Student Spotlight: Ethan B. from Berkshire

Student Finds Success Transitioning From CIP’s Summer Program

Ethan was at a turning point. He had graduated from high school and wanted more independence, but was unsure about his next steps. After considering a variety of options, he decided to try CIP’s two-week summer program in Lee, Massachusetts for students with learning differences. The program would provide him with a taste of college and an opportunity to live away from home. If it went well, he would consider enrolling in CIP’s year-round program. Ethan has been diagnosed with Asperger's.

“I went to their summer program to get a feel for CIP before deciding about the full-year program,” Ethan commented. “Even though everyone didn’t go to CIP’s full-year program, it felt like a good indication of the type of students who would be going and gave me the chance to get to know the staff and what to expect. At that point, I decided to attend CIP,” he continued.

“The summer program offered Ethan just the right amount of independence and was a great lead-in to their year-round program,” commented Kristen, Ethan’s mother. “It allowed him to see how CIP worked, go home, evaluate his experience, and then come back in the fall.”

As he completes his second year at CIP’s year-round program, Ethan, now 20, is happy and has settled into a regular routine of college classes, socializing with his roommates and attending programming offered by CIP. “I have 3 housemates and we get along fine. We overcame some challenges last year and got things sorted out,” he continued.

Ethan’s mother believes he has been successful at CIP because they give him more independence and provide less “hand-holding” than other programs that offer more structure. “They taught him to see his strengths and be more independent. He has built his confidence and is much more social now. He understands types of appropriate conversation and has learned important skills,” she continued.

When asked about his dream job, Ethan said he would like to work in the field of film production in California. In his spare time, he enjoys video games, drawing, and anything that allows him to be creative. He is looking forward to meeting the new students who will be entering CIP in the fall.

About The College Internship Program

The College Internship Program (CIP) is a comprehensive transition program for young adults on the Autism Spectrum and with Learning Differences. Our mission is to inspire independence and expand the foundation on which young adults with Autism, ADHD, and other Learning Differences can build happy and productive lives. For more information about their year-round and summer programs across the US, contact admissions@cipworldwide.org or call 877-566-9247.