autism transition program | Berkeley studentlife5 1

CIP at a Glance

We’re the College Internship Program (CIP) and we’ve been helping young adults on the autism spectrum and with learning differences find success in college, employment, and independent living since 1984

About CIP

The College Internship Program (CIP) is a private young adult transition program for individuals 18-26 with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences offering comprehensive and specialized services. 

CIP’s programs uniquely address the needs of young adults with learning differences by focusing on the generalization of skills while living within a community of peers in a supported apartment living environment. Each student’s unique needs are met individually as they transition to independent living, college, and employment.

CIP is the result of strategies we have developed over 39 years working with hundreds of young people with exceptionalities helping them develop the self-knowledge and skills to live happy and productive lives.

Our vision is to challenge the norms of what people with learning differences can achieve.

autism transition program | LB BESTOF 39

Specialized Transition Programs​​​

CIP is one of the most comprehensive programs in the world helping young adults find success in college, employment, and independent living. We offer full-year and summer program options for adolescents and young adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.

CIP’s programs were specially designed to help these talented and unique young people learn independent living skills, attend college, and gain employment experience.

Day trip

Comprehensive Transition Services​​

CIP’s services and supports comprehensively address most major areas of a young adult’s transition from adolescence to adulthood. Each student’s program and related services are individualized based on their needs, interests and abilities. Our services and staff meet each student where they are when they enter and adapts as they progress.

autism transition program | Bloomington collegeacademics

Team-Based Approach

CIP’s interdisciplinary staffing model brings many perspectives and practices from various staff members and departments together into one student-centered program experience.

Our team members come from a diverse background of psychology, counseling, teaching, administration, and related human service fields. Many have a personal connection to working with young adults on the autism spectrum or with learning differences.

We understand the unique strengths and challenges that each student can possess.

autism transition program | Advising Photo

History & Principles

Founded in Lee, Massachusetts in 1984, CIP originally served as a community-based alternative to institutions for young adults with learning differences. The program was founded by Dr. Michael McManmon, psychologist and educator, to supply a transitional apartment program for individuals to learn the skills necessary to live independently.

Our founder, Dr. Michael McManmon, was profoundly influenced by the belief that students with learning differences must live, learn, and work in environments which duplicate normal, real-life conditions. With assistance from our Professional Advisory Board Members, CIP has developed one of the most specialized and comprehensive programs in the world.

CIP Timeline

1984
CIP Berkshire
autism transition program | BERKSHIRE OPTA
Founding of CIP Berkshire

Our CIP Berkshire Center opens in Lee, Massachusetts

2004
CIP Brevard
autism transition program | BREVARD OPTB
Opening of CIP Brevard

Our CIP Brevard Center opens in Melbourne, Florida

2006
CIP Bloomington
autism transition program | BLOOMINGTON OPTA
Opening of CIP Bloomington

Our CIP Bloomington Center opens in downtown Bloomington, Indiana

2007
CIP Berkeley
autism transition program | BERKELEY OPTD
Opening of CIP Berkeley

Our CIP Berkeley Center Opens in downtown Berkeley, California

2009
Berkeley, CA
autism transition program | 09131720Summer20Update20Header kzKqmn
Start of Summer@CIP

Our two-week summer program for high school students launches at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, CA

2010
Nationally
autism transition program | 08151720BS20Berkshire20Eagle w0brNb
Expansion of Summer@CIP

Summer@CIP program for high school age students expands to Florida, Indiana, and Massachusetts

2011
Long Beach, CA
autism transition program | LONGBEACH E
Opening of CIP Long Beach

Opening of the CIP Long Beach Center in California

2011
Lee, Massachusetts
Spectrum Playhouse
Opening of Good Purpose Gallery & Spectrum Playhouse

Opening of the Good Purpose Gallery & Spectrum Playhouse

2020
Lee, Massachusetts
autism transition program | Tuition Fees 1600x1000
35th Anniversary

CIP celebrated our 35 Years of Services - since 1984 - and Founder, Dr. Michael McManmon's 40 Years of Service

2020
Worldwide
College student using laptop for virtual class.
Start of SummerSessions@CIP Online

A two-week virtual program for high school age students with learning differences

2021
CIP Long Beach
Go Beach CIP
10th Anniversary

CIP Long Beach in California's 10-Year Anniversary!

Founder’s Welcome

I am the founder of the College Internship Program (CIP), a program designed to help young people with autism, ADHD, and learning differences make successful transitions from adolescence to young adulthood. CIP gives young adults the tools to become productive members of society.

Admissions Questions?

Contact our National Admissions Office at +1 (877) 566-9247, email us at admissions@cipworldwide.org, or complete our Online Request Form.
CIP Long Beach