Surf For All in Long Beach, NY.
Week 3July 19 to 23
Participants work directly with the HKNC Technology department on hands-on, tactile projects: 3D printing and user testing; circuits, sensors and prototyping; and Swell-Form tactile graphics such as maps.
The week includes a STEAM panel with industry professionals, and Tech Squad gives participants a chance to explore work in IT and 3D printing under the supervision of Technology staff.
Week 4July 26 to 30
Mornings bring community work experiences at local businesses and informational interviews with professionals in the field.
Afternoons feature inspirational guest speakers and a college panel, along with job readiness: resumes, interest inventories, mock interviews and workplace etiquette.
Participants will have the opportunity to build skills in seven areas that lead to employment success.
Your support plays an important role in your young adult’s success. Whether you are a parent, family member, guardian, mentor, teacher, friend, or another important person in their support network, we invite you to join us for this special 3-day workshop designed to help you better support their transition to adulthood.
Can’t attend in person? A virtual participation option will be available for support persons who are unable to travel to HKNC. This program is available only to individuals supporting a participant currently enrolled in SYVP.
Participants must be between 16 and 24 years old. SYVP is for transition-age youth who are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss and are interested in vocational exploration, independence, and work experience. SYVP will host up to 11 participants.
Nope! Surf Camp is designed for beginners and adaptive surfers. Instructors from Surf For All will guide you every step of the way. Safety and fun come first. Surf Camp takes place at Long Beach, NY.
Surfing isn’t just fun. It teaches independence, physical confidence, and vocational skills. Each participant will strengthen executive functioning, communication, problem-solving, advocacy, collaboration, and emotional regulation. You’ll also practice punctuality, teamwork, and adaptability, essential skills for any job.
To build confidence and explore careers. Discover the world of adaptive sports and wellness while developing leadership skills. You’ll help plan and co-teach a lesson, an opportunity to lead and inspire, and get hands-on experience assisting with equipment setup and activity coordination.
Participants are not paid during their work experience. The work experience component is designed as a learning opportunity to help participants explore careers, develop workplace skills, build confidence, and gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Yes. Participants have the option to add two additional weeks for a traditional CVRP experience with deeper career readiness training. Please check with your Regional Representative regarding the optional two-week extension.
HKNC works closely with schools, Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services programs to ensure youth who are DeafBlind benefit from the services provided under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA provides the means for students to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The HKNC Summer Youth Vocational Program prepares youth for competitive integrated employment and provides structured services in all five required areas.
Programs are open to individuals who are DeafBlind as defined in the Helen Keller Act. Government funding often is available. Your Regional Representative can answer questions about admission requirements, transportation, funding sources and more.
Applications for SYVP 2027 are due by May 21, 2027.