Thank You for Growing with Us!

When 17-year-old Khalil signed up for our Dream Big Career Exploration Camp, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

A rising high school senior who uses a wheelchair and hearing aids, Khalil was nervous about being in a new environment with students he didn’t know. But he showed up with quiet determination—and by the end of camp, he had found a sense of belonging, a new circle of friends, and a clearer vision for his future.

Dream Big is Starkloff’s no-cost summer camp designed specifically for middle and high school students with disabilities. The program introduces youth to high-demand careers, teaches life and advocacy skills, and builds disability pride and self-confidence. Each morning, campers visit local companies like Bayer, Purina, and Clayco to tour workplaces, talk with professionals, and engage in hands-on projects. Afternoons are dedicated to “Adulting with a Disability,” where campers learn about budgeting, disability history, college and career planning, and independent living.

For Khalil, these experiences were both exciting and empowering. He especially loved learning about plants at Bayer and exploring tech and content creation with another company. As a tech enthusiast who loves his Apple products and PlayStation 5, the exposure to careers in technology sparked a deeper interest in turning his passion into a profession.

But the most important part of Dream Big for Khalil was the connection and confidence he gained.

Initially quiet and unsure, he quickly began making friends—including several Deaf and Hard of Hearing campers who taught him basic American Sign Language (ASL). Camp staff saw his confidence grow each day, and by the end of camp, Khalil had written and practiced a professional elevator pitch, forged new friendships, and discovered a greater sense of disability pride.

For many of our candidates, getting connected with Starkloff is a chance for a fresh start—a new opportunity to thrive economically, professionally, and socially. Candidates are empowered with the confidence and tools to succeed in competitive professions and cultivate lifelong career success.

With SDI’s employer education, we are planting seeds of systemic change through our disability-led trainings, helping companies across the nation develop more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplaces.

Your generosity powers programs that transform lives across our community.

From all of us at Starkloff Disability Institute—thank you for believing in our mission and investing in disability inclusion so we can all thrive and grow together.