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.
- Founded in 1984 by Dr. Michael McManmon to help young people on the autism spectrum, with ADHD and other Learning Differences make successful transitions from adolescence to young adulthood
- Center locations in Massachusetts, Florida, Indiana and California
- Each student’s vision and goals are explored and help to determine their individualized services and supports
- Residential apartment living support prepares students with learning differences and autism for independent living
- A team of staff is dedicated to each student’s personal success
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.
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.
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.
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
Our CIP Berkshire Center opens in Lee, Massachusetts
Our CIP Brevard Center opens in Melbourne, Florida
Our CIP Bloomington Center opens in downtown Bloomington, Indiana
Our CIP Berkeley Center Opens in downtown Berkeley, California
Our two-week summer program for high school students launches at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, CA
Summer@CIP program for high school age students expands to Florida, Indiana, and Massachusetts
Opening of the CIP Long Beach Center in California
Opening of the Good Purpose Gallery & Spectrum Playhouse
CIP celebrated our 35 Years of Services - since 1984 - and Founder, Dr. Michael McManmon's 40 Years of Service
A two-week virtual program for high school age students with learning differences
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.
