EYF Explore Your Future

Two male students working together on a science experiment
 

EYF Explore Your Future

Join us for EYF Explore Your Future!
This year’s program dates are:

Session I: July 12-17, 2025
Session II: July 19-24, 2025

Apply Now!

Deaf and hard-of-hearing college bound students: Are you wondering what you will do after you graduate from high school? Come to campus for a week and Explore Your Future!

Explore Your Future (EYF) is a six-day career exploration program at Rochester Institute of Technology for college-bound deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 as of fall 2025. This program focuses on personal growth and career awareness for students as they begin to think about college.

Students who attend EYF can receive a $1,000 scholarship and an application fee waiver when enrolling at RIT/NTID. 

Please note that this scholarship cannot be combined with awards from other summer programs.

What is EYF?

At Explore Your Future, you will:

Gain hands-on experience in a variety of career areas, including art, business, computer science, engineering, health sciences, information technology, and science

Learn more about what your interests are as you look toward a career

Get a taste of life on a college campus

Make new friends from all over the country

Have fun!
A group of students in a classroom setting, focusing on a medical training mannequin with an ultrasound machine in the foreground.

EYF activities expose you to careers in:

  • Arts
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Science

In each of these areas, you receive hands-on experience aimed at increasing your knowledge of career choices. You learn about your interests and the skills required for success. And you develop an understanding of the academic preparation or training required in each of these fields.

Two individuals working on a machine in a workshop setting, one observing and the other operating the equipment.

You'll work with career counselors and faculty in small group settings to:

  • Determine your interests and learning styles
  • Develop decision-making skills
  • Build confidence
  • Develop personal awareness
  • Develop leadership skills and independence
Two individuals at a computer workstation with dual monitors displaying a colorful interface, one person is pointing at the screen while the other observes.

Role models at EYF

Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing faculty, staff, and EYF orientation leaders serve as role models. They introduce students to their first taste of life on a college campus, and provide support for students who may be away from home for the first time.

A group of individuals seated on grass engaged in an activity with colorful cards and a board game, with various personal items around them.

Parent Involvement

On the final day of each session, EYF offers a parent/guardian workshop where your parents or guardians can learn support strategies to help you make a successful transition from high school to college. They will also receive information and can ask questions about financial aid. At the end of EYF, parents or guardians can meet with your counselor and discuss your career awareness experiences. Parents, guardians, students, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors receive reports that give feedback on your interests and learning styles. After the EYF experience, both you and your parents or guardians are better prepared to make decisions about life after high school.

Activity Details

Explore Your Future is a career exploration program that focuses on career and personal awareness. The exploration activities promote an understanding of career options and the skills required for individuals to succeed in the career area that best matches their interests.

A group of individuals in a workshop environment with one person seated on a chair working on a mechanical device on the floor, surrounded by standing individuals cheering and celebrating.
A person seated at a desk engaged in an activity involving numerous small paper cards with printed patterns, surrounded by similar scattered cards on the desk, with another individual partially visible in the background.

The goals of the program are to provide college-bound students with the opportunity to have a hands-on experience in the following career areas: arts, business, computer science, engineering, health sciences, information technology, and science. Students will develop an understanding of the technical, professional and liberal arts preparation necessary to be successful in a variety of careers.

Students are assigned to homeroom groups, each of which is led by a career counselor. In these groups, students focus on topics related to their interests, learning styles, values and decision-making abilities. Each day the students attend classes in career counseling for an hour and a half; and attend technical classes with hands-on activities for four hours.

Students will learn about a career development theory developed by Dr. John Holland. The theory states that if individuals choose careers that best match their interests, and identify the environment in which they prefer to work, they will enjoy greater job satisfaction and career success.

Each student will complete various assessment tests targeted to help students determine career interests and learning styles.

In the evening, the students participate in a variety of activities such as games, bowling, and other sports, going to movies, and visiting sites of interest in the Rochester community. These events will occur off campus at locations managed by third-party providers. Transportation will be provided by third-party providers during EYF activities. On one evening, dinner is followed by a dance with music provided.

At the conclusion of the program, students complete a written summary of their experiences, which incorporates the counseling and career awareness information that was shared throughout the program. Career counselors write a review for each student. The student review, student summary, and computer-generated results of the two assessment tests are shared with the student, parents, and VR counselors (if the VR counselor has paid for the program). These summaries and assessment results may help the student make better decisions related to life after high school.
A bustling bowling alley with individuals preparing to bowl, colorful bowling balls lined up.

All students participating in the program stay at Rochester Institute of Technology in our residence halls. Residence directors and staff provide around-the-clock supervision, and the staff ratio is 10:1. Three meals a day are included and provided by our dining halls.

Teachers needing a copy of the assessment and summary reports will need to get a copy from the student or from EYF program staff with parental permission.

In addition to the programs offered to students during Explore Your Future, parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in a Transition Workshop. The workshop focuses on the transition of their deaf or hard-of-hearing child from adolescence into adulthood, and encourages effective communication and the development of a more autonomous relationship between parents/guardians and their adolescent. Strategies are shared related to transition to life after high school as well as how to access college financial aid information.

Frequently Asked Questions

EYF is a six-day summer career exploration program that offers college-bound hard-of-hearing and deaf high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to learn about career options after high school—and have fun doing it!

You are eligible if:

  • You will be in grades 10, 11, or 12 in fall 2025.
  • You are college-bound and in good academic standing.
  • You have hearing loss.
  • You will be 19 years old or younger on August 1, 2025.
  • You have not previously attended EYF.

Each day, you are in exciting classes doing hands-on activities with a group of 10 – 12 other students and the counselor assigned to your group. There you:

  • learn about different careers
  • discover what types of careers you are interested in

In the late afternoon and evening, you participate in social activities such as

  • Rock Climbing
  • Bowling
  • Visiting SeaBreeze Amusement Park

All the activities are well supervised and allow you to experience EYF to the fullest!

Session I of EYF will be held from July 12-17, 2025. Session II of EYF will be held from July 19-24, 2025.

The cost is $850 and covers room, board, and all activities—everything but spending money and transportation to our campus. You can pay by check or credit card.

If you are accepted, you can pay online with a credit card or by check at the address below:

Mail payment to:
Rochester Institute of Technology
NTID Explore Your Future Program
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623-5604

In some states, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), or a similar office, will pay some or the entire fee. To find out, contact your VR counselor or the state VR office.

There are limited scholarships available based on your financial need. If you would like to apply for one, please make sure to complete the scholarship portion of the payment form.

You can find the application information and a link to our online application in the "Apply Now!" section below

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an official EYF acceptance letter by mail. In addition, you will be directed to go online to print and complete the required program forms and mail them to us with payment by April 30, 2025.

You and a roommate will share a room on campus in one of the residence halls. This is a great way to get a taste of college living!

The dining hall is nearby and there are vending machines and other places on campus to grab a snack if you get hungry between meals.

Check in at room 1300-1310 of the Student Development Center between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on the Saturday your session starts.

If your parents or guardians are coming and plan to stay in Rochester, we provide a list of hotels online, as well as a list of sights to see.

If you are unable to arrive within the check in time period, please let us know of your expected arrival time on the Transportation Form. We will have drivers ready for pick up, if you request a shuttle.

The program ends on Thursday, the last day of your session. You will need to check out of the residence hall and return your room key between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

  • Explore the campus. 
  • Hang out with your new friends. 
  • Visit Java Wally's at the library. 
  • Use the athletic center.
  • Get ice cream at Ben and Jerry's.
  • Visit restaurants and shops at Park Point.

Then join your parents for the campus tour.

You are responsible for arranging transportation to the program. We recommend that if you are flying, you fly into the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), not to the airport in Buffalo.

Even though the flight to Buffalo may be cheaper, Buffalo is at least an hour away and the ground transportation from there to Rochester actually makes the trip more expensive.

Note: Students departing on Amtrak westbound (toward Chicago) please contact EYF before purchasing tickets. There are limited shuttles available to RIT from the Amtrak station for the Chicago-bound train stopping at Rochester.

  • From the airport, train or bus station, shuttle transportation is available directly to RIT for $10 each way. Let us know if your student wants shuttle transportation, and we will make reservations for him or her.
  • EYF staff will be at the airport/train station/bus station to greet your child; no matter which mode of transportation and/or arrival time, if we have your information and you requested the shuttle, we will have a staff member there to meet your child.

For emergencies, please call RIT Public Safety at 585-475-3333.

All of the following items are a must for your comfort and well-being!

  • Pillow, sleeping bag, or extra-long single sheets and blankets. For students who are flying and don't want to pay extra luggage fees, we have sheets, blankets, and pillows available for rent. Students may rent linen sets for $30 in advance, or $35 upon arrival at EYF.
  • Bath towel, face towel, and wash cloth
  • Your own toiletries: soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, band-aids, sun screen/lotion, shampoo, comb, blow dryer, etc.
  • Sneakers, jeans, sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, underwear, socks, a rain-resistant jacket, walking shoes
  • Laundry facilities are available (bring laundry detergent if you plan to wash clothes)
  • Spending money for campus bookstore or snacks

Information for Parents

On the last day of each EYF session, we invite you to meet your student's counselors, take a tour, talk with experts about financial aid and attend a workshop that will help you prepare your student for life after high school.

EYF is designed to give you, your student, and his or her school or Vocational Rehabilitation advisors important information that will help guide your son or daughter toward a rewarding career and successful future.

  • During the program, your student will be assessed on their English and math skills, as well as their academic and recreational interests.
  • At the end of the program, your student will complete a written summary of his or her experiences, incorporating the counseling and career awareness information received during the program.
  • EYF career counselors will write a review for each student and share it, the computer-generated results of the assessments and your student’s summary of his or her EYF experiences with you, your student, and VR counselors, if your student has one. Discussing these summaries and assessment results may help your son or daughter make more informed decisions related to life after high school.

In addition to the activities offered for students during Explore Your Future, you are encouraged to participate in a workshop specifically for parents/guardians that focuses on the transition of your deaf or hard–of–hearing child from adolescence into adulthood.

There, educational professionals will share strategies related to the changes that happen during life after high school as well as information about getting college financial aid information.

For parents/guardians who are staying in Rochester during EYF, please refer to the Travel Information below.

TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION
8:00 – 8:30 am Registration Welcome! You are invited to enjoy refreshments. Student Development Center 1300/1310 
8:30 – 8:45 am

Food for Thought and Continental Breakfast

 Student Development Center 1300/1310 
8:45 – 9:45 am Finding Your Way Through the College Application Process Information session about the college application process  Student Development Center 1300/1310 
10:00 – 10:45 am Where's the Money? Financial Aid Presentation  Student Development Center 1300/1310 
11:00 – 11:45 am Employment Success at NTID The role of NTID Center on Employment Student Development Center 1300/1310 
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Have lunch with your student's EYF counselor and parents of other EYF students  Catered lunch in the Dining Commons

Afternoon Activities (Optional):
1:00 - 3:00 pm Meet with Your Student's EYF Career Counselor Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall
1:00 - 2:00pm 
& 2:00 - 3:00 pm		 Tour of the Campus A Student Ambassador will give you a guided tour across the campus  Tiger Paw in the Student Development Center

Sign up for afternoon activities are available upon arrival.

Information for Teachers & VR Counselors

EYF is designed to give students, parents, teachers and VR professionals important information that will help guide students toward a rewarding career and successful future.

  • During the program, students will be assessed to help determine their interests and suggest corresponding careers.
  • At the end of the program, students will complete a written summary of their experiences, incorporating the counseling and career awareness information received during the program.
  • EYF career counselors will write a review for each student and share it, the computer-generated results of the two assessments and the student’s summary of his or her EYF experiences with parents and VR counselors, if the student is working with VR. Discussing these summaries and assessment results may help the student make more informed decisions related to life after high school.
  • Due to FERPA regulations, teachers needing a copy of the assessment and summary reports will need to get a copy from the student or from EYF program staff with written parental permission.

In addition to the activities offered for students during Explore Your Future, parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in a workshop that focuses on the transition of deaf or hard-of-hearing students from adolescence into adulthood.

  • Workshop content is designed to encourage effective communication between parents/guardians and students and the development of a more independent relationship between parents/guardians and their adolescent.
  • Educational professionals will share strategies related to the changes that happen during life after high school as well as information about getting college financial aid information.

Apply Now!

Before you apply

Please check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria below:

  • You will be a high school junior or senior in fall 2025.
  • You are college bound and in good academic standing.
  • You have a hearing loss. 

Application Process

For us to consider your application, you need to submit the application along with the required two items below.

  • An official copy of your high school transcript from 9th grade to the present
  • A copy of your unaided audiogram (results without hearing aid or cochlear implant)

Complete the online application and click submit. After you submit your application electronically you need to mail the three required items, listed above, to the address below. Acceptance into the program is contingent on you submitting the three pieces of required information.

Mail all required documents to:

Rochester Institute of Technology
NTID Explore Your Future Program
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623-5604

or FAX documents to 585-475-2696.

You are not accepted into the program until we have received and reviewed all of your necessary documents for EYF and we send you an official acceptance letter. This is when you will know you are officially an EYF participant for summer 2025.

Payment & Registration Forms

Please wait until you are accepted into the program and receive your acceptance letter to make your payment. The program fee is $850. If you are accepted, you can pay online with a credit card or by check at the address below:

Mail all required documents to:
Rochester Institute of Technology
NTID Explore Your Future Program
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623-5604

or FAX documents to 585-475-2696.

Questions about program fees or support? Contact us at 585-475-6700 (voice), toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-644-6843, by videophone at 585-743-1366, or by e-mail at EYFinfo@rit.edu.

Fundraising Ideas

Teachers, students and parents often ask for fundraising ideas to help defray the costs of travel to or registration for competitions or camps.

Here are some fundraising ideas:

  • Check with a high school counselor to inquire what other organizations at the school have done to fundraise.
  • Burger/Pizza Night Fundraising: ask a local franchise or restaurant to host a fundraising event on a particular date at a specific time. For example, if a parent of a student at the school owns a restaurant, they may allow you to hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser on a weekend morning.
  • Greeting card or calendar sale: students make and sell cards/calendars for special events.
  • Sell sweatshirts, t-shirts, jewelry, wristbands, or an assortment of those things with school mascot logo.
  • Sell cookie dough, popcorn, magazines, chocolate candy bars, carnations, candles.
  • Host a bake sale at school or church.
  • Have a car wash.
  • Offer services in neighborhood such as:
    • babysitting
    • yardwork
    • painting or other labor-intensive work

Google "student fundraising ideas" to see what kind of ideas you can discover. One great website example is: Fundraising Ideas

Travel Information

For parents who are staying in Rochester during EYF, here are some websites and pages with information about nearby sights and activities:

Rochester city skyline at night

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the Explore Your Future program, contact us at the address and phone numbers below, or use the form to get in touch with us.

Explore Your Future
Rochester Institute of Technology
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Lyndon Baines Johnson Building
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623-5604

585-475-6700 (voice)
585-286-4555 (videophone)
585-448-9651 (text/FaceTime)
1-866-644-6843 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)

You can contact us by email at EYFinfo@rit.edu.