Testimonials

National Professional Advisory Board Members

"The College Internship Program has developed a formula for success for individuals with ASD and related disabilities who wish to attend and complete college.

At the CIP, young adults learn academic, social, and daily living skills -- all designed to help them meet their potential. The many CIP attendees and graduates I know have found the program to be challenging, rewarding, and supportive."

- Brenda Smith Myles, University of Kansas

"One of the most comprehensive programs in the world for empowering people with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome to achieve success in higher education, employment, and life in general."

- Stephen Shore, Autism Asperger Consulting

"With unemployment and underemployment among adults on the autism spectrum hovering around 90% the critical importance of individually tailored employment development services cannot be overstated.  Given the fact that having a job helps in the development of an adult identity, promotes self esteem, supports a growing social circle, and provides financial opportunities programs such as the Career and Employment Services of the College Internship Program are both necessary and welcome.”

- Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D,, Organization for Autism Research

Parents

"Words cannot express my appreciation for all that you do, not only for my daughter, but for all the students enrolled in your program whom she deals with; and for the many ways you support and guide her day-to-day interactions with staff, roommates and peers. You have helped my daughter to gain self-confidence and gain independent living skills."

- Eileen Hersch, parent

"We are very pleased with the progress our son is making. He is doing so much more and so much better than he was the past several years. The difference is like night and day to our way of thinking.

Perhaps the feedback that surprises us most and gives us great hope is around his leadership. That's a side to our son we have not seen before, perhaps because he was not in an environment where he could demonstrate leadership.

At his core, our son is a very warm and compassionate person. Over the years I think he has become much more guarded and has tried to harden himself - perhaps as a coping mechanism to deal with peers who can be so tough on young people who are "different".

We are very grateful he has found a place where he does feel comfortable and where he again is experiencing success and is rebuilding his confidence. We are happy that he is growing more comfortable in social situations and we hope this spills over into building some true friendships. Thanks to CIP for helping create that environment for him."

- Dave & Kim Kennedy, parents

"Our son has attended CIP since summer 2005 after several miserable and unsuccessful attempts in other programs across the USA since his high school graduation.

We all so desperately wanted him to grow academically and independently, but didn’t know how or where to find this assistance. With the help and guidance of the CIP staff, he has found a new confidence. Not false confidence, but confidence that springs from achievement.

He has learned to examine his strengths, his emotions, and his responsibilities to better foster relationships in life as well as in life skills.

At CIP, there has been accountability and responsibility which have enabled him to grow and mature. The staff is willing to dialogue with us to allow us to be active participant’s in his program and we feel that our perspectives are welcomed though we allow the staffs’ expertise to dictate his program goals.

As parents we are all looking for a quick fix for our children. CIP is not magic but a well developed program designed for Aspergers and Non-Verbal Learning Differences young adults. CIP has been a blessing to our family and more importantly our son."

- Nancy & David Farrell, parents