Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the College Prep Program, applicants must:
- Be between 17 and 22 years old at the start of the program
- Be blind or visually impaired
- Be a Texas resident
- Have graduated from high school or earned a GED
- Be interested in attending college or postsecondary training
- Be able to live safely and independently in student housing with after-hours phone support
- Be willing to complete required assessments (College Prep Interview, Assistive Technology, Orientation & Mobility, and Independent Living Assessments)
- Be able to participate in all scheduled program activities
Students do not need to already be experts in technology or independent living skills — the program is designed to help build and strengthen those skills.
Program Dates
- Move-in to housing/Canvas Bootcamp: July 5
- College classes and regular programming: July 6 – August 7
The program runs throughout the TJC Summer II session.
Application Process
The College Prep Program uses a step-by-step acceptance process to make sure students are ready and supported.
STEP 1: INITIAL APPLICATION (FEBRUARY 2 – APRIL 10)
Students complete a short online application with basic information and an interest section. No medical or school records are required at this stage.
STEP 2: CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE
Eligible applicants receive conditional acceptance and are asked to complete:
- College Prep Interview
- Assistive Technology assessment
- Orientation & Mobility assessment
- Independent Living assessment
- A short writing sample
- Required consent and housing forms
These assessments help us design individualized support plans.
STEP 3: FINAL ACCEPTANCE
Once ETLB assessments and documentation, and Tyler Junior College admission and registration are complete, students receive final acceptance and prepare for move-in and orientation.
Who Should Apply
This program is a good fit for students who:
- Want to build independence before starting college
- Are motivated to learn new skills
- Are ready to practice living away from home
- Want structured support while gaining confidence
- Are comfortable communicating their needs
This is not a residential treatment or medical program. It is a college readiness and independence program.
Supportive, Not Strict
Students are treated like young adults and are expected to:
- Attend classes and activities
- Communicate with staff
- Follow housing and safety rules
- Take responsibility for their schedules and belongings
Our goal is growth, not perfection.
Questions?
If you are a student, parent, teacher, or VR counselor and would like more information, please contact:
MK Kahrhoff, Program Manager
903-590-4335
mkahrhoff@etxlighthouse.org
What Students Will Learn
Students in the College Prep Program will strengthen skills in:
- Assistive Technology (screen readers, magnification, braille, and accessible software)
- Canvas and online learning systems
- Orientation & Mobility (campus navigation and safe travel)
- Independent living skills (laundry, meals, organization, routines)
- Time management and study skills
- Self-advocacy and communication with instructors
- College readiness and personal responsibility
- Career exploration and goal setting
The program is personalized based on each student’s assessments and individual needs.
Housing & Independence
Students live in Tyler Junior College student housing and manage their own daily routines just like traditional college students.
Staff are available:
- In person during program hours
- By phone after hours for support and emergencies
This model helps students:
- Practice real independence
- Learn problem-solving skills
- Build confidence in managing daily life
- Prepare for future college housing
Students must be able to function safely in an independent living environment with reasonable accommodations.
College Prep Program
A Transition Program for students who are blind or visually impaired
The East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind College Prep Program is a summer transition program designed to help students who are blind or visually impaired build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in college.
Participants live independently in student housing at Tyler Junior College and attend a real college class for five weeks while receiving structured support in assistive technology, independent living, orientation & mobility, and self-advocacy.
This program is ideal for students who are ready to practice independence while still having access to guidance and support.
