GenCyber Justification Letter for VR Counselors

GenCyber
Gallaudet University
June 20-27, 2023

Dear Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf/Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor:

Every summer, Gallaudet University, through its Youth Programs office, hosts several camp
programs for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing youth. This year’s camps are scheduled for June
20-27, 2023 on our picturesque campus in Washington, D.C. Our Summer Youth Camps are
designed for middle and high school students up to the age of 19. The camps provide stimulating
summer learning and experiential opportunities that blend education, excitement, and enjoyment
in a bilingual environment, rich in cultural diversity, located just minutes from the U.S. Capitol.

Gallaudet University is the world’s only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard
of hearing students. For more than 150 years, Gallaudet University has led advances in education
for deaf and hard of hearing students and deaf rights worldwide. Today, students from across the
United States and around the globe, diverse in perspective, backgrounds, interests, and
communication styles, form an exciting learning community as they prepare for dynamic careers
and a lifetime of growth.

We want to call your attention to the GenCyber camp. It is designed for college-bound deaf
and hard of hearing students entering grades 10-12. Campers will explore several branches of
science and technology, including Information Technology, Mathematics, Coding, and
Cybersecurity.

GenCyber will benefit campers in developing their understanding of STM fields and preparing
them for post-high school success. The GenCyber camp will enable campers to return to school
equipped with additional skills, knowledge, and abilities that will be applicable in preparing for
their future career development. The following activities have been developed to support our
goal in preparing our campers both personally and professionally:

• Experience what it is like to be a student on the Gallaudet University campus.
• Learn about the various fields within STM from accomplished deaf professors from
  each field of study.
• Meet with successful deaf professionals during classes and learn how they prepared
  for their career successes.
• 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.

GenCyber meets the goals of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS/PETS) program in the following areas:

• Campers receive information on post-secondary educational opportunities.
• Campers understand the importance of self-advocacy through career classes, leadership
  seminars, educational field trips, team-building activities, workshops, and group
  discussions.

GenCyber will take place from June 20- 27, 2023. Due to a generous grant from the National
Security Agency and National Science Foundation, there is no camp fee. However, campers
are responsible for their own transportation costs to and from Washington D.C./Gallaudet
University, and this is something that VR can assist with. We will provide round-trip
transportation to and from Union Station or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Campers are encouraged to bring their own spending money as well.

We look forward to collaborating with you to support deaf and hard of hearing youth, and to start
early in preparing for their future. For more information about our Summer Youth Camps, please
see http://www.gallaudet.edu/youth-programs/summer-youth-camps. Also, feel free to contact
me at jesse.saunders@gallaudet.edu if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jesse Saunders
Director, Youth Programs