Huskies BELONG Career and College Prep Program

Join us for a FREE week-long summer camp on the campus of Northern Illinois University.

• Students with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) fields.
• Huskies BELONG aims to increase participants’ understanding of STEAM majors and career opportunities, as well as their belief that they can succeed in college. 
• Our program director is an experienced professor of vocational rehabilitation counseling, and he’s worked with NIU STEAM to assemble a team of supportive professionals, including STEAM experts, camp counselors, volunteers, and an “on call” nurse and personal care attendants as needed by participants. 
• Huskies BELONG participants will interact with current NIU students with disabilities, NIU Disability Resource Center staff, and NIU faculty and instructors to learn about college majors and prepare for the transition to college.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Professor Bryan Dallas! He’s happy to talk with you about the program.

If you need assistance completing this application, please e-mail niusteam@niu.edu to make an appointment for someone to assist you.

Click on the button below to see a recent presentation about our program, the activities we did and areas studied.

Who’s Eligible?

High school students graduating in 2027 who have a documented disability impacting their education, who intend to go to college and are interested in STEAM careers.

How Does Huskies BELONG Work?

Join us for a FREE week-long summer camp  on the campus of Northern Illinois University.

• Make friends who share your interest in STEAM.
• Engage in hands-on projects, college planning, and recreational activities, to build your confidence and creativity.
• Test out the college experience, staying and dining in campus residence halls.
• Meet college faculty and professionals working in STEAM fields.

Then stay connected throughout the 2026-27 school year.

• Experience a family fun day at NIU STEM Fest.
• Get assistance and support with your college application process.
• Keep in touch with your new friends as you prepare for your transition to college.

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Who are the Huskies BELONG Instructors?

Bryan Dallas, Ph.D., CRC, LCPC is the principal investigator for Huskies BELONG and oversees the program. Dr. Dallas is a professor of vocational rehabilitation counseling at NIU, which prepares graduate students to serve individuals with disabilities in educational, work, and/or independent living settings. Dr. Dallas has served Illinois college students with disabilities for several years, including facilitating transitional programs for new students.

Shupei Yuan, Ph.D. is the co-principal investigator for Huskies BELONG and oversees the student science engagement and interest components of the program. Dr. Yuan is an associate professor of communication and the Director of Graduate Studies at NIU. Her research focuses on science communication, specifically how to foster public trust and engagement with emerging technologies and science topics. Dr. Yuan has extensive experience in developing evidence-based strategies to make complex scientific topics accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences, including high school students entering STEAM fields.

Samantha O’Neill, B.A. LBS1 is the teacher for the Huskies BELONG program. This is her second year teaching the program. Sam is a special education teacher currently working at Kaneland High School. Sam has been working in special education as a teacher for 16 years, eight of those years in a therapeutic day school. She has been working with Special Education students for 20+ years.

Brianna Baker, B.A. is a graduate assistant for the Huskies BELONG program. Brianna is working towards her master’s degree in the rehabilitation counseling program here at NIU.

If you need assistance completing this application, please e-mail bbaker3@niu.edu to make an appointment for someone to assist you.

Join Professor Dallas for a virtual presentation about Huskies BELONG program:

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:30 pm CST

Program Fast Facts

Students will attend a week-long residential summer camp on the NIU campus.

Students will learn valuable skills that will put them on a trajectory towards success in college, the workforce and life! These include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Initiative
• Perseverance
• Organization and planning

STEAM Careers

STEAM fields need diverse, curious learners ready to tackle the problems around them. Huskies BELONG introduces you to the path toward a STEAM career. Here are just some of the jobs that you can pursue:

• Software Developer
• Computer and Information Systems Manager
• Health Care Provider
• Biomedical Engineer
• Web Designer
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Environmental Engineer

A week on a college campus can be a life-changing experience.

• Build friendships.
• Develop your intellect.
• Explore careers.
• Gain confidence.

Learn more about the daily activities, mentorship and support that makes this camp experience unique on our FAQ page.

Program Partners

• Donka, Inc
• RAMP Center for Independent Living
• HorsePower
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
• Illinois Student Assistance Commission
• DeKalb Public Transit

Publications and Presentations