Summer Immersion Programs That Boost College and Career Readiness
Summer is an ideal time for students to boost their readiness for college or career opportunities. The summer Immersion program for neurodivergent teens offered at Transitions is designed to help students who are approaching the end of high school or who have recently graduated to prepare for their next steps.
What Are Summer Readiness Programs for Neurodivergent Teens?
Every teen or young adult who graduates from high school needs support when preparing for their next steps toward adulthood. A neurodivergent readiness program offered by facilities like Transitions offers targeted support for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. The different services offered include:
- Peer support
- Independent living skill development
- Career coaching and resume development
- Self-advocacy development and practice
- Assistance with accessing support in the workplace or on campus
College and Career Pathways: Choosing the Right Track
Summer immersion at Transitions is more than just a seasonal program — for many students, it’s a valuable introduction to our full-time college and career readiness tracks. It allows participants to experience the structure, support, and community of Transitions before deciding to enroll during the school year.
These programs serve neurodivergent students with a range of goals, whether they’re preparing for higher education or looking to build the skills needed to live and work more independently as adults.
College Readiness Focus
At Transitions, our college readiness summer programs are designed to help students learn what to expect from the college experience and how to prepare for those expectations. Participants in the college readiness summer program will get the chance to participate in guided campus tours at local colleges and even participate in a college course through a local State University of New York (SUNY) partner to earn college credit.
Most importantly, participants in the program will gain exposure not only to college life on campus but also to a range of training that will help them prepare for college, including help with accessing student services on campus; training and support in executive functions, communication, and self-advocacy; and help building supportive and sustainable routines for both academic and personal success.
Career Readiness Focus
College is not always the next step after high school. For teens and young adults who do not aspire to attend college, career readiness summer programs are also available. Like the college readiness programs at Transitions, the career readiness summer immersion program gives participants access to many resources to help with confidence and preparation for life as working adults, whether they aspire to live independently or plan to continue to live with family.
Career readiness program participants will receive help with internship placements and coaching, resume building, and skill building in essential areas like communication, time management, and professionalism. Teens and young adults on the career readiness track will also get to experience job site tours and life skills training and take advantage of opportunities to enroll in career-focused courses for college credit.
What Makes a Good Summer Program for Neurodivergent Students?
Summer programs for teens with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences should offer personalized support that is tailored to the needs of each individual participant. Students who choose to attend summer programs may have a wide range of needs, and programs should account for those who need more support in certain areas.
By separating our summer immersion program into a college track and a career track, Transitions can better cater to every participant’s needs by keeping their personal goals in mind. Most neurodiverse students also benefit from small group experiences as well as peer support, in addition to training and assistance from experienced educators.
Benefits of Summer Programs for Neurodivergent Teens
Skills-based summer programs for neurodivergent high school students can have a significant positive impact on the future experiences of program graduates. The daily routine and support provided by high school experiences can help neurodiverse students develop and practice both academic and social skills. However, the summer break from school means a major disruption of these beneficial routines for many students and families.
A summer program can help reinforce emerging skills and build new ones that will help students succeed in the next chapter of their lives by continuing routines as well as helping them develop new ones. Summer programs for neurodiverse students can also be hugely beneficial in developing confidence, as students can be grouped with peers, creating a safe and supportive environment for learning new skills.
Why Families Choose the Summer Experience at Transitions
When it comes to summer programs for both neurodiverse and neurotypical students, every family has its own needs. Families with neurodivergent students may look specifically for social skills summer programs that help young adults practice interpersonal communication in social settings, for example. Other families may look for programs that reinforce skills for independent living like time management, self-advocacy, and even personal hygiene.
For many families, the summer experience also serves as a meaningful preview of what full-time college or career track enrollment at Transitions can offer. It allows students to test the environment, connect with staff, and decide if a longer-term program is right for them.
Apply or Learn More About Out Summer Readiness Program
If your family is ready to learn more about the Transitions Summer Immersion Program available at our Albany, Cobleskill, and Mayfield campuses, contact us today. We can help you determine which program may be the best fit for your family, schedule an initial interview, and start your application.
FAQs About Summer Readiness for Neurodivergent Teens
Neurodivergent teens and their families understandably want to be prepared for any summer program they choose. The following are some frequently asked questions about summer readiness programs for neurodivergent teens.
- What ages are eligible to attend the summer immersion program?
Transitions summer immersion programs are designed for teens and young adults and are available to students ages 16 to 27. - What kinds of support are available for neurodivergent teens and young adults at the summer immersion programs?
At Transitions summer immersion programs, neurodivergent teens and young adults have access to support such as:
Executive functioning, communication, personal safety, self-management, and self-advocacy training
Personalized feedback on strengths and support needs
Resume building assistance
Workplace readiness training in time management and professionalism
What if my child is not sure about college or work yet?
If your child is not sure about college or a future career, but you believe they could benefit from the Summer Immersion Program, we encourage you to reach out to our admissions office for more information. Many students who are still exploring their interests discover new passions by attending the program, which can help them make more confident decisions about their next steps.
You are also welcome to schedule a campus visit. This gives families the opportunity to ask questions, meet staff, and get a better understanding of whether Transitions is the right fit for their child. We are here to help support you in finding the best option based on your child’s individual needs and goals. - Is financial aid or scholarship funding available?
Yes, scholarships for summer immersion programs are available. Students who are eligible for Office for People with Developmental Disability (OPWDD) may also be able to use that funding towards Transitions program tuition. Contact our office for more details on tuition and financial aid for upcoming sessions, including details on how to apply for scholarship funds.
- What’s the difference between readiness and traditional camp?
Transitions readiness programs are specifically designed to help prepare participants for the next chapter in their lives. While the camps at Transitions can be a great place to practice social skills and build experience, most are not tailored to college readiness or career development. Readiness programs help students develop skills specific to academic or professional success as well as practice likely scenarios, experience college life, participate in internships, and have other targeted experiences that help build towards their next steps in life.
