BISM’s Summer Youth Programs Empower Blind Students
With summer right around the corner, many parents are searching for meaningful, engaging programs for their children. At Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), our summer youth programs offer just that—and more. Designed specifically for blind and low-vision youth, these programs promote independence, confidence, and skill-building in a fun, supportive environment.
This year, BISM’s Baltimore and Salisbury locations will host several dynamic programs tailored to different age groups and interests.
In Baltimore, two exciting offerings—GOLD STAR and S.T.A.R. (Students Training in Advocacy and Responsibility)—will give students the chance to explore careers, build life skills, and gain real-world experience.
- GOLD STAR is designed for youth ages 16–21 and combines job readiness training with hands-on internships at local businesses and nonprofits.
- S.T.A.R. welcomes students ages 14–21 to explore a new career path each week, including healthcare, engineering, government and law (highlighted by a trip to the National Federation of the Blind’s National Convention), and sales and marketing.
“In 2023, we explored industries like education, hospitality, and engineering,” said Emma Myer, BISM’s Associate of Youth Services and S.T.A.R. coordinator. “Each week offers something new, and students walk away with knowledge, exposure, and a sense of empowerment.”
Sidney Smith, a current student in BISM’s CORE program, fondly remembers his time in S.T.A.R. as “a fun first-time experience,” especially engineering week. “For the second week, we were at Harford Community College, where we did 3D printing, which was pretty cool,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, BISM’s Salisbury location will host two beloved programs:
- B.E.L.L. (Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning) for students in kindergarten through 4th grade introduces foundational literacy and blindness skills in a fun, interactive setting.
- Challenge Week gives older students the chance to build independence while enjoying classic summer fun like horseback riding, swimming, and campfires—blended with confidence-boosting blindness training.
“This is our 10th year hosting these programs,” said Danielle Earl, Coordinator of Youth Services in Salisbury. “We started in 2015, and every year the impact grows.”
As BISM’s Youth Transitions Program Manager, Juhi Narula sees summer as a season of transformation. “Summer programs are a time for growth for students, staff, and managers. Everyone involved is learning and evolving together.”
To help support this life-changing work, BISM has created an Amazon Wish List filled with supplies our students will use during camp and training—books, craft materials, bed linens, and more. Donating a few items or contributing an in-kind gift is a simple but powerful way to be part of our students’ summer journey.
Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future—one summer at a time.
