Opportunities

NLS Aspiring Leaders Internship Program. Apply by March 1, 2025

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), supported by the National Library for the Blind Endowment, has launched a paid internship that offers individuals who are legally blind the opportunity to gain work experience and explore career options working in the areas of collections building, program delivery, and business oversight and management. Application details can be found on the NLS Aspiring Leaders Internship Program website. The deadline for the summer 2025 session is March 1. All interns will work remotely.

Established through the National Library for the Blind Endowment, this paid internship offers legally blind individuals the opportunity to work at NLS in areas that support services for the blind, including collections building, program delivery, and business oversight and management. Through this program, interns will gain valuable experience and explore potential career options while being guided through mentorships and developmental activities. The next session runs for 10 weeks during the summer of 2025.

Application Process

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students and those who have graduated within the past five years from an accredited two-year or four-year college or university are eligible to apply. In addition, applicants:

• Must be US citizens
• Must be legally blind
• Must be able to work remotely

A complete application package includes a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, a recent official or unofficial transcript, and an application form that is completed online.

Applicants interested in the summer 2025 session must submit completed applications by March 1, 2025.

Learn more about the program and the application process.

For More Information

Johnny Davis
Head, Administrative Services
NLSInternships@loc.gov

Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop April, 2025

The National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision will offer a FREE Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop April 29-30, 2025. This job search skills training program for transition-age youth with visual impairments includes about 40 hours of content and covers topics such as preparing for an interview, disability disclosure, resume development, online job searches, and improving self-presentation. The program is designed to be implemented by two trainers with 10-15 youth.

WHO: This interactive workshop is intended for professionals who provide direct services to transition-age youth with visual impairments and are interested in becoming Putting Your Best Foot Forward trainers. Workshop participants will learn about research on work experience and job search programs, group training techniques, learning processes used in the program, and program content and materials. To become a Putting Your Best Foot Forward trainer, you must complete a full trainer workshop.

At least two people from your same location must attend the same workshop; however, we will also accept groups of three. Each workshop is capped at six groups (12-18 trainers).

WHEN: The next workshop is scheduled for April 29-30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST. Registration information will be posted when available.

WHERE: Online, through Zoom videoconferencing software. (Video and audio are required.)

WHY: After successfully completing the workshop, you will receive a certificate of completion and access the Putting Your Best Foot Forward program materials to download free of charge. You will also have the option of earning up to ACVREP continuing education credits.

If you have questions about the workshop or registration, please contact Karma Marshall at kmarshall@colled.msstate.edu.