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Internships!

Forward Focus February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that just means that we need to pack it FULL! This month we share resources to help us maintain a Forward Focus in February.

In this third installment of our “Forward Focus February” series, we check out some internships and job opportunities that may be of interest. Also, even if you are not seeking an internship or summer job this year, it’s great to know what is available!

DORS-sponsored programs

Maryland students have a tremendous resource in the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and its Office of Blindness & Vision Services (OBVS). In addition to providing needed tools and technology for individuals with disabilities, DORS provides employment-related support. In fact, the title of the DORS web page is: “DORS: Helping Marylanders With Disabilities Go To Work”

DORS supports several agencies and non-profits in providing work-based learning experiences (WBLEs). These are (typically summer) programs where you receive training and coaching and where you get to have part-time PAID jobs. While the details of these programs have not yet been finalized, it’s never too early to make sure that you have an open case with DORS and are communicating with your DORS counselor. 

If you know your DORS counselor:

Contact your DORS counselor about what you would like for the summer. If you don’t know exactly what you want, talk with your DORS counselor about what might be available that would meet your needs.

If you don’t know whether you have an open case with DORS:

  • Contact DORS directly and ask. Find more information on the Request DORS Services webpage.
  • The Free Bridges Helpdesk is happy to help. Please reach out to us, and we can help you with finding out who to contact and/or with contacting that individual.

If you know you don’t have a case with DORS yet:

Please reach out to the Free Bridges Helpdesk. We look forward to discussing any of these matters with you, and we’re happy to connect you with Muttasim Fadl, the Transition Specialist for OBVS/DORS.

Other Internships For Maryland Students

NASA Internships

Description:

  • These paid internships are offered across NASA facilities in fall, spring, and summer sessions.
  • One application is viewed agencywide.
  • Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.

Eligibility:

  • U.S. Citizens
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (grade point average)
  • Opportunities are available at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and educator levels
  • Prior experience is not required

Location:

Application deadline:

  • Early March
  • Apply soon!

Prerequisite:

Internships for Students Already in College

Accessible Pharmacy

Description:

  • Paid internship
  • Get hands-on experience with the following:
    • Healthcare & medication management
    • Sales
    • Market research
    • Customer service
    • Quality assurance
    • Writing

Eligibility:

  • Enrolled in a college or university
  • Be blind or have low-vision
  • Work from home
  • Must be outgoing
  • Must feel comfortable speaking on the phone with clients, patients and our pharmacy team

Location:

Application deadline:

  • None stated, but don’t wait

AFB Talent Lab Internship Information webpage

Description:

  • A fully remote and flexible program consisting of nine terms completed over the course of three years. You may participate in one, multiple, or all nine terms.
  • Participants are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program, including foundational coursework, independent and team-oriented client projects, and meetings with program mentors and supervisors.
  • Participants represent the AFB and, as a result, are required to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards while participating in the program.

Work Requirements:

  • Participants should expect to be engaged with program coursework, projects, or other activities for a certain number of hours each week depending on the term:
    • For Summer sessions, expect to work about 25-30 hours each week.
    • For Spring & Fall sessions, expect to work about 6-10 hours each week.

Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled full-time in college or another higher education program
  • Studying computer science or a related field
  • Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior
  • Have a recommendation from a professor or instructor

Application deadlines:

AFB Talent Lab Apprenticeship Information webpage

Description:

  • A fully remote, full-time program (35 hours per week) lasting two years.
  • Participate fully in all aspects of the program, including foundational coursework, independent and team-oriented client projects, and meetings with program mentors and supervisors.
  • Participants represent the AFB and, as a result, are required to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards while participating in the program.

Eligibility:

  • Be able to work full-time for 2 years to complete the program
  • Be skilled at using Assistive Technologies, such as screen readers or magnification, etc.
  • Have an interest in pursuing digital inclusion through product testing and management.
  • Provide a professional resume
  • Provide a professional letter of recommendation, such as from a colleague or a supervisor.
  • Provide a writing sample of approximately 500 words in length.

Application deadline:

  • “The next cohort of the AFB Talent Lab Apprenticeship is currently expected to begin in January 2024 with applications reopening later in 2023. Please continue to check [Apply to Join the AFB Talent Lab] page for updates on application dates and deadlines.”

More information:

Internships for the Summer of 2024

NLS Aspiring Leaders Internship Program

Description:

  • The program runs during the summer, between 12 to 15 weeks.
  • Under the guidance of mentors, interns work on selected tasks and projects within one of the five main divisions of NLS: the Office of the Director, Business Operations Division, Collections Division, Patron and Network Engagement Division, and Program Delivery Division.

Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students and those who have graduated within the past five years from an accredited two-year or four-year college or university are eligible to apply.

Application deadline:

  • Deadline for summer internships is typically in November of the prior year

NLS (the National Library Service)

Description:

Eligibility:

Application deadline:

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridge’s Technical Assistance Center’s Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.

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