You Can DO-IT, Too!

Kathy Cook, DO-IT counselor/coordinator

Are you or someone you know interested in one of the most exciting learning experiences offered outside a virtual reality haven? If so, you will be interested in what DO-IT can do for you.

We are actively recruiting Washington state college-bound high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with disabilities to participate in the DO-IT Scholars program. We are particularly interested in attracting students who will become leaders in helping others with disabilities achieve success. The DO-IT Scholars program is funded by the state of Washington. In previous years, we have accepted Scholars from outside of Washington state through a generous grant from the National Science Foundation. We are now actively seeking funding to continue the national outreach. If successful, we will be able to once again accept Scholars outside of Washington state in the summer of the year 2000.

Participants accepted into the 1999 DO-IT Scholars will attend their first live-in summer program at the University of Washington August 3-13, 1999. Those accepted into the 2000 program will attend their first summer program in 2000. If not already available, Scholars will be loaned computer systems that they keep in their homes. They gain access to the Internet network to obtain information to pursue their studies and to communicate with staff, Scholars, and Mentors. They communicate year-round, return to the UW for a second Summer Study program and have opportunities to participate in internships and other worthwhile experiences. As Scholars move on to college, they become DO-IT Ambassadors, sharing their experiences with the younger Scholars. Still not convinced that this is the best program going? Let some of the 1998 DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors share a few thoughts on the program:

  • "It was a blast making slime."
  • "I especially liked the Wild Web World session."
  • "You are trying to help us find a job and how to do it and I really like that!"
  • "I really enjoyed the trip to the Pacific Science Center, along with the Museum of Flight."
  • "The dance evening was the most fun."
  • "I learned how to ask for accommodations from the DSS (Disabled Student Services) office, and how to approach professors about specific accommodations that they can deal with in their own classes."
  • "It was a BLAST, especially Microsoft."
  • "I feel less concerned about attending college, because I know that there will be people willing to help me if I advocate for myself and ask for what I need."
  • "I know that I can live on my own now."

Contact the DO-IT office for application information.