Description

This is a special interest camp designed for high school students graduating in 2027 who have a documented disability impacting their education, who intend to go to college and are interested in STEAM careers. An application is required to ensure campers meet program eligibility.

Students with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) fields. Huskies BELONG aims to increase participants’ understanding of STEAM majors and career opportunities, as well as their belief that they can succeed in college. At this camp, students will learn valuable skills that will put them on a trajectory towards success in college, the workforce and life! These include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Initiative
• Perseverance
• Organization and planning

All portions of Huskies BELONG aim to be activity oriented and hands-on, with minimal sitting and listening to presentations. The academic portion of the camp will include hands-on STEAM related activities such as programming gyroscopes to follow directions, abstract painting, stop motion animation and use of “green screens,” creating products using 3D printers, and using assistive technology for academics.

Other sessions will include role playing scenarios: For example, how to discuss accommodation needs with faculty or instructors. Students will also interact with current NIU students with disabilities and the NIU Disability Resource Center staff. Students will also have the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with NIU faculty and instructors to discuss various undergraduate majors, minors and careers. The aim of these activities is to allow for career exploration and increase self-efficacy in pursuing college.

Each day of the summer camp will include a lot of time for social and leisure-related activities, such as free access to the NIU Recreation Center, horseback riding and animal encounters, game night, movie night, karaoke and bowling.

Who are the Huskies BELONG Instructors?

Bryan Dallas, Ph.D., CRC, LCPC is the principal investigator for Huskies BELONG and oversees the program. Dr. Dallas is a professor of vocational rehabilitation counseling at NIU, which prepares graduate students to serve individuals with disabilities in educational, work, and/or independent living settings. Dr. Dallas has served Illinois college students with disabilities for several years, including facilitating transitional programs for new students.