Strive Forward

Strive FORWARD is a track for blind students 10th grade through post high school (age 26). This program runs quarterly and the main focus is to instruct and support in the areas of job & college preparation or support. The Utah Association of Blind Students is highly involved.

Volunteer & Resume Builder Opportunities

On October 9, 2010 Club FORWARD provided and served dinner to 80 family members living at the Road Home Shelter in Salt Lake City. The purpose of this activity was to give these young adults the opportunity to give back to their community through service. It was also teaching tool to show how volunteering is a great resume builder & way to gain work experience. Earlier in the day, Club STRIVE made 12 dozen cookies to during their “Cooking Without Looking” class, so this event included all of Project STRIVE members and their mentors.

Washington D.C. Seminar- Leadership & Public Speaking Opportunity

Four Strive FORWARD members were chosen to attend the 2011 NFB Washington D.C. Seminar with positive blind mentors at the end of January. This is always an exciting and educational opportunity for blind persons to gather together, gain specific knowledge about the legislative process, and receive actual training and experience on educating their public officials on laws and policies that provide equal opportunity.   Each participant submitted an application, wrote an essay and went through a formal interview process. Finalists were chosen from a pool of applicants.

NFB Jr. BELL Instructor: Summer Employment Opportunity

STRIVE FORWARD members have the opportunity to work as a Jr. Bell Instructor for the NFB of Utah 2011 BELL (Braille Enrichment Literacy & Learning) Summer Program. Project STRIVE will provide competitive stipends to 4 youth (14 through 24) to work as Jr. Mentors. These youth will support the BELL director through prepping curriculum, mentoring 12 BELL children ranging in the ages 5-12, and promote the importance of Braille literacy. Jr. Mentors are required to submit a resume, letter of application, and go through a formal interview process which will take place on April 9, 2010 at the Division of Services for Blind and Visually Impaired during the "Spring Career Day". Jr. Mentors will be equired to attend a mandatory training, and will be assessed daily on their job requirements and responsibilities. Jr. Blind Mentors will have the opportunity to network with successful, employed, blind adults throughout the 2 week program The program provides an excellent employment opportunity and on job training to increase job readiness skills and develop leadership skills.