Idaho State University's Academy NExT Summer Camp Provides Learning Opportunities to Students with Disabilities

The in-person five day camp will be held from July 25 - 29, 2022 with a virtual option that will be held from August 1 - 5, 2022. Created in partnership with the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Academy NExT serves students aged 14-21 across Idaho with disabilities by providing support for post-secondary education and employment. 

 

The various activities provided by Academy NExT are designed to strengthen students’ problem-solving skills to overcome challenges, improve their individual and team communication strategies, and develop resiliency through authentic hands-on experiences.

 

Students participating in the in-person camp will have the opportunity to stay in the Idaho State University dorms, explore careers by touring various academic program areas, and learn tools and skills necessary to support post-secondary transitions. In addition, students will also have the chance to participate in a “riddle-style” scavenger hunt on campus, explore the ISU greenhouse, take a field trip to Zoo Idaho in Pocatello, learn pottery at the ISU Craft Shop, enjoy a movie night in the College of Education auditorium, and more. Students participating in the virtual camp will have the chance to work with minecraft, conduct interviews with digital avatars, and build a personal webpage to replicate a digital resume.  

 

“Our goal is to give these students as much independence as possible through experiences that are safe while also letting them fail with a safety net,” explained Academy NExT Coordinator and Professor of Special Education, Dr. Jenn Gallup.  

  

Graduate students from the College of Education’s Bachelor’s and Master’s in Special Education programs will also serve as mentors to small groups of students in Academy NExT. Mentors provide constant, reliable support to participants by incorporating the knowledge and skills they have learned through their undergraduate or graduate degree programs. These mentors interact with participants on a one-on-one level, which allows them to further grow and thrive through Academy NExT. 

Academy NExT will host 13 in-person campers and 22 online campers this summer. To learn more contact Dr. Jenn Gallup at galljenn@isu.edu or Dr. Joel Bocanegra at bocajoel@isu.edu.