DO-IT (Scholars)

Getting to college involves thoughtful preparation. It is important to start as early as your sophomore or junior year in high school.

Being in college means managing a demanding schedule. It is important to develop and utilize personal skills in the areas of self-advocacy, self-management, and study skills.

Parents of youth with disabilities have unique opportunities to promote their successful transition to postsecondary education, employment, and full adult participation in society. Families can assist in the transition process by providing adolescents with direction in their exploration of interests, guidance in career and college planning, and encouragement as they pursue their dreams. Parents can provide the foundation for young people to become self-determined, to learn decision-making skills, and to gain access to resources.

The DO-IT Scholars program is designed to help prepare high school students with disabilities for college and challenging careers, such as those in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. It promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment.

The DO-IT Pals program is an online community for middle and high school students with disabilities who are interested in college and challenging careers. The program includes frequent electronic mail and personal contact with Mentors and other DO-IT Pals. Mentors are college students, faculty, and practicing engineers, scientists, and other professionals, many of whom have disabilities themselves.

Online mentoring can help students with disabilities with their social development and goals in education and careers. Some youth with disabilities are not accepted by their peers and experience isolation as a result. They have few friends or little contact with other students with disabilities and thus have limited access to positive role models with disabilities.