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
SCORE Scholars
Primary Explorers (grades 4-6)
Junior Explorers (grades 7 and 8)
Young Achievers (grades 8-12)
Family Zoom Room
SCORE Scholars
Dates: August 1-16, 2026. August 1–12: University of Toronto – Scarborough Campus (Toronto, Ontario). August 13–16: CNIB Lake Joe (Muskoka, Ontario)
Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) is a fun, skills-based summer experience for youth who are blind or have low vision. Participants build confidence, independence, and teamwork skills through hands-on activities, workshops, and outdoor fun while connecting with peers and mentors from across the country.
Why go to SCORE? SCORE is for youth (grade 10 up to first year who are planning to attend college or university) who are eager to build important skills before starting their next chapter. SCORE focuses on personal growth, goal setting, and preparing for new challenges, whether that’s transitioning to post-secondary education, or employment opportunities. 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.
Eligibility
To be considered for the SCORE program, applicants must:
- Have completed grade 10 or be 16–21 years of age
- Be willing to travel independently to Toronto
- Demonstrate strong orientation and mobility skills
- Possess good independent living skills
- Be interested in new experiences and personal growth
- Be planning for post-secondary education or further training
Apply for the CNIB SCORE 2026 Program!
Applicants will be interviewed as part of the application process. Early applications are encouraged, as interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis and space is limited. Apply now to CNIB Learning Academy’s SCORE program to secure an admissions interview!
Click here to complete the SCORE Application Form
Application deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026.
We look forward to receiving your applications and to an exciting summer ahead!
For more information, contact Attila Mihaly, Coordinator, Braille Literacy and Learning Academy at attila.mihaly@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.
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.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the primary explorers program!
To be notified of upcoming 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.
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.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the junior explorers program and application deadlines!
To be notified of upcoming 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.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates for the young achievers program and application deadlines!
To be notified of upcoming 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.
Family Zoom Room
he Family Zoom Room is a fun interactive virtual program where participants and their families come together to learn and connect. The first half of the session features games and hands-on activities that support the Expanded Core Curriculum and build real-life skills in a fun, engaging way. The session wraps up with a professional story time that encourages a love of reading and shared family learning.
The Family Zoom Room meets every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:15. Eastern Time on Zoom. Zoom information will be shared after registering.
Registration required. To register, please complete the CNIB Auto Registration Form.