Shoreline student to participate in DO-IT Scholars Summer Study program

Director, Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler with DO-IT students

Shoreline resident Ryan Hribernick will be returning for his second year in the 2017 DO-IT Scholars Program.

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 18th, 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 22nd.

“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.