Education Programs

East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind (ETLB) offers educational programs designed to prepare teens and young adults for life beyond high school. Through our college preparatory program, scholarship program, and annual summer camp, teens and young adults who are blind or have a visual impairment have the opportunity to equip themselves with the skills necessary to conquer their transition goals.

Camp Lighthouse

ELIGIBILITY

To be considered for participation, applicants must:

• Be blind, visually impaired, or receive VI services through their school due to functional vision needs (including low vision, cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI), visual field loss, or other functional vision conditions, regardless of specific visual acuity measurements)
• Be 14–18 years old and enrolled in high school at the time of camp
• Be a resident of Texas
• Be able to safely participate in a shared residential environment with 24-hour supervision
• Participate in group activities with limited physical, behavioral, or social support

Applicants who move forward in the admissions process will be invited to complete a camper interview and functional assessments (Orientation & Mobility and Activities of Daily Living).

Eligibility for this camp does not determine eligibility for other East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind programs. Each program has its own criteria based on age, purpose, and available resources.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS & PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

Because space is limited, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis using a structured rubric. Priority consideration is given to:

• Applicants who live within our 40-county East Texas service region
• First-time campers

Submitting an application in February maximizes consideration, as early submissions receive priority review. Applications submitted after April 3 may be considered only if space remains available.

INDIVIDUALIZED REVIEW & SAFETY

ADA/SECTION 504 STATEMENT

READY TO APPLY?

Applications open February 2. Due to limited capacity, early application is strongly encouraged.

INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS & SCHOOL STAFF

Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs), Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS), counselors, and other school staff are welcome to submit a referral for a student they believe may benefit from our Summer Camp.

A referral allows our team to follow up with the student’s parent or guardian to share program information and application details. Referrals do not replace the application. For privacy and consent reasons, the official camp application must be completed by the parent/legal guardian or the student if they are 18 years or older.

Submitting a referral does not guarantee acceptance, but it helps ensure families are aware of the opportunity and understand next steps.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about the program content or application process, please contact Lannette Burlingame, ETLB Program Manager at 903-590-4355, or by email at lburlingame@etxlighthouse.org.

College Prep Program

A Transition Program for students who are blind or visually impaired

The East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind College Prep Program is a summer transition program designed to help students who are blind or visually impaired build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in college.

Participants live independently in student housing at Tyler Junior College and attend a real college class for five weeks while receiving structured support in assistive technology, independent living, orientation & mobility, and self-advocacy.

This program is ideal for students who are ready to practice independence while still having access to guidance and support.

WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN

Students in the College Prep Program will strengthen skills in:

• Assistive Technology (screen readers, magnification, braille, and accessible software)
• Canvas and online learning systems
• Orientation & Mobility (campus navigation and safe travel)
• Independent living skills (laundry, meals, organization, routines)
• Time management and study skills
• Self-advocacy and communication with instructors
• College readiness and personal responsibility
• Career exploration and goal setting

The program is personalized based on each student’s assessments and individual needs.

HOUSING & INDEPENDENCE

Students live in Tyler Junior College student housing and manage their own daily routines just like traditional college students.

Staff are available:

• In person during program hours
• By phone after hours for support and emergencies

This model helps students:

• Practice real independence
• Learn problem-solving skills
• Build confidence in managing daily life
• Prepare for future college housing

Students must be able to function safely in an independent living environment with reasonable accommodations.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for the College Prep Program, applicants must:

• Be between 17 and 22 years old at the start of the program
• Be blind or visually impaired
• Be a Texas resident
• Have graduated from high school or earned a GED
• Be interested in attending college or postsecondary training
• Be able to live safely and independently in student housing with after-hours phone support
• Be willing to complete required assessments (College Prep Interview, Assistive Technology, Orientation & Mobility, and Independent Living Assessments)
• Be able to participate in all scheduled program activities

Students do not need to already be experts in technology or independent living skills — the program is designed to help build and strengthen those skills.

PROGRAM DATES

• Move-in to housing/Canvas Bootcamp: July 5
• College classes and regular programming: July 6 – August 7

The program runs throughout the TJC Summer II session.

APPLICATION & ACCEPTANCE PROCESS

The College Prep Program uses a step-by-step acceptance process to make sure students are ready and supported.

STEP 1: INITIAL APPLICATION (FEBRUARY 2 – APRIL 3)

Students complete a short online application with basic information and an interest section. No medical or school records are required at this stage.

STEP 2: CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE

Eligible applicants receive conditional acceptance and are asked to complete:

• College Prep Interview
• Assistive Technology assessment
• Orientation & Mobility assessment
• Independent Living assessment
• A short writing sample
• Required consent and housing forms

These assessments help us design individualized support plans.

STEP 3: FINAL ACCEPTANCE

Once ETLB assessments and documentation, and Tyler Junior College admission and registration are complete, students receive final acceptance and prepare for move-in and orientation.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This program is a good fit for students who:

• Want to build independence before starting college
• Are motivated to learn new skills
• Are ready to practice living away from home
• Want structured support while gaining confidence
• Are comfortable communicating their needs

This is not a residential treatment or medical program. It is a college readiness and independence program.

SUPPORTIVE, NOT STRICT

Students are treated like young adults and are expected to:

• Attend classes and activities
• Communicate with staff
• Follow housing and safety rules
• Take responsibility for their schedules and belongings

Our goal is growth, not perfection.

QUESTIONS?

If you are a student, parent, teacher, or VR counselor and would like more information, please contact:

MK Kahrhoff, Program Manager
903-590-4335
mkahrhoff@etxlighthouse.org

Scholarship Program

We believe in removing barriers and creating opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired. ETLB offers needs-based educational scholarships for individuals pursuing postsecondary education opportunities, including two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees.

This program can help cover school-related expenses such as tuition, books, fees, technology, housing, and transportation. Students who receive scholarship funds through this program are also offered educational case management services to help ensure a holistic approach to success.

All scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded each semester based on the student’s academic performance, demonstrated need, and amount of funding available. Eligibility requirements include:

• Be legally blind or a dependent of someone who is legally blind.
• Be a resident of Texas.
• Acceptance to and attendance at an accredited college or university (Please note: If a degree plan is offered regionally or at a public institution of higher education, attendance at distant and/or private colleges or universities may not be funded.)
• Record of academic success.
• For graduate degree funding (e.g. master’s degree or terminal degree): Applicant must have worked in the field of proposed degree for at least two years prior to the date of application.

You will need to include the following documents with your completed application:

• Certification of legal blindness. Legal blindness is defined as an individual who cannot see better than 20/200 in the best eye with correction or whose visual field in the best eye is 20 degrees or less at the widest diameter with correction (Please note: Dependents who are not legally blind must submit certification of parent/guardian legal blindness.)
• Proof of Texas residency.
• A transcript(s) from the school you are currently attending. Entering freshmen will need to include their high school transcripts and graduate students will also need to include undergraduate transcripts.
• For graduate degree applicants: Proof of employment in field of degree.
• One letter of reference from a person not related to the applicant. Examples include letters from vocational, high school, or college counselors, academic advisors, and current or former teachers.
• Proof of acceptance from a post-secondary school.
• One 3-4 paragraph letter of intent describing your educational, career, and future plans. Letter should include what this scholarship will mean to you and/or your family.
• Proof of FAFSA application and award.
• Proof of financial aid award from institution (required even if award is $0).
• Documentation of any other forms of financial aid including Pell Grants and/or other scholarships.
• Student detailed schedule for upcoming semester.
• Invoices justifying requested scholarship amount.

All supporting documentation – except current semester grades and invoices not yet posted by the student’s postsecondary institution (e.g. housing bill) – must be received by the posted deadline. Current semester grades and other required documentation received by student after the application deadline must be submitted as soon as they are available.

Please note: Funding amounts are based on demonstrated need, student performance, and amount of funding available. Funding limits are based on funding availability and may vary between semesters.

For more information about the program or application process, please contact MK Kahrhoff, Education and Employment Services Administrator, at 903-590-4335, or by email at mkahrhoff@etxlighthouse.org.

East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind is proud to offer two grant opportunities for teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs), certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS), and other professionals who directly serve blind or visually impaired children or young adults. We have two grant cycles throughout the year based on when the activity is planned – Fall and Spring/Summer.

Student-Related Grant Details

• Activity involves a student(s) who is visually impaired, blind, or deafblind living in Texas.
• Activity focused on the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Funding Limit: Up to $500/teacher/school year (Considerations may be made for larger groups).

Requirements:

• Application and supporting documentation submitted on or before the deadline (see below).
• Summary of activity including students, goals, objectives, and budget.
• Professional letter of recommendation.

Professional Development Grant Details

• Professionals working with students who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind living in Texas.
• Professional development must be specific to serving BVI population.
• Professional development may include certifications, CEUs, conferences, workshops, webinars and/or travel expenses related to accessing training.
• Funding Limit: Up to $1,000/teacher/school year.

Requirements:

• Application and supporting documentation submitted on or before the deadlines.
• Summary of professional development goals and application of knowledge.
• Professional letter of recommendation.