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Gold STAR Program

BISM’s Gold STAR Program is BACK for the 2025 Summer!

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 2025 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 8, 2025 (including weekends)
Ages Eligible: 16 to 21
Location: Baltimore, MD

Thirteen STAR participants, many wearing BISM t-shirts, sit around a rectangular restaurant table enjoying a meal.

Interested in Becoming a Gold STAR Staffer?

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

For Staffers

As a Gold STAR Program Staffer your role will be to serve as an instructor, leader, and mentor to the students.

Applications should be submitted by March 28, 2025. 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.

Program Location: Baltimore, MD (you do not need to reside in Maryland to apply)

Staff Training: June 30 – July 6, 2025

NOTE: Staff will be required to arrive to the program location on July 11, 2025

Pay for 4-week staffing: $3,000 to $3,500

Questions?

Contact Juhi Narula at jnarula@bism.org or Emma Meyer at EMeyer@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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