Online Summer Sessions @CIP
High school students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences learn valuable skill sets to make a successful transition to college and beyond during this unique two-week virtual program
Tap Into Life Skills, College, and Beyond!
Session Dates
Virtual Summer Session Dates
2023: No longer accepting applications.
Connect & Engage with Other Like-Minded Participants!
Since 2009, the CIP’s Summer Summer Programs have helped hundreds of students with unique needs related to autism and other learning differences prepare for their next steps; whether it is attending a college, preparing for the workforce or building self-esteem.
Each participant is part of a small cohort, or “Growth Group”, with a highly-experienced staff advisor leading the group through the entire two weeks. Individual modules and larger group meetings provide diverse and differentiated options for learning and engaging.
Key topics covered during SummerSessions@CIP include:
- Strategies for Transitioning from High School to College or the Workforce
- Person-Centered Planning - Building a Plan for Your Future
- Understanding Executive Functioning and Finding Effective Strategies that Work
- PEERS for Young Adults Based Social Skills Modules and Related Fun Activities
- Life Skills and Practicing Independent Living
- Healthy Habits and Wellness Routines
Of course, this will be done in typical Summer@CIP fashion: focused on fun, friends, and crafted to the unique interests of our amazing students!
Program Highlights
Here is just some of what you can expect to take away from SummerSessions@CIP Online:
- 50+ Available Hours of structured learning and fun!
- Make new friends in a safe and supportive online environment
- Learn strategies for success in the areas of social skills, executive functioning, independent living, and more!
- 20 hours of optional, supervised evening group activities such as Netflix Parties, House Party, Escape Room, Pictionary, and more!
- Individualized goal-oriented pre- and post-evaluation and assessment
- Parent-only transition workshop led by a certified coach
- Create a plan for your future!
Example Weekly Student Schedule
A Week in the Life of a Summer Sessions@CIP student. View an example weekly student schedule to find our how CIP supports young adults with Asperger’s, ADHD and other special needs while they pursue college, employment, and independent living.
Structured Social Activities
Throughout our two-week Summer Sessions, many fun and exciting social activities are planned. Drop-in for movie night socials, Houseparty, Fibbage, Hogwarts Digital Escape Room, and much more! Participants will also have adequate break times to relax and socialize.
Life Skills & Independent Living
Students will be taught important independent living skills such as cooking and healthy food choices, time management and organization, laundry, and cleaning instruction. Additionally, staff targets the importance of maintaining overall well-being with a balance of diet, fitness, personal hygiene, and stress management. Experienced CIP staff members provide students with a balance of independence and structured support.
Put New Skills to the Test
Participants will be introduced to our Theme-Based Curriculum, connecting daily themes to a variety of activities and settings, utilizing a combination of teaching methods in the process. We focus on executive functioning, sensory integration, life skills, and social skills are core areas of teaching. All participants will develop a Person-Centered Plan in a multimedia format to create a roadmap for independence. Additional topics include an introduction to the college experience, self-advocacy skills, health and wellness sessions, and interpersonal skills.
Diversity
Summer@CIP participants have come from over 46 states, Puerto Rico, and 33 countries (Antigua, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Jordan, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and more). In our virtual environment, we expect to see similar diversity!
Admissions Criteria
Applicants are individually assessed to determine both eligibility and their fit within the student group. Please review the following information or contact us to learn more about our admissions process.
- A documented diagnosis of a learning difference, high functioning autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and/or nonverbal learning difference
- Full-scale IQ of 80 and above (students with a full-scale IQ of 70-75 will be considered for admission but must display some outstanding strengths in regards to motivation and perseverance)
- Reading comprehension and fluency level of at least a 6th grade and above
- Motivated to enroll and engage in all aspects of the program
- Knowledge of safety awareness and appropriate interactions in an online setting
- Availability to attend all scheduled curriculum modules and commit to Growth Group meetings
Note: Criteria that may make a participant ineligible for the program include but are not limited to: Current or recent significant behavioral or psychological issues, a significant history of violence to self or others, and/or current substance abuse issues.
Tuition & Fees
The 2022 Summer Sessions tuition of $1,500 includes Monday-Friday instructional sessions led by expert instructors, individualized guidance and feedback, daytime and evening social activities, and guest speakers. No additional fees apply.
Full payment of tuition is due upon acceptance and complete registration forms will be required in order to reserve your space.
Tuition Discounts:
- A $1,000 credit may be applied towards the cost of attending a comprehensive full-year CIP program
- Families with more than one student in the same year are eligible to receive a $150 discount per enrolled student
- If you’ve previously applied for a Full-Year or Summer@CIP program, contact us for an application fee waiver
Summer Sessions FAQs
- What type of supervision is provided?
- Each student will be part of a Growth Group consisting of 6 total students and led by an advisor. Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements and rules regarding their safety, anti-bullying, and anti-harassment.
- What is asked of parents or family members?
- We ask that families support their students in participating. This means meeting attendance requirements, participating in the onboarding, opening, and closing ceremonies. CIP staff will communicate regularly throughout the program and are available for any questions that might arise.
- What can families and students expect to receive at the end of the program?
- Parents will receive an evaluation completed by CIP staff which addresses the progress their student made in the areas of social, executive functioning, and independent living skills. This evaluation may also include suggestions of strategies and recommendations that students can utilize at home to further their skills. Students will also receive a certificate of completion and a copy of their Person-Centered Plan.
- What does a day in the life of Summer Sessions look like?
- Students will participate daily in CIP’s comprehensive curriculum that includes: executive functioning, social skills, and life skills. Each day will begin with a daily check-in with students designated CIP Advisor and Growth Group consisting of 5-6 students. Students will complete an emotional thermometer, discuss any materials that were completed the previous evening, and review the module and activities for that day. Taught in a whole group setting, CIP instructors will facilitate the curriculum topic for the day. Topics that will be addressed include budgeting, future goal planning, social interactions, health and wellness, differences between high school and college, housekeeping 101, career assessment, and much more! Students will participate in an afternoon fun activity to further connect with their peers and practice social skills. Each day will end with a CIP Advisor and Growth Group meeting to review the concepts of the day, schedule for the following day, and any work that requires further completion that evening. Students will also have an opportunity to sign-up for optional evening social activities that may include: Virtual Escape Room, Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Netflix Party, interactive card games (Crazy 8, Go Fish, Checkers), Virtual Talent Show, student lead interest groups, and more!
- What equipment will I need to participate?
- Students will need access to the following technology tools to complete curriculum modules, interact with staff and peers, and participate in fun virtual group activities; A reliable high-speed internet connection Desktop or laptop device with a functional microphone and webcam. We recommend a headset for the best experience. (mobile or tablet devices are not recommended for participation in our remote learning environment) Basic technological knowledge such as video conferencing, using Google Slides and/or PowerPoint, accessing and using email, and troubleshooting simple issues that often can come up.
Summer@CIP: Video Spotlight on Success
Summer@CIP students and families share their personal journey about finding CIP and experiencing success. Watch the video!
