Short Courses

Short Courses are offered at California School for the Blind for visually impaired students currently attending school in their local school districts.

Short-Term Programs Home: Short Courses | Learning Lab | Summer Academies

Our short course program is a week-long individual short course where an outreach student joins a California School for the Blind (CSB) classroom either as a day or residential student for a week, we also offer a few online courses. There is no costs associated absolutely with attendance including transportation.

Group picture in the Short Courses Classroom.

Students in the Short Courses Classroom.

2026-2027 Short Courses

Short Courses Offered 2026 - 2027

Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS) 2026

SCIVIS Space Camp 2026

Interest Form (Google Form) Registration ends May 15!

The California School for the Blind (CSB) is excited to send a cohort of 7th-9th grade students to SCIVIS in September 2026 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This Short Course will bring together CSB students and visually impaired students from throughout California for an immersive, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Management (STEM) experience focused on space science, engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Interested students should complete the Interest Form. Students who submit the form will receive a formal application and additional information about the selection process. Please contact Stephanie Helrich at sherlich@csb-cde.ca.gov for more details on this course.

2025-2026 Short Courses Update

Short Courses will be limited for the 2025 - 2026 school year due to staffing changes. One of our teachers is taking a one-year leave and looks forward to returning next year, while our other specialist has transitioned into a new administrative role at CSB, overseeing admissions and student services.

While Short Courses are limited this year, we are excited to continue offering a variety of other opportunities and resources for students, families, and educators through:

Learning Lab - interactive online and hybrid courses that connect students across the state.
Summer Academies - details and registration will be posted as soon as possible.
Assistive Technology Lab - innovative training, support, and resources for accessible technology.
Assessment Center - comprehensive evaluations to guide individualized educational planning.
Low Vision Clinic and Classroom - clinical and classroom support for students with low vision.

We also invite you to learn more about the California School for the Blind, where we continue to provide innovative educational services and statewide outreach to blind and low vision students, their families, and educational teams. Find out more about our Admissions Process for CSB.

For questions about our programs, please contact our Outreach Services team at csb.sos@csb-cde.ca.gov.

There are no costs associated with the attendance of a short course including transportation. Students frequently apply for and attend more than one Short Course in a School Year. Please complete our brief interest form Short-Term Programs 2025-2026 Interest Form (Google Form) if you or someone you know may be interested in our courses.

Please reach out to our Short-Course Team for any questions at csb.shortcourses@csb-cde.ca.gov or by phone at 510-951-1889.

See the Short Course Program Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Watch a trailer on what happens at our Short Courses on YouTube (Video; 00:57).

Previously Offered Courses

Summer Academies

If you would like to look at our offerings for Summer Academies, check out our Summer Academy page.