VLT Trailblazers

Vision Leaders of Tomorrow

Trailblazers Program

A three-year leadership journey designed specifically for blind and visually impaired high school students, building the next generation of servant leaders, advocates, and change-makers.

  • High School Students
  • Three-Year Program
  • Service
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy

Our Mission

What Trailblazers Is About

The Trailblazers program prepares young blind and visually impaired leaders to be confident, capable, and compassionate. Members learn to advocate for themselves and their communities, pursue meaningful goals, and inspire others through service-centered leadership.

  • Service

    Members develop a genuine commitment to giving back through hands-on community projects that create real impact and cultivate a servant-first mindset.

  • Leadership

    From public speaking to project management to running a meeting, members build practical leadership skills they can carry into school, work, community life, and adulthood.

  • Advocacy

    Members learn to speak up for themselves, their peers, and the broader blind and visually impaired community with knowledge, confidence, and purpose.

Program Structure

A Three-Year Journey

Trailblazers is designed to grow with its members. Each year builds intentionally on the last, moving young people from self-discovery to active leadership and lasting community impact.

  1. Foundations

    Members begin by discovering who they are and why they serve. This first year focuses on building the core skills and confidence needed to lead, communicate, and contribute.

    • Identity and Self-Advocacy
    • Communication
    • Community Service
    • Career Exploration

  2. Growth

    Members find their voice and start using it on bigger platforms. Year two deepens skills in advocacy, civic engagement, and project leadership with real-world applications.

    • Advocacy and Rights
    • Media and Messaging
    • Civic Engagement
    • Accessibility

  3. Mastery

    Members step into full ownership by leading, mentoring peers, and preparing for life after high school. They leave a lasting impact on their program and community.

    • Mentorship and Legacy
    • Complex Projects
    • Transition Planning
    • Disability History

Curriculum Design

Grounded in the Expanded Core Curriculum

Every element of the Trailblazers program is intentionally connected to the nine domains of the Expanded Core Curriculum. Leadership is woven together with the skills blind and visually impaired students need to thrive in school, work, community life, and independent adulthood.

  • Compensatory Access Skills
  • Assistive Technology
  • Orientation and Mobility
  • Recreation and Leisure
  • Self-Determination
  • Social Interaction Skills
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Sensory Efficiency Skills
  • Career Education

Get Involved

Bring Trailblazers to Your Community

Interested in starting a chapter or learning more about how the Trailblazers program works? We would love to connect with organizations, educators, families, and advocates who share this vision.

Email MLV Foundation about the VLT Trailblazers Program