Every summer, students from across the United States and around the world come together for Summer@CIP, an immersive college experience designed to help young adults build independence, strengthen social and life skills, and prepare for what comes next after high school.
But Summer@CIP is about more than developing skills. It’s about experiencing independence firsthand—living with roommates, navigating a college campus, preparing meals, making new friends, exploring a new community, and discovering what it feels like to take on greater responsibility.
And while the impact of the program can be seen in the skills students develop throughout their time at CIP, perhaps the best measure comes from the students and families who experience it themselves.
Watch the Video: See What Families Are Saying About Summer@CIP
This year’s family and student feedback offers a glimpse into the Summer@CIP experience and the meaningful changes families see when their students step outside their comfort zones and begin taking greater ownership of their lives.
From newfound confidence and independence to friendships that continue beyond the program, these reflections highlight what makes Summer@CIP such a meaningful experience for students and their families.
What Students and Families Are Saying
The 2026 Summer@CIP experience gave students opportunities to practice the skills they’ve been learning in real-world settings—and to discover that they are capable of more than they may have realized.
““Overall, the staff and the team all did a fantastic job with the kids. My son came back with a positive attitude, and that is really what matters. THANK YOU!”
Parent Summer@CIP Berkshire – Westfield State University
““[Our son] had a wonderful time. I’m so thankful this opportunity exists. Thank you!”
Parent Summer@CIP Long Beach – Cal State Long Beach
““She loved it all – making friends and learning from them, a feeling of independence and peer connection, all the events/field trips, daily schedules & reminders, the living conditions, etc.”
Parent Summer@CIP Long Beach – Cal State Long Beach
““This was [our son’s] 2nd summer with CIP. He is now enrolled in the Full-Year program at CIP Berkeley.”
Parent Summer@CIP Berkeley – University of California Berkeley
““He had a great time, and the staff was amazing!”
Parent Summer@CIP Berkshire – Westfield State University
““He was exposed to so many things that will continue to benefit him in the years to come.”
Parent Summer@CIP Bloomington – Indiana University
““We are using this experience and her motivation to propel her forward towards her own independence in the (hopefully near) future!”
Parent Summer@CIP Long Beach – Cal State Long Beach
““[Our son] went two times and totally enjoyed it and claims he learned more each time.”
Parent Summer@CIP Long Beach – Cal State Long Beach
““Excellent camp for my son! Thank you again. He was very happy and feels he can take care of himself. You do such a great job overall!”
Parent Summer@CIP Berkshire – Westfield State University
““My son talked a lot about the staff, saying that they were kind, patient, fair, and always enthusiastic. Thank you for your hard work and expertise.”
Parent Summer@CIP Long Beach – Cal State Long Beach
““My daughter would like to do it again but she wants to be with the same girls. :-)”
Parent Summer@CIP Brevard – University of Central Florida
““My son really enjoyed the summer program. Having a roommate that he was able to connect with made a huge difference.”
Parent Summer@CIP Berkeley – University of California Berkeley
““Overall, I’m impressed with the lessons and the staff; all the work on conflict resolution and helping students regulate through that was excellent.”
Parent Summer@CIP Bloomington – Indiana University
““Keep up the excellent work you are doing. Maintain the current system; it works. Thank you very much!”
Parent Summer@CIP Brevard – University of Central Florida
““Thank you to the staff and the programming people for doing an excellent job. The reporting and the follow up with [our son’s] special ed teacher was extra special. Great job and great location, Westfield State was perfect!”
Parent Summer@CIP Berkshire – Westfield State University
Learning Independence by Living It
At Summer@CIP, students don’t just talk about independence—they practice it every day.
Living in a college residence hall gives students the opportunity to experience many of the routines and responsibilities that come with life after high school. They live alongside peers, navigate their schedules, participate in community activities, and make decisions about how they spend their time.
Students also put independent living skills into practice by preparing their own meals, dining with roommates and friends, managing personal responsibilities, and working together as a community.
These everyday experiences can become some of the most meaningful learning moments of the summer.
A meal prepared together. A conversation with a new roommate. Navigating campus with friends. Trying something new. Figuring out a challenge independently.
These are the moments where skills become confidence—and where confidence can become independence.
Finding Friends, Community, and a Sense of Belonging
For many students, one of the most important parts of Summer@CIP is the opportunity to spend time with peers who understand their experiences.
Students arrive from different backgrounds and communities, but quickly discover common ground. They learn from one another, encourage one another, and build friendships while sharing the everyday experiences of college life.
Whether they’re gathering for dinner, exploring the local community, participating in activities, or simply spending time together between sessions, students have countless opportunities to connect, build friendships, and create memories together.
For some, Summer@CIP can be the first time they’ve had an extended experience living away from home alongside peers in a supportive college environment.
That sense of community matters.
It gives students the opportunity to see themselves not only as participants in a program, but as college students, roommates, friends, teammates, and members of a community.
Parent Satisfaction & Staff Quality Ratings
- Families shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their Summer@CIP experience, highlighting the quality of the program, meaningful student development, and the support provided throughout the session.
- Staff received high praise for their knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to creating a supportive environment for students with autism, ADHD, and learning differences.
2026 Summer@CIP by the Numbers
Summer@CIP welcomed students at five college campuses across the country in 2026:
- Indiana University Bloomington — Bloomington, Indiana
- University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, California
- California State University, Long Beach — Long Beach, California
- Westfield State University — Westfield, Massachusetts
- University of Central Florida — Orlando, Florida
Across these locations, students participated in an immersive 13-day experience combining college life, independent living, social development, executive functioning, and career-focused learning.
87 total students participated in Summer@CIP 2026.
Who Attended Summer@CIP?
Summer@CIP welcomes a diverse group of high school students and recent graduates who are preparing for the transition to college, work, and greater independence.
The 2026 Summer@CIP community included students with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADHD
- Specific Learning Differences
- Average Age: 17
- Average FSIQ: 90 – 110
| Antigua & Barbuda | England | Morocco |
| Argentina | France | Nigeria |
| Australia | Greece | Philippines |
| Barbados | Guatemala | Portugal |
| Bermuda | India | Romania |
| Bahamas | Indonesia | Saudi Arabia |
| Brazil | Ireland | Spain |
| Canada | Israel | Singapore |
| China | Jamaica | Thailand |
| Colombia | Jordan | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Curacao | Luxembourg | Uganda |
| Denmark | Lebanon | United Arab Emirates |
| Dominican Republic | Mexico | United States |
| Egypt | Venezuela |
More Than a Summer Program
For students, Summer@CIP can be an opportunity to experience a different kind of independence—to try new things, make their own choices, meet new people, and discover what they are capable of.
For parents, it can be an opportunity to see their students grow in ways that aren’t always possible when they are at home.
And for everyone involved, it can be a chance to create memories that last well beyond the summer.
The value of Summer@CIP isn’t measured only by the skills students practice or the activities they complete. It’s also found in the moments in between: the friendships made over dinner, the confidence that comes from solving a problem independently, the excitement of exploring a college campus, and the realization that “I can do this.”
Those experiences can become an important foundation for the next chapter.
Why Summer@CIP Matters
For many families, Summer@CIP represents an important step toward life after high school. Students have the opportunity to practice independence in a supportive environment while developing the social, executive functioning, career, and daily living skills they will need for their futures.
Most importantly, they get to experience a fuller sense of what life can look like beyond high school—with friends, responsibilities, new experiences, and opportunities to grow.
The 2026 Summer@CIP experience reminded us that sometimes the most powerful learning happens when students are given the opportunity to step forward, try something new, and discover their own potential.
Ready to learn more about Summer@CIP?
Call 877-566-9247 or email admissions@cipworldwide.org to learn more about Summer@CIP and upcoming program opportunities.
