Youth Employment Services (YES)
Summer Academy
July 5 (Tuesday 3:00 PM)- July 31 (Sunday 11:00 AM), 2022

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Youth Employment Services (YES) is excited to offer the return of our Summer Academy for transition-age blind and low vision youth! Transition-age is between the ages of 16 and 24.

This year, the YES Academy will be hosted at LightHouse headquarters in San Francisco, where youth will have opportunities to hone independence and pre-employment skills while surrounded by supportive mentors and peers. Youth will have the opportunity to fill their summer with engaging and valuable learning experiences as they participate in independent living trainings, employment readiness seminars, work-based experiences, mentoring conversations, and memorable social activities all wile connecting with life-long friends and mentors as well as supportive LightHouse staff. Prepare to participate in an innovative and comprehensive pre-employment and independence skills filled summer connected to an empowering and supportive community!

The YES Summer Academy is a 4-week long immersive experience for youth to gain first-hand knowledge with building confidence and positive identity, to learn collaboration and how to be a “team player,” to identify strengths and interests, as well as to gain a sense of direction through interactive work-based learning experiences. The three core components are:

 Week 1 – Your Skills, Your Goals Bootcamp, growing your employment knowledge, and networking with peers and professionals
 Week 2 – Expanding your network, cultivating community
 Weeks 3 and 4 – Growing Your Resume, and Work Experience Practicum

The YES Summer Academy will culminate with youth expanding their web of support and exploring their career interests. They will also come away equipped with tools such as a working resume, interview strategies and strengths profile.

If you are ready to attend or have any questions, please contact Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator, at dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7328.

To join the YES Summer Academy as a participant, follow the steps below:
1. Complete the LightHouse Student Intake Form and select “YES Summer Academy” under the Program Interest section. If you have participated in LightHouse Youth programs within the last year, please skip this step and go directly to Step 2.
2. Contact youth@lighthous-sf.org to receive and complete the YES Academy application and short responses form. In your interest email please include: your name and preferred email address, name of current DOR counselor, and names of current or recent TVI (teacher for the visually impaired) and O&M (orientation and mobility) instructors.
Please make sure all steps are completed by April 15 2022.

NOTE:
Due to the popular nature of the YES Summer Academy coupled with physical distancing safety measures, be sure to complete all application and health/safety materials prior to the deadline to be considered. Applicants for the YES Summer Academy must have an open case with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) or other entity for funding to cover associated costs. Please note the fee is $6,500 for the entire 4-week program.