Canadian youth with sight loss are invited to join CNIB Learning Academy for engaging virtual and in-person programs offered throughout the year! Our programs challenge youth from grades six to first year of post-secondary studies to develop pre-employment, leadership, independence and social skills. All Learning Academy programs are tailored to grade level categories. Please read program descriptions carefully.
Current Programs
Primary Explorers (grades 4-6)
This one-week virtual camp is about becoming aware of the world of work and how it relates to us at a very early age. We will address the basic questions “What is a job?”, “What sorts of jobs do our family members have?” and “Why is work important?” Attendees will learn how to perform their own research through casual conversation with family and community acquaintances. Through short group conversations, fun interactive educational games, interesting guest speakers and playful exercises, participants will learn to dream big and expand their possibilities for the future.
Camp Connect for Primary Explorers
Dates: Weekdays from July 7-11, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
Location: CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto)
Description: Camp Connect for Primary Explorers is a new week-long summer program for children ages 7 to 13. Running from July 7 to 11, this unique day camp is all about exploring the many ways we communicate through technology, storytelling, media, and even transit! With the theme of “Communication”, explorers will dive into exciting hands-on activities across the city, meeting real-world experts and discovering how communication shapes the world around them. From the library to the local police, each day brings a new adventure.
Register for Primary Explorers: To receive an application form, please contact Attila Mihaly, Program Coordinator, Child and Youth at attila.mihaly@cnib.ca or call at 437-244-2752. Registration closes on Monday, June 23.
Junior Explorers (grades 7 and 8)
Get the jump on high school with this unique virtual program. Participants will explore their skills and strengths, hear from successful visually impaired community members about their careers, and learn about best practices for academic success. Participants begin to build foundations for this important transition and plant the seeds for early career recognition and exploration. Program content will be delivered in a fun and engaging style utilizing group games, challenges, and chats.
More information
Stay tuned for updates to the Junior Explorers program! To be notified of upcoming Junior Explorers sessions or for more information, contact Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Program Lead, Learning Academy at Rhonda.Underhill-Gray@cnib.ca or by phone at (647) 535-8962.
Young Achievers (grades 8-12)
Get serious about your academic and career goals with Young Achievers. This bridging program to the flagship SCORE Scholars program helps participants build fundamental analytical and goal setting skills. Early volunteer, summer and part time jobs are discussed in relationship to long term school and career aspirations.
Young Achievers 2025
Dates: Weekdays from August 11-21, 2025
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Daily
Location: Virtually on Zoom
Description: Are you a student heading into Grade 8 or higher and starting to think about your future? Maybe you’re wondering how the choices you make now can shape what comes next. That’s exactly what we’ll explore in Young Achievers, a virtual workshop running from August 11-21! Designed to be interactive and inspiring, this program offers students a chance to dive into decision-making, goal-setting, and planning for high school and beyond — all from the comfort of home. Throughout the week, participants will engage in activities that challenge them to think about who they are, what they want, and how to take meaningful steps toward those goals. Among the many engaging activities planned, students will take part in mock virtual lectures to get a feel for what academic life might look like in the years ahead. They'll also explore how early opportunities such as volunteering, summer programs, and part-time jobs can align with and support long-term educational and career goals. In addition, guest speakers who have experienced vision loss and become leaders in their fields will share personal stories that offer powerful lessons in resilience, purpose, and the value of making thoughtful choices. It’s all about building confidence, understanding your options, and learning why making thoughtful decisions about academics, extracurriculars, and even downtime is important. Young Achievers also serves as a bridge to the flagship SCORE Scholars program. It’s designed to help students develop fundamental analytical and goal-setting skills that will support them throughout their academic journey. Applicants to the SCORE Scholars program who have successfully completed at least one Learning Academy program (like Young Achievers) will be given preference for inclusion. Whether you’re already dreaming big or just starting to explore your path, Young Achievers is here to help you make the most of the journey!
Registration required. To register for Young Achievers, please contact Attila Mihaly, Program Coordinator, Child and Youth at attila.mihaly@cnib.ca or call at 437-244-2752.
SCORE Scholars (Grades 11, 12 & first year post-secondary)
Dates: July 19 – August 2, 2025 (in person)
Application deadline: Monday, April 14, 2025
Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers.
SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions. Accommodations and programming will take place on a post secondary campus in the Greater Toronto Area.
Originally the National SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) Program and now part of Learning Academy as SCORE Scholars, this is a two-week in-person commitment.
Apply now to CNIB Learning Academy’s SCORE Scholars program to secure an admissions interview!
Eligibility
To be considered for the SCORE Scholars program, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian student in grades 11, 12 or first year of post-secondary
- Have strong orientation & mobility skills and independent living skills
- Be interested in experiential learning activities and developing leadership skills
- Be determined to work on personal independence and problem-solving skills
- Have a demonstrated interest in putting personal strengths to use for the betterment of peers, family, and community
- Be committed to participating in all program activities.
Apply for the 2025 SCORE Scholars program
To participate, complete the SCORE Scholars program application form, and answer questions about yourself, your interests, and goals. You’ll also need a letter of recommendation from an endorser who will be contacted. This should be someone who knows you well, like a CNIB staff member, teacher, workplace/volunteer supervisor or youth group leader. Additionally, you will include a 750-word essay introducing yourself and discussing how you’ll benefit from attending the SCORE Scholars Program. Please send a copy of your resume if you have one.
Download the SCORE Scholars Application Form.
If your application is picked for an interview, you will be contacted and scheduled. Your parent or guardian will also be interviewed separately.
Submit the application by Monday, April 14, 2025 to Rhonda Underhill-Gray, Program Lead, Learning Academy at rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca or call 647-535-8962.