RISE Calendar
These events will be of interest to blind and low vision high school and college students. RSVP links will typically be made available a month in advance of the event's registration deadline.
Please check back often as we update these listings.
Questions? Please email Project RISE coordinator, Joe Orozco, at: rise@nfbv.org, or call: 703-594-9634.
Project RISE Farm Volunteer Day
Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 2026
Format: In person
Registration Deadline: Past due.
Description: Hope and Serenity Farm Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a loving home to over 250 formally neglected or abused farm animals. We will take a tour of the farm, spend time with the animals, and help with chores such as feeding, watering, and cleaning out stalls. You won't want to miss this truly hands-on opportunity!
Raising Leaders, Breaking Barriers
Date/Time: Sunday, January 18 at 12:00 PM - Monday, January 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM
Format: In person
Registration Deadline: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Click here to register for Raising Leaders, Breaking Barriers.
Ready to take your skills — and your confidence — to the next level? Join us for an unforgettable Project RISE weekend packed with self-advocacy training, hands-on career exploration, and a whole lot of teamwork, creativity, and fun.
This year’s winter seminar in Richmond kicks things up a notch with a special entrepreneurship challenge! You and your teammates will brainstorm a business idea, write a plan, and actually create a product to sell. Each group will get a set budget to buy materials, build your product, and prepare it for sale. It’s friendly competition at its finest — and along the way, you’ll pick up real skills in leadership, problem-solving, and money management that you can use in school, at work, and everywhere else life takes you.
Don’t worry, it’s not all work! We’ve built in time to hang out, break the ice, think outside the box, and enjoy some outdoor recreation while connecting with students and mentors across generations. Expect laughter, challenges, and meaningful conversations woven with the philosophy that blindness and low vision are not what hold us back. — it’s what pushes us to do more and be more.
The Project RISE programming runs from noon on Sunday, January 18 through noon on Monday, January 19 in Richmond. Please use the registration link below to alert us if you need transportation assistance. Interested students can also choose to remain for the legislative advocacy portion of the weekend. Preparation for this starts at the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia’s winter board meeting that Monday afternoon, and appointments with your state delegates and senators take place Tuesday morning, January 20. We will have you register separately for the legislative portion to ensure you get assigned to a team.
Whether you’re in high school or college, this weekend is your space to grow, to lead, and to show what you can do. So bring your tech, your ideas, and your best self. You’re going to need all three!
Students interested in participating in the NFB of Virginia's Richmond Seminar on January 20 should also register here to be assigned to a team and set up appointments with their own state delegates and senators. Do not make hotel reservations. All travel logistics will be arranged for you.
Mastering Admissions, Accommodations, and Finding Your Perfect Fit!
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 21; 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026
Click here to register for Mastering Admissions, Accommodations, and Finding Your Perfect Fit!
Description: Prepare to launch your undergraduate journey with an action-packed session designed for high school students ready to take charge of their future! Discover the secrets to building a standout application, meet critical deadlines, and craft essays that make admissions teams give you a second glance. Go beyond paperwork: explore practical strategies for securing reasonable accommodations and learn insider tips for discovering colleges and universities that truly match your academic, social, and accessibility needs. Walk away confident in finding a school where you'll thrive—academically and personally. High school juniors and seniors are most likely to benefit from this session, though it is never too late to start learning!
Career Quest at Washington Seminar
Note: This event is being hosted by the NFB national office.
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25 - Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Format: In person
Registration deadline: Past due.
Description: Get ready for an informative and exciting experience during the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Career Quest Program, held during the NFB Washington Seminar. This four-day program empowers blind and low-vision students and early professionals to become confident advocates and future leaders.
You will have the chance to:
- Advocate on Capitol Hill about issues that impact the blind community.
- Learn advocacy skills that will become valuable in college, career, and life.
- Connect with peers at the National Association of Blind Students winter meeting.
- Explore industries and meet employers at the NFB Career Fair.
- Network with Federation mentors and professionals.
If you're ready to advocate, network, and shape your future, read more and complete the Career Quest Interest Application. The deadline is December 12 with possible extensions on a case by case basis.
Please direct all questions to Nikki Jackson at: 410-659-9314, extension 2404.
The NFB of Virginia also requests students to register separately by December 31 to help the Legislative Committee build teams and schedule appointments on the Hill.
Become Your Own Boss Through the Randolph-Sheppard Program
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 4; 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 21
Description: College? No college? Not everyone's dream career starts with a traditional degree—and that's totally okay! The Randolph-Sheppard Program offers blind entrepreneurs the chance to take charge, run their own businesses, and shape their own success. In this engaging session, students will dive into how the program works, what kinds of vending and food service opportunities are available, and how it equips participants with business skills, financial independence, and leadership experience. We'll break down what it takes to get started, how to access training and mentorship, and how this path can lead to long-term stability and personal freedom. Whether you're craving a career that's hands-on, independent, or totally your own, this session will show you how to turn ambition into action—and become your own boss through Randolph-Sheppard. Though the focus will be on Virginia, we welcome students nationwide to benefit from learning about the core program.
National Convention Open House
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026; 7:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Description: Ditch the routine and dive into the unparalleled excitement that is the NFB National Convention in the Lone Star! We're bringing together hundreds of blind and low-vision students for a week of skill-building, friendship, and pure Texas fun. Imagine: connecting with successful blind professionals, exploring the vibrant Austin music scene, and discovering your own incredible potential. We're talking hands-on workshops, inspiring speakers, and a community that gets you. This isn't just a conference; it's your launchpad to success, packed with the best barbecue and Tex Mex and unforgettable moments.
Why do You NEED to Be There?
- Find Your Tribe: Connect with hundreds of students across the country who get it, building lifelong friendships and a powerful network.
- Austin Adventure: Explore the heart of Texas, soaking up the culture, great outdoor attractions, music, and amazing food.
- Unlock Your Potential: Discover career paths, learn about scholarships, and leave feeling inspired and empowered.
- Pure Fun: It's not all work! Expect exciting events, engaging speakers, and a week you won't forget alongside old and new friends.
If you've never attended the largest gathering of blind and low vision people in the world, we understand how it could be intimidating. Project RISE staff will be on hand to help craft an experience within the larger convention to help get you what you need to make the most out of your week. On this call, representatives from the NFB of Virginia will be walking you through the different ways you can attend and what you can expect.
Convention Dates: Friday, July 3 - Wednesday, July 8
Project RISE RSVP: Monday, March 31
You do not have to participate in the national convention as part of Project RISE. The advantage to attending under our program is that we help eligible students create a customized experience within the larger agenda. We can tailor it to your specific needs, but in order to make hotel and travel arrangements, we need ample time to get things lined up. Generally, we prefer to travel with students. Students under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian. We will work closely with you and your DBVI counselor to facilitate your participation.
To express your interest in attending, please email the program coordinator, Joe Orozco, at: rise@nfbv.org, by the RSVP deadline.
To learn more about the national convention, please visit the national convention landing page.
Finding Your Place: Navigating Housing with Confidence and Independence
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Format: Virtual
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Description: Finding an apartment or other rental properties can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and mindset, you can take full control of the process. In this interactive session, participants will explore how to research potential apartments, understand lease terms, evaluate neighborhoods, and advocate for their rights as blind renters. We'll discuss what questions to ask landlords, what accessibility and location features to consider, and how to recognize red flags in rental listings. The session will also cover effective strategies for handling objections to service or guide dogs and asserting your legal rights under the Fair Housing Act. Through real-world examples and group discussion, participants will leave empowered to approach apartment hunting with confidence, clarity, and self-advocacy skills.
Deadline: National Convention RSVP and National Scholarship
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Every year, the NFB awards more than $250,000 in cash and prizes to blind scholars in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations. This is part of the organization's national scholarship program, of which the previously mentioned national convention is a huge component. The deadline for applications is March 31. For complete details, please visit the national scholarship page.
If you need a recommendation letter from the Project RISE coordinator, please submit your requests no later than Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Remember, March 31 is also the deadline to express interest in attending the national convention, regardless of your scholarship application status. Since winning a scholarship is not guaranteed, you are encouraged to express interest in attending the convention by emailing rise@nfbv.org, or by calling: 703-594-9634.
Mind Over Matter: Building Resilience and Balance
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 1; 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Description: Challenges are part of growth—but learning how to manage stress, navigate tough emotions, and handle difficult social situations can make all the difference. In this Project RISE session, a mental health professional will lead an open discussion on mindfulness, coping strategies, and self-care practices for times when life feels uncomfortable or overwhelming. This is perfect timing with final exams on the horizon, and for some of you, graduation. Participants will discover practical ways to stay grounded, build emotional resilience, and approach challenges with confidence and clarity—skills that support success in school, work, and everyday life.
Get Involved, Get Connected
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Format: Virtual
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Description: College and community life aren't just about grades—they're about getting out there and shaping your story! This upbeat session dives into how joining fraternities, sororities, clubs, student organizations, and community groups can help you meet amazing people, discover new interests, and build serious confidence. You'll learn how getting involved opens doors to leadership roles, career connections, and lasting friendships while helping break down barriers between blind or low vision students and their sighted peers. We'll also explore real-world strategies for finding the right group, making that first "hello" a little less awkward, and showing up with ease and comfort. By the end, you'll know how to turn every meeting, volunteer gig, or event into an opportunity to grow—and own your space. You'll be surprised at how well these skills will translate to social activities outside of your professional life long after college.
Lead, Learn, Thrive
Date/Time: Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2026
Format: In person
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of leadership, growth, and connection! This in-person experience brings together everything students have explored throughout the program—from job readiness and independent living to mindfulness and teamwork. Through interactive workshops, real-world challenges, and mentor-led activities, students will strengthen their confidence, communication, and leadership skills. It's a hands-on, high-energy weekend designed to celebrate your progress, expand your potential, and prepare you to take the next bold step toward your future!