WEBVTT 00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:02.976 [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:00:18.860 --> 00:00:21.203 How to apply for the DO-IT Scholars program. 00:00:24.230 --> 00:00:26.360 My name is Kayla Brown, 00:00:26.360 --> 00:00:32.340 and I work for the DO-IT Center: Disabilities, Opportunities, 00:00:32.340 --> 00:00:34.710 Internetworking, and Technology. 00:00:34.710 --> 00:00:38.550 One of our programs is called the DO-IT Scholars program. 00:00:38.550 --> 00:00:43.250 And the DO-IT Scholars program is for Washington State 00:00:43.250 --> 00:00:45.950 high-schoolers with disabilities who are 00:00:45.950 --> 00:00:48.240 interested in going to college. 00:00:48.240 --> 00:00:51.530 It's a program that supports students 00:00:51.530 --> 00:00:55.050 during the transition from high school to college. 00:00:55.050 --> 00:00:58.640 I was a DO-IT Scholar in 2005, so 00:00:58.640 --> 00:01:01.280 I remember what it's like to apply to the program. 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:04.660 So we're going to show you a little bit about the application 00:01:04.660 --> 00:01:08.840 components and what you need to know about the program 00:01:08.840 --> 00:01:11.183 and hear it from some past participants. 00:01:11.183 --> 00:01:14.080 [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:01:14.080 --> 00:01:16.570 DO-IT Scholars are Washington State high school 00:01:16.570 --> 00:01:18.820 students with disabilities who are planning 00:01:18.820 --> 00:01:20.800 to continue their education after they 00:01:20.800 --> 00:01:22.550 graduate from high school. 00:01:22.550 --> 00:01:24.610 The Scholars program helps prepare them 00:01:24.610 --> 00:01:27.530 for their transition to college and careers. 00:01:27.530 --> 00:01:30.640 Each Scholar is loaned a laptop and appropriate assistive 00:01:30.640 --> 00:01:33.800 technology that they can use at school, at home, 00:01:33.800 --> 00:01:34.940 and in the program. 00:01:34.940 --> 00:01:37.420 There is no cost to students who are selected 00:01:37.420 --> 00:01:40.660 to participate in the program. 00:01:40.660 --> 00:01:41.930 My name is Rochelle. 00:01:41.930 --> 00:01:46.870 I joined the Scholars program way back in 2016 now. 00:01:46.870 --> 00:01:49.390 I came from a very low-income household, 00:01:49.390 --> 00:01:54.220 and they provide free assistive technology, which you 00:01:54.220 --> 00:01:56.240 can have on loan indefinitely. 00:01:56.240 --> 00:01:59.960 So for me, once I was admitted and met 00:01:59.960 --> 00:02:03.980 with the assistive technology specialists-- 00:02:03.980 --> 00:02:08.930 I have dyslexia and other sorts of learning disabilities-- 00:02:08.930 --> 00:02:13.730 I worked with them to decide which accessible tech was 00:02:13.730 --> 00:02:16.010 great for me. 00:02:16.010 --> 00:02:19.110 My name is Teresa, and I was born without arms. 00:02:19.110 --> 00:02:21.590 I use a Bluetooth keyboard and a Bluetooth mouse. 00:02:21.590 --> 00:02:23.870 Without my arms, I have the keyboard and the mouse 00:02:23.870 --> 00:02:25.700 on the floor, and then the monitor's 00:02:25.700 --> 00:02:29.930 just sitting on my table in my classroom. 00:02:29.930 --> 00:02:32.030 I am Jada. 00:02:32.030 --> 00:02:36.810 My disability is ADD and dyslexia. 00:02:36.810 --> 00:02:39.110 I use a document scanner. 00:02:39.110 --> 00:02:43.580 This will help me by making it easier 00:02:43.580 --> 00:02:50.210 so that I can have the digital copy of it on the computer 00:02:50.210 --> 00:02:52.100 and have it read to me. 00:02:52.100 --> 00:02:54.120 [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:02:54.120 --> 00:02:55.620 Throughout the school year, 00:02:55.620 --> 00:02:58.660 Scholars connect with program staff, DO-IT mentors, 00:02:58.660 --> 00:03:01.730 and each other, online and in-person. 00:03:01.730 --> 00:03:04.180 They have access to internships and receive 00:03:04.180 --> 00:03:08.090 valuable information and support for the transition to college. 00:03:08.090 --> 00:03:10.810 Applicants who are admitted into the Scholars program 00:03:10.810 --> 00:03:13.910 take part in DO-IT Summer Study for three years. 00:03:13.910 --> 00:03:16.570 They attend classes, live in dormitories 00:03:16.570 --> 00:03:18.770 on the University of Washington campus, 00:03:18.770 --> 00:03:22.400 and explore careers, independence, self-advocacy, 00:03:22.400 --> 00:03:23.600 and leadership. 00:03:23.600 --> 00:03:28.450 They also build a community within their cohort. 00:03:28.450 --> 00:03:31.840 I was able to learn the ropes of how 00:03:31.840 --> 00:03:34.360 a college functions. 00:03:34.360 --> 00:03:38.080 Well, a condensed version of it, but still, 00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:42.100 traveling all over the campus, eating at the different 00:03:42.100 --> 00:03:44.943 places, sitting through several hours of class. 00:03:44.943 --> 00:03:51.490 [LAUGHS] And I also kind of learned to advocate for myself. 00:03:51.490 --> 00:03:55.030 A while ago, I had to do a meeting with-- 00:03:55.030 --> 00:03:58.060 well, I arranged a meeting with the Disability Services 00:03:58.060 --> 00:03:59.170 at DigiPen. 00:03:59.170 --> 00:04:02.040 I was able to get through it myself. 00:04:02.040 --> 00:04:05.220 The daytime activities, morning and afternoon 00:04:05.220 --> 00:04:07.650 activities, are reserved for either presentations 00:04:07.650 --> 00:04:13.680 or workshops or other educational opportunities. 00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:17.940 SOPHIA: I was able to meet people throughout the community, 00:04:17.940 --> 00:04:21.540 but mostly, I felt like I connected with them more 00:04:21.540 --> 00:04:24.953 throughout the optional evening activities. 00:04:24.953 --> 00:04:26.640 [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:04:26.640 --> 00:04:28.390 In order to be considered, 00:04:28.390 --> 00:04:32.680 an applicant must live or attend school in Washington State, 00:04:32.680 --> 00:04:35.320 be a high-school sophomore or junior, 00:04:35.320 --> 00:04:38.100 and have a disability recognized by the Americans 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:39.520 with Disabilities Act. 00:04:39.520 --> 00:04:41.340 But the applicant is not required 00:04:41.340 --> 00:04:46.020 to have an IEP or a 504 plan. 00:04:46.020 --> 00:04:49.660 The application process consists of a student, parent, 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:51.720 or guardian, and one teacher each 00:04:51.720 --> 00:04:54.070 responding to a few basic questions. 00:04:54.070 --> 00:04:56.430 The application can be completed online 00:04:56.430 --> 00:04:59.130 or submitted via fax or mail. 00:04:59.530 --> 00:05:01.250 Application materials may be submitted 00:05:01.250 --> 00:05:06.265 in the student's native language and in audio or video format. 00:05:06.265 --> 00:05:07.640 I'm really looking 00:05:07.640 --> 00:05:11.240 to see why they want to be a part of the DO-IT Scholar 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:13.770 program, what's interesting to them, 00:05:13.770 --> 00:05:17.190 how this will be part of their either college or career. 00:05:17.190 --> 00:05:21.440 And so what's really their motivation and their interest 00:05:21.440 --> 00:05:23.940 and where they see they will get benefits from. 00:05:23.940 --> 00:05:27.380 So hearing from them directly is really important 00:05:27.380 --> 00:05:29.180 and their stories or their journey 00:05:29.180 --> 00:05:33.535 to the point of finding the DO-IT Scholar program. 00:05:33.535 --> 00:05:34.160 [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:05:34.160 --> 00:05:37.380 The applicant must also submit a current transcript, 00:05:37.380 --> 00:05:39.570 which can be an unofficial one. 00:05:39.570 --> 00:05:42.186 There is no minimum GPA requirement. 00:05:45.343 --> 00:05:47.010 My name is Scott Bellman. 00:05:47.010 --> 00:05:49.490 I'm the manager of the DO-IT Center. 00:05:49.490 --> 00:05:52.520 Application materials for the Scholars program 00:05:52.520 --> 00:05:56.710 really encourage people from different backgrounds to apply. 00:05:56.710 --> 00:05:59.520 We're looking for a variety of types of people 00:05:59.520 --> 00:06:01.150 to engage in our program. 00:06:01.150 --> 00:06:04.330 And so we offer materials in different languages. 00:06:04.330 --> 00:06:07.080 We offer opportunities for applicants 00:06:07.080 --> 00:06:09.610 to reach out and ask for assistance. 00:06:09.610 --> 00:06:12.960 And we're really willing to work with families to make sure 00:06:12.960 --> 00:06:17.190 that the program is accessible to them no matter who they are 00:06:17.190 --> 00:06:18.386 or how they identify. 00:06:20.910 --> 00:06:24.000 Advice that I would give prospective applicants 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:26.790 to the Scholars program is to not 00:06:26.790 --> 00:06:30.810 think that you have to fit inside a box in terms 00:06:30.810 --> 00:06:34.660 of submitting your application and letting us get to know you. 00:06:34.660 --> 00:06:38.170 We have students with all types of backgrounds, 00:06:38.170 --> 00:06:39.940 all types of goals. 00:06:39.940 --> 00:06:44.580 And so it's really important to remember that your uniqueness 00:06:44.580 --> 00:06:46.893 does matter to us. 00:06:46.893 --> 00:06:48.810 One of the most important things 00:06:48.810 --> 00:06:51.730 about Summer Study, whether it's in-person or online, 00:06:51.730 --> 00:06:53.970 is building community, making sure 00:06:53.970 --> 00:06:57.110 that students with disabilities that are headed to college 00:06:57.110 --> 00:07:01.490 feel like they belong, feel like they have other people like them 00:07:01.490 --> 00:07:02.960 out there. 00:07:02.960 --> 00:07:05.510 DO-IT really [CLEARS THROAT] 00:07:05.510 --> 00:07:08.660 opens a lot of doors in terms of speaking about disability. 00:07:08.660 --> 00:07:12.890 It makes people feel like they've been heard, finally, 00:07:12.890 --> 00:07:16.970 that they finally can talk to people who have had 00:07:16.970 --> 00:07:18.740 similar experiences to them. 00:07:18.900 --> 00:07:20.742 I wanted to join a community of people 00:07:22.100 --> 00:07:25.160 who also have shared the same experiences as me 00:07:25.160 --> 00:07:29.210 with a disability, and I also wanted to gain mentorship 00:07:29.210 --> 00:07:32.720 from people within the DO-IT community 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:37.220 to learn about how they navigate college. 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:40.250 One thing that has me coming back 00:07:40.250 --> 00:07:42.560 to DO-IT all these years is just knowing that it's 00:07:42.560 --> 00:07:44.720 kind of where my roots are, especially 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:47.810 as a person with a disability. 00:07:47.810 --> 00:07:49.110 I'm Gail Oseran. 00:07:49.110 --> 00:07:52.560 I'm the parent of a 2012 DO-IT Scholar. 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:59.080 My daughter, I felt like she was a really good match 00:07:59.080 --> 00:08:00.650 for the DO-IT program. 00:08:00.650 --> 00:08:03.680 And I asked her to look at it and apply. 00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:04.550 And she did. 00:08:04.550 --> 00:08:08.470 The kid I sent to DO-IT was not the kid I got back from DO-IT. 00:08:08.470 --> 00:08:11.860 Prior to going to DO-IT she was convinced 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:13.520 she was not college material. 00:08:13.520 --> 00:08:14.990 She didn't want to go to college. 00:08:14.990 --> 00:08:15.880 She went to DO-IT. 00:08:15.880 --> 00:08:16.670 She came back. 00:08:16.670 --> 00:08:17.830 She goes, "Do you know? 00:08:17.830 --> 00:08:19.420 I'm college material." 00:08:19.420 --> 00:08:20.540 I said, "Yes. 00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:22.670 I know you're college material." 00:08:22.670 --> 00:08:26.920 And from that point on, it was totally a different path 00:08:26.920 --> 00:08:29.242 that she was walking. 00:08:29.242 --> 00:08:30.700 I'm Lindsay Oseran, 00:08:30.700 --> 00:08:35.240 and I was a DO-IT Scholar in the years 2012 and 2013. 00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:39.370 I really enjoyed kind of the perspective it gave me 00:08:39.370 --> 00:08:41.500 into multiple different kinds of career paths 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:44.000 because they take you to different labs, 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:47.245 they have different people talk to you. 00:08:47.245 --> 00:08:49.370 You kind of get to, they have these little classes. 00:08:49.370 --> 00:08:52.025 I learned so much more about technology too. 00:08:52.025 --> 00:08:53.900 The lessons I learned in DO-IT for technology 00:08:53.900 --> 00:08:56.540 are still helping me today. 00:08:56.540 --> 00:08:59.420 I see their growth in their IEP or 504 00:08:59.420 --> 00:09:03.020 meetings, during reunions, and also in the emails 00:09:03.020 --> 00:09:04.080 that they send us. 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:05.190 They've gotten a lot. 00:09:05.190 --> 00:09:06.913 They've grown a lot. 00:09:06.913 --> 00:09:08.330 It's really a program 00:09:08.330 --> 00:09:13.200 for all types of students and all types of disabilities. 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:15.630 There's people with visual impairments. 00:09:15.630 --> 00:09:19.140 There might be some with mobility impairments, 00:09:19.140 --> 00:09:22.290 learning disabilities, autism. 00:09:22.290 --> 00:09:24.650 There's just really a lot of different types 00:09:24.650 --> 00:09:27.460 of disabilities that are represented in our program. 00:09:27.460 --> 00:09:29.510 [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:09:29.510 --> 00:09:32.310 To learn more about the DO-IT Scholars program, 00:09:32.310 --> 00:09:34.282 consult washington.edu/doit/programs/do 00:09:34.282 --> 00:09:36.446 it scholars/applying. 00:09:45.650 --> 00:09:48.830 Copyright 2024, University of Washington. 00:09:48.830 --> 00:09:50.980 [MUSIC PLAYING]