Shoreline student chosen for DO-IT Scholars Summer Study program

Ryan Hribernick from Shoreline was selected to participate in the 2016 DO-IT Scholars Program. Ryan attends Shorewood High School.

About forty-five college-bound high school students with disabilities will come together on the University of Washington (UW) Seattle campus to participate in the annual DO-IT Scholars Summer Study program.

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) is funded by the state of Washington, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education. Other generous donors include the Boeing Company, Microsoft, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Beginning July 12th, new DO-IT Scholars will spend ten days living on campus, participating in an intensive program designed to promote college and career success. The students will learn about challenging careers in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Returning second year Scholars will stay on campus for one week starting July 16th.

“DO-IT Scholars learn about college life by living in a dorm, getting along with a roommate, participating in academic classes, preparing for challenging careers, and having fun,” explains Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, founder and director of DO-IT. 

“Year-round, they communicate via the Internet with their new friends and are mentored by successful adults with disabilities. Year after year, they connect through DO-IT activities and are supported as they transition to college and careers. Many successful DO-IT Scholars continue in the program as mentors to younger participants.”

Second and third year students will once again prepare for academic programs and careers while mentoring first year students. They also complete challenging projects during their stay on campus. This year, they will work on projects in fields such as neurobiology and robotics.

DO-IT Scholars targets high school sophomores and juniors with disabilities in Washington State who are interested in pursuing higher education. The program seeks to encourage their participation in challenging academic programs and careers. Students apply to the program during the fall with recommendations from their parents, teachers, and counselors.

Each year, approximately seventeen new students enter the program, beginning their experience with Summer Study. Once selected, the students are loaned computers, software, and adaptive technology to use in their homes as they learn to use the technology as a tool for empowerment. The program continues with independent projects and Internet interaction with mentors, teachers, and fellow students during the school year.

For information about Scholars or other DO-IT programs and activities, email or call 206-685-3648 (voice/TTY) or 888-972-3648 (voice/TTY).