For generations, students who are blind or visually impaired have spent their summers at the Carroll Center gaining skills, confidence, and independence. Our summer youth programs for students ages 8–25 offer engaging opportunities to grow socially, academically, and personally in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Whether students are learning technology, building travel skills, preparing for college, or exploring their first job, they leave with greater independence and self-confidence. Guided by experienced blind and sighted professionals, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, connect with peers, and discover what’s possible.

Program Benefits

• Build greater independence and self-confidence
• Make meaningful friendships with peers who share similar experiences
• Grow self-advocacy skills and determination in a supportive environment
• Apply learning through real-world experiences
• Learn from skilled, compassionate instructors
• Room and board included

Our Programs

Carroll Kids (Grades 4-8)

• Summer 2026 Dates TBD

Week-long day program for targeted learning in orientation and mobility, daily living, social skills, technology, and fun, skill-building activities that promote learning and friendship.

Carroll Teens (Grades 6-9)

• Monday, June 29, 2026 – Friday, July 3, 2026

Week-long overnight program designed to foster independence and self-confidence. Students develop self-advocacy and apply their skills in orientation and mobility, daily living activities, and the use of accessible technology.

Youth In Transition (Ages 15-20)

• Monday, July 6, 2026 – Thursday, August 13, 2026

This six-week program builds life skills for success in high school, college, and work. Participants develop independence through hands-on experiences such as cooking, laundry, urban travel, technology use, and self-advocacy—while also forming meaningful friendships with peers who share similar experiences. Students practice their skills through recreational activities, weekly field trips, and daily clubs, all while living in a supervised dorm setting that supports growth, responsibility, and confidence. No matter their next step, students leave with a strong foundation for independent living, lasting connections, and a successful transition to adulthood.

Computing for College

• Monday, July 13, 2026 – Friday, July 31, 2026

This three-week program offers advanced computer instruction for high school juniors and seniors preparing for college, as well as current college students who want to strengthen their technology skills and build greater independence in higher education. Participants receive hands-on training in Windows, widely used Microsoft and Google applications, web browsing, and other essential tools for academic success. In addition to classroom learning, students will enjoy engaging activities and field trips around Boston, including visits to local colleges, offering a well-rounded and immersive pre-college experience.

Real World of Work Experience (Ages 16+)

• Monday, June 29, 2026 – Thursday, August 13, 2026

This seven-week program offers hands-on work experience in a variety of vocational, community, and entrepreneurial settings, helping students build independence as they prepare to enter the workforce. Designed for individuals ages 16 and older with little to no prior work experience, the program combines paid part-time employment with professional development experiences and recreational activities. Students will visit a variety of employment sites, meet and learn from employees who are blind, build financial literacy skills, and make meaningful friendships with peers who share similar experiences.

Learn More About Real World of Work Experience

Summer Internships (Ages 19 to 25)

• June – August, 2026

Seven to ten-week summer internships offer capable, motivated students the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience while exploring a variety of career paths. Designed for students ages 19–25, the program supports participants with job coaching, technology training in job-specific software, and individualized career counseling. Depending on individual interests and skills, interns may work in fields such as healthcare, biotech, the arts, social work, and more. Internships at the Carroll Center for the Blind may also be available for students interested in exploring vision rehabilitation and education careers.

Learn More About Summer Internships

Chuck L.

“The summer programs my daughter attended last summer had an enormous effect on her development, emotionally, socially and academically. She was a changed teen after her experience with the Carroll Center and I am forever grateful to your organization for her growth and the insights she came away with as a result of attending.”

Apply Today

Whether a student needs to learn technology, develop travel skills, have their first summer job, or get ready for college, our Summer Youth Programs can help them gain a greater sense of confidence and independence to achieve their goals.

If you’ve never been to the Carroll Center, you are welcome to arrange a tour or attend a Zoom information session. We encourage all applicants to apply to our programs early in the calendar year. Programs fill up quickly. All eligible students must have up-to-date immunizations to attend a program. If you have any questions, please email tina.laffer@carroll.org or call Tina Laffer at 617-969-6200, ext 216.