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Summer Institute 2008

PeopleTech Summer Institute 2008

If you are a high school senior who will be graduating this spring, planning to attend a CUNY college, or if you are already enrolled in a CUNY college and need help, find out about a chance to get some important training and engage in social activities. See the sections below for details.

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short description of the PeopleTech summer institute

The PeopleTech Summer Institute is a course designed to offer students with disabilities the chance to focus on and heighten those skill areas that are critical to success in college. It will include training in computer applications and assistive technology, library research, assistive technology for math and science, and self-advocacy. It is FREE to all CUNY (City University of New York) students through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

CCVIP summer course catalog. Code: CCV-4201

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2008 summer institute description

We believe that every student with a qualified disability who chooses to enter a college or a university must have access to full set of tools for success, and have the appropriate training to use those tools, as well as familiarity with the college environment. PeopleTech is in year 3 of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to conduct summer institutes, the first of which was held in the summer of 2007. The Institute will prepare qualified individuals for the rigorous demands placed on them by the higher education system. In addition to preparing students, the summer institute has an important goal in developing leadership skills and interest in the areas of mathematics, science, and the social sciences.

The summer institute will focus on four broad training areas: general assistive technologies, library research, technologies for mathematics and sciences, and skills in self-advocacy and leadership. In addition, there will be numerous social interaction opportunities, The experience does not end at the end of summer 2008. PeopleTech will provide additional interaction opportunities to participants by involving them in online forums, trainings, mentoring, and other activities.

general assistive technology

Over the past few years, technology has become an integral part of our culture and our daily lives. Almost every interaction is performed using technology. For individuals with disabilities, this interaction promises to bring enormous benefits in learning and independence with the use of assistive technologies. The summer institute will provide a look at these assistive technologies and enable the participants to get an understanding of how to effectively utilize these technologies for their individual needs.

library research

Research is an integral part of any college or university environment. Whether this research is conducted through the library or by using the internet, having an understanding of the tools that are often used to conduct research means the difference between survival and failure. The sessions designed to provide an introduction to these tools and how to effectively use them with assistive technologies will enable participants to gain basic knowledge regarding college libraries. Above all, this portion of the summer institute will make sure that participants have a grounding in ways of approaching research projects.

mathematics and science technologies

Every student entering a college or a university is required to demonstrate basic comprehension in mathematics and science. These two categories of subjects can be quite challenging for many students with disabilities. For many reasons, students may struggle in demonstrating these basic competencies. Some assistive technologies are available that can make learning not only less challenging but fun. The summer institute will provide an introduction to these tools.

self-advocacy

Above all, as a student with a disability, one of the challenges of a higher education environment is knowing what help is available to you. Questions such as, "What can I expect from a college disability service office", and "What do I do if that help is not available," always plague students. The last part of the summer institute will focus on providing some important information about these questions. This portion will also lead participants to answer questions about their leadership potential.

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who is eligible for the summer institute

PeopleTech will only offer one summer session in 2008. Enrollment will consist of a maximum of twelve students. PeopleTech will make the training available to:

  1. existing CUNY students with sensory and/or learning disabilities who are enrolled in courses and need the training skills described above
  2. incoming CUNY students with sensory and/or learning disabilities who will also need important skills described above

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summer institute costs

Training will be delivered free of charge to those students who are matriculated at a CUNY institution or have plans to matriculate at a CUNY institution either in the summer or fall of 2008.

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session schedules

PeopleTech will be offering one section of the summer institute to eligible participants. This is a twelve-session course.

Mondays and Wednesdays, June 16 through July 30, 5:30 - 8:30 PM. No sessions will be held during the week of July 7.

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This summer institute opportunity is being made available through a generous grant from the U.S. Department of Education. In return, the Department of Education has asked PeopleTech to provide data that can be used to judge the effectiveness of this training. By participating in this program, you agree to:

  • allow PeopleTech to gather anonymous information about you and your participation in this program.

  • allow PeopleTech staff to contact you after the training has completed to follow up on your progress.

  • participate in brief surveys designed to gather information on your experience in the program.

  • allow PeopleTech staff to contact you about additional training opportunities that might benefit your educational goals

In return, PeopleTech will strictly adhere to its privacy policy and never sell or disseminate your private information to third parties.

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summer institute program application

In order to be eligible for this program, you must fill the summer institute application. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by our staff to provide additional information and to gather additional history. We wish to make your summer institute experience as personal as possible. Some of the information on the application will allow us to understand who you are and what your interests are.

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further information

We wish to provide you the best experience during this process. If you have additional questions or need help filling out the application, please be sure to let us know by going to our contact page or by calling us at 646-312-1425. You may also send an e-mail to Pratik Patel for assistance.

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