Many organizations in the United States focus on early intervention for children on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger’s Syndrome. However, these children grow up to be adolescents and teens on the autism spectrum and need to have continued support, including as these teens transition into their college years.
Transitioning from high school to college is not an easy feat for any teenager, but there are unique challenges for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. The College Internship Program (CIP) is designed to help children with Asperger’s Syndrome, as well as those with ADD and other learning differences, prepare to make this big transition. In 2010, four American universities will participate in the CIP program: Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Florida Tech in Melbourne, Florida, IU Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana, and UC Berkley in Berkeley, California.
What is the CIP Summer Program?
The CIP Summer Program is designed to help ease the transition from high school to college for teenagers aged 16-19. In addition, the program also helps those teens that will be transitioning into a career instead of attending college.
The program goes beyond the academic preparation of this big transition; it also focuses on time management, personal organization, and social skills. These skills are honed during a two-week session at one of the four participating universities. In addition to time spent on campus, special events are also planned for the program participants.
2010 CIP Summer Program Dates
The dates for the 2010 CIP Summer Program are as follows:
- Indiana University – June 18 – July 2, 2010
- Florida Institute of Technology – June 18 – July 2, 2010
- University of California, Berkeley – July 2 – 16, 2010
- Elms College – July 18 – August 1, 2010
Application Process
Interested teens must meet several criteria in order to apply to attend one of the 2010 Summer Programs. Teens must be between the ages of 16 and 19, have an official diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome or other learning difference, be emotionally stable, have low average to above average intelligence, have the ability to ultimately live independently, and of course be motivated to complete the program’s goals.
Students that meet these criteria can download an application from the official CIP Summer Program website. This year marks the second year of the program. In 2009, the program was held in Berkeley, California and students from as far away as Puerto Rico and Alaska attended. This year’s expansion to four participating schools allows for more students to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Program Fees
A $50 application fee must accompany the completed application. Students that are accepted will be charged a $3,875 tuition fee, which covers the entire cost of the two-week program. CIP has partnered with Sallie Mae to offer a 12-month interest-free payment option for interested families.
As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders increases, the United States will see more and more teens and young adults on the spectrum. Transition services such as those provided during the CIP Summer Program are an integral part of supporting these teens as they prepare to live independent lives.
Melissa Hincha-Ownby - Melissa is a life-long writer. She started her freelance writing career in the 8th grade when the editor of her small town’s ...
