BISM Logo, blue and gold compass icon with modern styled letters reading BISM Empowering the Blind Community, employing, educating, training.

Gold STAR Program

BISM is excited to introduce the Gold STAR Program for the 2024 Summer!

Group of BISM students smiling for the camera.

Interested in Becoming a Gold STAR Student?

Have you ever wanted to gain experience in the working world before formally entering it? Or wish you could get paid for learning instead of the other way around?

If you are interested in attending this program as a student, please complete the Gold STAR 2024 Interest Form here.

For Students

This fully residential program will provide participants with a 4-week Work Based Learning Experience. Students will reside in apartment style housing with their peers while working in a professional environment and receiving nonvisual skills training from competent Blind professionals.

This work experience will provide each student with a first-hand perspective of professional environments and the responsibilities that come with a career. Additionally, the nonvisual skills (i.e. Braille, Technology, Orientation & Mobility, Independent Living, and Job Readiness) will help each student to become more independent while maintaining a job.

Program Dates: July 13 to August 9, 2024 (including weekends)
Ages Eligible: 16 to 21
Location: Baltimore, MD

Download the Gold STAR Program Flyer

2024 Gold Star staff looking at the camera. Two seeing eye dogs too!

Interested in Becoming a Gold STAR Instructor?

You can find the position responsibilities and additional details in the application link here.

For Instructors

A Gold STAR Program Staffer / Instructor will lead and mentor students.

Applications should be submitted by April 1, 2024. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and are anticipated to take place in mid-April.

All offers of employment will be contingent upon a successful comprehensive background check.

Staff Training: TBD based on staff availability
Pay for 4-week staffing: $3,000 to $3,500

Questions?

Contact Juhi Narula, Youth Transition Manager at (410) 737-2642 or jnarula@bism.org.

BISM is dedicated to providing career and training resources to Blind and Low-vision individuals of all ages. We positively change people’s attitudes about blindness.

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