ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL ASSOCIATION FOR logo

LOFT (Leadership Opportunities for Teens)

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL ASSOCIATION FOR

Foundation Annual Grants for Youth ProgramsGrants for DisabledYouth Leadership Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

LOFT (Leadership Opportunities for Teens)

Overview:
LOFT is a five-day, sleep-away leadership program for high school students (ages 14-18) who are deaf or hard of hearing and use listening and spoken language as their primary mode of communication.

Program Focus:

  • Build leadership skills and self-advocacy

  • Develop teamwork and group dynamics understanding

  • Improve public speaking abilities

  • Foster self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-confidence

  • Create lasting peer connections and community

    • Program Outcomes:

  • Heightened sense of self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-confidence

  • Deeper understanding of individual leadership capacity

  • Experiential understanding of team dynamics and collaboration

  • Increased confidence and ability for self-advocacy in social, travel, and educational settings

    • Location: Washington, DC
    Duration: 5 days, sleep-away experience
    Program Status: Annual program since 1996

    Eligibility:

  • High school students (ages 14-18)

  • Deaf or hard of hearing

  • Use listening and spoken language as primary mode of communication

    • Geographic Scope: United States (40+ state chapters across US and Puerto Rico)

    Financial Support:
    Scholarships available to participants

    Contact Information:

  • Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  • 3417 Volta Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

  • Phone: 202-337-5220

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Sponsorship inquiries: Trenita Dickey at [email protected]

    • Additional Benefits:

  • Participants receive a photobook of memories from their time at LOFT

  • Access to skilled counselors who are also deaf/hard of hearing

  • Fun activities and peer connections

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    2026 Program Details:

  • Dates: July 28 - August 1, 2026

  • Status: Applications for 2026 are now closed

    • Previous Year Application Timeline (2025):

  • Application Deadline: March 1

  • Program Dates: July 29 - August 2, 2025

    • Application Materials:

  • Information guide available for download

  • Includes testimonials from past participants

  • Sample schedule provided

  • Scholarship information included

    • How to Apply:
    1. Download the LOFT information guide
    2. Complete application form
    3. Submit by deadline

    Scholarships:

  • Scholarships are available to help cover program costs

  • Details included in the information guide

    • Timeline Note: Applications typically open in early calendar year (January/February) with deadline typically in March for summer program

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programsdisabledyouth-leadership

    Categories

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