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Not sure what life will look like after high school? Come to Gallaudet University and discover college and careers in Washington, D.C.!

APPLY NOW

Overview

Program date: June 15 – 22, 2024

Program fee: $500 

 

Discover College and Careers (DC²) is designed for deaf and hard of hearing students entering grades 10-12. Students should come ready to work on developing their transition plans, identifying their interests and skills through career assessments, and exploring potential careers with Gallaudet’s five schools. Students will also experience the vibrant Gallaudet student life Washington, D.C.!

Here’s what you’ll be doing:

  • Experience what it is like to be a student on the Gallaudet University campus.
  • Create a transition portfolio and take career-related assessments, with support from our Career Center advisors and Youth Programs staff. 
  • Interpretation of assessment results to help narrow down career interest(s) and preference of work environment.
  • Explore Gallaudet’s diverse academic programs and engage in self-discovery career related activities designed to help campers learn more about their strengths, areas of improvement, personality style, interests, and values.
  • Meet with successful Deaf role models and professionals, our faculty members and staff, during leadership seminars and learn how they prepared for their career successes.
  • Participate in outdoor activities, including a Personal Discovery ropes course, to develop leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, and communication skills.
  • Learn about self-advocacy, youth leadership, and disability rights with camp staff leading workshops and activities.
  • Attend fun and educational field trips to explore Washington, D.C.: attractions include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, Union Station, and many other world-famous sights.
  • Ride until you drop at Six Flags where one of America’s best amusement parks awaits you.

Our activities are designed to expose you to 60+ areas of studies that Gallaudet offers. During the program, you will learn what type of academic preparation or training is required for the career you desire. 

 

Application Process 

Criteria: 

  • You must be deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Entering 10th – 12th grade this Fall.

You will need to submit an application online and a written prompt or an ASL video responding to: “What are your goals after graduation?” Once you’ve completed the application, we will contact you if any further information is needed. Please do not make any payment or travel arrangements until you receive an acceptance letter from us. 

Upon acceptance, you will receive a camper handbook that outlines camp preparation and  a registration form that will require you to complete the following: accommodations, dietary requirements, medical release, media release, transportation and participant agreement. 

The program fee is $500 if the application is completed by March 1st. All registration information and fee must be completed and paid by May 1st. 

We look forward to having you with us this summer! 

 

 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors 

Students will create their own transition portfolio and undergo career assessments while exploring Gallaudet’s academics.

At the end of the week, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors will receive a written report containing a student’s summary of their experience and assessment results.

Download letter for VR Counselors

FAQs

Policies and Information

Yes. If your child is traveling alone, we will provide transportation to and from the airport for those using Reagan National Airport (DCA). You will need to make other arrangements if using Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore-Washington International (BWI). Our Youth Programs staff will meet your child at the baggage claim upon arrival and accompany them to the ticketing area when departing. Additional details are in the Camper Handbook. 

The program fee covers program classes, workshops, activities, housing, three meals a day, transportation, outings, recreation fees and a camp T-shirt. We do not cover airfare or travel costs to and from Washington, D.C.

Yes. We accept payment plans in installments. A minimum $100 deposit needs to be made immediately in order to secure your child’s spot. Full payment is due within about a month in order to guarantee your child’s spot in their program of choice. We will send an email to update you on the status of processed payments as well. Alternative payment plans may be discussed.

Yes, we do offer scholarship opportunities to summer camp participants. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you will need to email us a letter explaining why you should receive the scholarship as well as a copy of your recent tax forms. We provide scholarships only to deaf and hard-hearing students. If you would like to request a scholarship, please contact us.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) support varies by state. Many of our campers have received financial assistance from their VR counselors for our Discover College and Careers camp. You may use this justification letter with your VR counselor. Please contact us if you need further assistance obtaining the VR support.

Preparing to Apply

Camp acceptance is on a rolling basis, and spots fill up quickly, so the sooner we receive your application, the better. However, applications for the early bird rate are due on March 1st. Registation forms and payment are both due on May 1st.

After applying online, you will need to submit a written prompt or an ASL video responding to: “What are your goals after graduation?” If you have questions or want to inquire about your application, please contact us for more information.

Common Questions

Check-in usually is on the first day, and check-out is on the last day of the camp. Check-in times may vary due to flight times, but we ask that campers arrive between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm on the check-in day. Campers must check out of the dorms no later than 10:00 am on the last day.

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest to Gallaudet. It is also Metro-accessible and taxi-friendly. A camp counselor will meet your child at the baggage claim and accompany them to Gallaudet.

Campers are up and at breakfast by 8:00 a.m. Classes and activities start promptly at 9:00 a.m. After a noon lunch break, campers return to classes for their afternoon sessions. During the evenings, we’ve planned for a variety of activities and social events, including an excursion into Washington, D.C. We have planned exciting days filled with learning opportunities in an environment rich in cultural diversity.

Campers are housed together in one of the dormitories on campus.

Campers are supervised 24/7 by Youth Programs staff and qualified camp counselors. Additionally, all dorms have Community Advisors on duty in the main office.

Gallaudet will provide a set of sheets, a pillow, and a set of towels (towel and washcloth). Your child may also bring his/her linens.
Yes, for snacks in the evenings and for off-campus events such as the Six Flags outing. Campers will also be able to purchase snacks and Gallaudet attire at the campus bookstore.

Services and Support

A bookstore on campus sells a variety of items typically sold in a small bookstore. It is closed on the weekends.
Back to Summer Youth Camps

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Discover College and Careers (DC²)

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