DO-IT Interns Welcome Scholars to Summer Study

Student Intern Contributors: Elliot, Eric, Miles, Rena, Salem, and Vi

At the 2026 DO-IT Scholars Summer Study Welcome meeting, 16 Phase 3 Interns introduced themselves to Phase 1 and Phase 2 Scholars and their families. Interns were asked where they are headed next in school or work, their disabilities if they chose to share, and accommodations they have used in high school and college.  

When asked about their favorite parts of Summer Study, many Interns talked about activities such as karaoke, bowling, the makerspace, and visiting the Burke Museum. Most commonly, they talked about the community. One Intern described DO-IT as “a place where nobody judges each other,” while another said, “This is a place where you can truly be yourself.” 

Interns also shared how Summer Study introduced them to accessibility tools and accommodations. One Intern described using an adaptive bowling ramp for the first time and realizing, “It’s very possible. And we just need to do it in a different way than others.”

The panel ended with a question from a parent asking how families can best support their Scholars. Interns encouraged parents to listen, communicate, provide support when it is needed, and give Scholars opportunities to become more independent. As one Intern advised, “Believe in your kid. Believe that they are able to do it.”

The Intern panel gave new Scholars and their families a chance to hear directly from students who have already participated in Summer Study and who will be guiding and mentoring them throughout the week.