CIP Blog

The Berkshire Eagle: Summer@CIP Program Helps Build Social Skills in Teens

Written by College Internship Program | Aug 15, 2017 5:24:03 PM

via The Berkshire Eagle
August 15, 2017 

 

As part of his summer program experience, an 18-year-old Littleon, Mass. student named Ian found himself not sitting around a camp fire or making arts and crafts, but putting his hands to work helping Taft Farms' Dan and Martha Tawczynski set up for the town's Friday afternoon farmer's market. 

"It's been really great to have you here," Martha told the young man.

"I love to help," he said.

 

It's true. Ian's really good about volunteering back home and helping his grandfather with construction work. But not all of his peers in the Summer@CIP are as naturally inclined to put themselves in new social and work situations.

 

The program is designed for high school students and recent high school graduates with Asperger's syndrome or are high-function with autism, or for students who have other learning and communication differences.

 

Photo above taken by Jenn Smith