Canadian youth with sight loss are invited to join CNIB Learning Academy for engaging virtual and in-person programs offered throughout the year! Our programs challenge youth from grades six to first year of post-secondary studies to develop pre-employment, leadership, independence and social skills.
All Learning Academy programs are tailored to grade level categories. Please read program descriptions carefully.
Current Programs:
- Community Voices
- Primary Explorers (Grades 4-6)
- Junior Explorers (Grades 7 & 8)
- Young Achievers (Grades 9 &10)
- SCORE Scholars (Grades 11, 12 & first year post-secondary)
Community Voices
Last Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
CNIB Learning Academy invites youth who are blind or have low vision, parents, and educators to join us for Community Voices, an opportunity to learn from adults living with blindness.
Each month we will hear from a different guest speaker living with blindness who will share their lived experience in high school, post-secondary education, building a career, and social aspects of sight loss. Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.
To register, please contact Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Program Lead, CNIB Next Generation and SCORE at rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.
Primary Explorers (Grades 4-6)
This one-week virtual camp is about becoming aware of the world of work and how it relates to us at a very early age. We will address the basic questions like What is a job? What sorts of jobs do our family members have? Why is work important?
Attendees will learn how to perform their own research through casual conversation with family and community acquaintances. Through short group conversations, fun interactive educational games, interesting guest speakers and playful exercises, participants will learn to dream big and expand their possibilities for the future.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the primary explorers program and application deadlines!
For additional information or application details please contact Jennifer Hopkins, Program Coordinator, Learning Academy at jennifer.hopkins@cnib.ca or call 437-335-6845.
Junior Explorers (Grades 7 & 8)
Get the jump on high school with this unique virtual program. Participants will explore their skills and strengths, hear from successful visually impaired community members about their careers, and learn about best practices for academic success.
Participants begin to build foundations for this important transition and plant the seeds for early career recognition and exploration. Program content will be delivered in a fun and engaging style utilizing group games, challenges, and chats.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the junior explorers program and application deadlines!
To be notified of upcoming Junior Explorers sessions or for more information, please contact Jennifer Hopkins, Program Coordinator, Learning Academy at jennifer.hopkins@cnib.ca or call 437-335-6845.
Young Achievers (Grades 9 &10)
Get serious about your academic and career goals with Young Achievers. This bridging program to the flagship SCORE Scholars program helps participants build fundamental analytical and goal setting skills. Early volunteer, summer and part time jobs are discussed in relationship to long term school and career aspirations. Special guest speakers who experience vision loss and are leaders in their field will provide personal stories for inspiration.
Please note for the 2025 SCORE Scholars program, applicants with at least one successfully completed Learning Academy program will be given preference for inclusion. Young Achievers can be that important program for consideration!
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the young achievers program and application deadlines!
To be notified of upcoming Young Achievers sessions or for more information, please contact Jennifer Hopkins, Program Coordinator, Learning Academy at jennifer.hopkins@cnib.ca or call 437-335-6845.
SCORE Scholars (Grades 11, 12 & first year post-secondary)
Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers.
SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions. Accommodations and programming will take place at the Seneca College Newnham campus near Yonge and Finch.
Originally the National SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) Program and now part of Learning Academy as SCORE Scholars, this is a two-week in-person commitment.
Apply now to CNIB Learning Academy’s SCORE Scholars program to secure an admissions interview!
Eligibility
To be considered for the SCORE Scholars program, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian student in grades 11, 12 or first year of post-secondary
- Have strong orientation & mobility skills and independent living skills
- Be interested in experiential learning activities and developing leadership skills
- Be determined to work on personal independence and problem-solving skills
- Have a demonstrated interest in putting personal strengths to use for the betterment of peers, family, and community
- Be committed to participating in all program activities.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the SCORE program and application deadlines!