Programs and Competitions

The RIT/NTID Youth Programs team is committed to empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students through comprehensive workshops and programs. Our mission is to create an inclusive, interactive, and engaging learning environment that allows every student to grow academically, discover new interests, participate in unique extracurricular activities, and meet other deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Know your program? Find more info here.

We offer unique programs, competitions, and workshops year-round that focus on:

Academic Development

Explore a diverse range of workshops designed to enhance the academic skills and abilities of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Workshops cover a broad spectrum, including communication strategies, career development, technology proficiency, and personal growth.

Hands-On Learning

Our innovative programs centered around hands-on learning; are coordinated by deaf and hard-of-hearing program directors; and are structured to ensure academic success, foster independence, and promote self-advocacy.

Communication Access

We are committed to providing deaf and hard-of-hearing students with access to their preferred communication modality through assistive technology, use of sign language and sign language interpreters, captioning services, and academic accommodations to create an impactful learning experience.

Community Building

Students enjoy a diverse selection of overnight summer programs that fosters a sense of community and belonging among deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We achieve this by prioritizing a community environment where students can learn and grow alongside their deaf and hard-of-hearing teachers and peers.

Through our workshops and programs, we empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and become confident, self-reliant individuals who are well-prepared to succeed in both their academic and personal endeavors.

A student working on a computer in a lab

Summer Program

RIT/NTID

Advanced Tech Careers

For deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade

Advanced Tech Careers is a week-long program for students interested in taking a deep dive into advanced technology and exploring a variety of high-tech careers.

Learn more about Advanced Tech Careers

Three students performing a science experiment

Summer Program

RIT/NTID

Explore Your Future™

For deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade

EYF is a six-day career awareness program where students experience college life, enjoy hands-on activities and get a taste of real-world careers in the fields of business, computing, engineering, health sciences, science and art.

Learn more about Explore Your Future™

Businessman checking stock market data on tablet at night background

Summer Program

RIT/NTID

Financial Wizards

For deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade

Financial Wizards aims to enhance students financial literacy skills and provide an opportunity to explore various careers in finance and administration.

Learn more about Financial Wizards

Two students working together in a science lab

Summer Program

RIT/NTID

Health Care Careers Exploration Program™

For students entering 10^th, 11^th or 12^th grade who are interested in a career in the health care field

Learn about various careers in health care; enjoy field trips to area medical facilities; be a part of hands-on demonstrations in biology, exercise science, laboratory science, microbiology, nursing, and nutrition; become CPR certified; and more.

Learn more about Health Care Careers Exploration Program™

Summer Program

RIT/NTID

TechTigers™

For students entering 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grade who are interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math

Students will build a high-tech gadget, create 3D designs of products, conduct laboratory experiments, and more.

Learn more about TechTigers™

Young female holding a camera to her eye as she frames a photo

Competition

Virtual

Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition™

For 9^th – 12^th grade students with an interest in art

Students can submit their original artwork to win a prize!

Learn more about Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition™

$Male student holding a pencil, working on a math problem$

Competition

RIT/NTID

Math Competition

For middle school students who are deaf or hard of hearing

Student teams compete in several rounds that test speed, accuracy, teamwork and other math skills.

Learn more about Math Competition

Close-up photo of a young male's hand holding a pen

Competition

Virtual

Spirit Writing Competition™

For 10^th – 11^th grade writers

Write about any topic you want for a chance to win a prize!

Learn more about Spirit Writing Competition™

Close-up On Row of Gamer's Hands on a KeyBoard.jpgs, Actively Pushing Buttons, Playing MMO Games Online. Background is Lit with Neon Lights.

Competition

Virtual, RIT/NTID

Tiger Gaming League

For high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing

The Tiger Gaming League begins with a series of virtual individual and team competitions on a variety of platforms and games, leading up to a national competition in person at RIT/NTID.

Learn more about Tiger Gaming League

Young male student conducting science experiment

Competition

Virtual

Tiger Science Challenge

For middle school students who are deaf or hard of hearing

The Tiger Science Challenge is a series of challenges that will test your scientific knowledge, creativity, and hands-on skills in a variety of topics.

Learn more about Tiger Science Challenge

Two students looking at a computer screen

Competition

Virtual

Virtual STEM Trivia Contest

For 9^th – 12^th grade students who are deaf or hard of hearing

The Virtual STEM Trivia Contest is a one-day event that will test your knowledge on a variety of STEM and pop culture topics.

Learn more about Virtual STEM Trivia Contest

A female demonstrates bookmaking techniques to a group of students

Seminar

Virtual

Career Exploration Series™

For 9^th – 12^th grade students

Each webinar in this monthly series focuses on a unique topic that relates to career options and includes a fun activity. Students also learn which college majors can lead to a career in their area of interest.

Learn more about Career Exploration Series™

Student holding a robot he built himself

Seminar

Various locations

Pre-Employment Transition Services week

For deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students

This free one-week virtual program offers qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing students an opportunity to gain experience and explore their career interests in STEM fields. Learn about different STEM fields, make new friends during social night, and receive free kits with cool tech and activities.

Learn more about Pre-Employment Transition Services week

Equipment for snorkeling and action camera

Seminar

San Diego, CA

Tiger Sharks

For deaf and hard of hearing middle and high school students

Tiger Sharks is an exciting hands-on ocean-life exploration and marine biology program for students with strong academic skills and an interest in STEM topics and marine biology.

Learn more about Tiger Sharks