A Two Blind Brothers Program
THRIVE BLIND
From awareness to action.
A fellowship combining funding, mentorship, and career pathways to meaningful work. Thrive Blind supports blind and low-vision young people ages 16–25 as they move from school into education, training, and work. Fellows receive financial support tied to an approved pathway, structured professional mentorship, and ongoing guidance designed to turn training into opportunity.
Why Thrive Blind exists
The system has gaps. We're filling them.
Education and training can open doors, but financial support alone does not create a clear path to meaningful work. Young people who are blind or have low vision also benefit from trusted guidance, professional relationships, accessible training, and connections to employers.
Thrive Blind brings those pieces together through fellowship funding, professional mentorship, and career pathways shaped around each fellow’s goals.
Sources: AFB, 2023; NFB; ACB
70%
Unemployment rate
Of working-age blind adults are unemployed or underemployed.
34%
Post-secondary completion
Vs. 60%+ for sighted peers — a gap that compounds over a lifetime.
$8K
Assistive technology cost
Average cost of a screen reader and braille display. Mostly uninsured.
<800%
Scholars served nationally
By NFB, ACB, and AFB combined — for 7.6 million Americans with visual disabilities.
Three Pillars. One Mission.
The Thrive Blind Programs
Pillar 01
FELLOWSHIP FUNDING
Fellows may receive awards of $2,000–$5,000 tied to an approved academic, vocational, certification, or career-training pathway. Funding is designed to support each fellow’s individual goals as they move toward education, training, and meaningful work.
AcademicVocational & TradeAssistive TechnologyLife SkillsEntrepreneurshipArts & AthleticsCertificationCareer Training
Apply for a Fellowship
Pillar 02
Mentor Matching
Each fellow is connected with a professional whose experience aligns with their goals. Through structured conversations and ongoing staff support, mentors can offer practical guidance, share professional insight, and help fellows build relationships as they move toward meaningful work.
One-on-one matchingQuarterly webinarsStructured touchpointsOngoing staff support
Become a mentor
Pillar 03
Volunteer Programs
Connecting skilled professionals and corporate teams with blind-serving nonprofits that need their expertise. Every volunteer who contributes becomes a more informed, more committed advocate for the community.
Skilled professionalsCorporate teamsCommunity volunteers
Volunteer with us
Build this with us
Let's build the next generation of blind leaders together.
Foundations, companies, mentors, and individual donors can help expand fellowship funding, professional mentorship, and career-connected opportunities for blind and low-vision young people.