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Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Your Future

What is the Explore Your Future (EYF) program?

EYF is a six-day summer career exploration program that offers college-bound hard-of-hearing and deaf high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to learn about career options after high school—and have fun doing it!

Who is eligible to attend?

You are eligible if:

  • you will be a high school junior or senior in fall 2012.
  • you are college-bound and in good academic standing.
  • you have a hearing loss.
  • You will be 19 years old or younger on August 1, 2012.

What happens at EYF?

Each day, you are in exciting classes doing hands-on activities with a group of 10 – 12 other students and the counselor assigned to your group. There you:

  • learn about different careers
  • discover what types of careers you are interested in

In the late afternoon and evening, you participate in social activities such as

  • dances
  • bowling
  • ice-skating (yes! we have a rink!)
  • going to an amusement park

All the activities are well supervised and allow you to experience EYF to the fullest!

What are the dates for this summer's sessions?

Session I: July 14-19, 2012.

Session II: July 21-26, 2012.

What does the program cost?

The cost is $650 and covers room, board, and all activities—everything but spending money and transportation to our campus. You can pay by check or credit card (VISA and MasterCard).

Program fees will no longer be refundable after Saturday, June 30 for Session I and after Saturday, July 7 for Session II.

How do I pay?

If you are accepted, we will provide you with links to web pages with payment information and EYF registration forms. If you are paying by credit card, you will have the option to pay online.

Program fees will no longer be refundable after Saturday, June 30 for Session I and after Saturday, July 7 for Session II.

Is there any financial aid available?

In some states, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), or a similar office, will pay some or the entire fee. To find out, contact your VR counselor or the state VR office.

There are limited scholarships available based on your financial need. If you would like to apply for one, please make sure to complete the scholarship portion of the payment form.

How do I apply?

For complete details on the application process, visit this page.

When will I know when I am officially accepted?

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an official EYF acceptance letter by mail. In addition, you will be directed to go online to print and complete the required program forms and mail them to us with payment by April 30, 2012.

Where will I stay? Where do I go to eat?

You and a roommate will share a room on campus in one of the residence halls. This is a great way to get a taste of college living!

The dining hall is nearby and there are vending machines and other places on campus to grab a snack if you get hungry between meals. You won't starve!

When is arrival and check in?

For either session, arrive at the CSD Student Development Center room 1300 between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on the Saturday that the session starts. You can check in there.

If your parents are coming and plan to stay in Rochester, we provide a list of hotels online, as well as a list of sights to see.

When does the program end and when is check out?

The program ends on Thursday, the last day of your session. You will need to check out of the residence hall and return your room key between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

What will I do while my parents are in the workshop?

  • Explore the campus
  • Hang out with your new friends
  • Visit Java Wally's at the library.
  • Use the new athletic center.
  • Check out the new bookstore.
  • Get ice cream at Ben and Jerry's.
  • Visit restaurants and shops at Park Point.

Then join your parents for the campus tour.

How about transportation to the program?

You are responsible for arranging transportation to the program. We recommend that if you are flying, you fly into the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), not to the airport in Buffalo.

Why?

  • Even though the flight to Buffalo may be cheaper, Buffalo is at least an hour away and the ground transportation from there to Rochester actually makes the trip more expensive.

How do I get from the airport, train or bus station to campus?

  • From the airport, train or bus station, shuttle transportation is available directly to RIT for $20 each way. Let us know if your student wants shuttle transportation and we will make reservations for him or her.
  • There will be a representative from Apple Transportation present at the baggage claim area (Look for the "EYF" sign and orange shirts) at the airport to pick up students.
  • No matter which mode of transportation, if we have your transportation information and you requested the shuttle, we will have someone there to meet you.

What if I need to contact someone about last minute transportation changes?

Please check back in June for more information about last minute transportation changes.

What if I need to contact my son/daughter or the EYF Coordinator in an emergency?

For emergencies, please call RIT Public Safety at 585.475.3333.

What do I need to bring?

All of the following items are a must for your comfort and well-being!

  • Sleeping bag or extra-long single sheets and blankets. If you forget to bring these, there will be a $15 charge to rent them. This may be the preferred method for students who are flying and don't want to pay extra luggage fees.
  • Photocopy of your medical insurance card
  • Bath towel, face towel, and wash cloth
  • Your own toiletries: soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, band-aids, sun screen/lotion, shampoo, comb, blow dryer, etc.
  • Bathing suit, sneakers, jeans, sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, underwear, socks, a rain-resistant jacket, walking shoes
  • Extra towels for swimming
  • Laundry facilities are available (bring laundry detergent if you plan to wash clothes)
  • Long distance telephone calling card
  • Spending money for campus bookstore or snacks

Additional Things to Bring

Students, if you use a hearing aid or have a cochlear implant, we suggest you bring the following items:

For those who use hearing aids:

  • Dri-aid kit
  • Batteries

For those who have cochlear implants:

  • Extra cords
  • Batteries
  • Dri-aid kit
  • Magnets
  • Back-up headset/speech processor

These dri-aid kits, contracts and back up equipment will ensure that you'll be able to get the most out of your listening equipment while you are here.