In April, during Autism Awareness Month, the College Internship
Program (CIP) united students and staff from its centers across
the United States to engage in
various volunteer activities, underscoring the program's commitment
to community service and autism acceptance.
LEE,
Mass., May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In
April, during Autism Awareness Month, the College Internship
Program (CIP) united students and staff from its centers across
the United States to engage in
various volunteer activities, underscoring the program's commitment
to community service and autism acceptance.
This year, CIP's students and staff
dedicated over 500 hours to community service, participating in
diverse activities that highlighted the talents and contributions
of neurodivergent people.
Founded in 1984, CIP is a comprehensive year-round transition
program designed to empower young adults with Autism, ADHD, and
other learning differences. Annually, CIP serves over 300 young
adults through its full-year residential programs and two-week
summer sessions on college campuses for high school students.
This year, CIP's students and staff dedicated over 500 hours to
community service, participating in diverse activities that
highlighted the talents and contributions of neurodivergent
people.
At CIP Long Beach in California, students and administrators were
involved in the Thinkers 4 Autism (T4A) fair, where they operated a
booth featuring sensory activities and assisted in various
capacities such as vendor support and event clean-up. Additionally,
CIP Long Beach hosted a "Sowing Seeds of Change" mixer, which
included social and wellness activities designed to foster
interaction and fun among attendees.
In Bloomington, Indiana, CIP
took part in the annual Children's Expo, where students distributed
arts and crafts bags and cookies, assisting children in creative
activities. This engagement was aimed at raising autism awareness
while providing practical experience for the students in
interacting with diverse groups.
CIP Berkshire in Lee,
Massachusetts, showcased the creative talents of its
students during a community event at the Good Purpose Gallery. The
event featured an art show with speeches and performances by CIP
students, providing them a platform to share their personal
experiences and talents with the community.
In Melbourne, Florida, CIP
Brevard hosted the "Unmasking Autism - Enchanted Forest Spring
Formal," an event that allowed students to practice formal social
skills and dining etiquette. This event not only facilitated
community integration but also emphasized the inclusiveness and
social contributions of the neurodiverse community.
CIP Berkeley in California
organized a community partnership day with Berkeley Youth
Alternatives. The event involved beautification projects and
provided a platform for student speakers to share their experiences
with autism, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between
the participants.
These events collectively highlight CIP's dedication to
enhancing autism awareness and acceptance while fostering community
involvement and social skills among its students.
Dr. Michele Ramsay, CIP's East
Coast Director of Operations, commented, "By engaging in these
initiatives each year and serving the community, CIP is reinforcing
our mission to prepare young adults with learning differences for
success in college, employment, and independent living".
For more information about the College Internship Program (CIP)
and its transition programs for college-age youth with autism and
learning differences, please visit www.cipworldwide.org
Media Contact
Amy Demarest, College Internship
Program (CIP), 1 413-344-4109 28, pr@cipworldwide.org,
www.cipworldwide.org
Lori Reuss, College Internship
Program (CIP), 1 413-344-4109 25, lreuss@cipworldwide.org,
www.cipworldwide.org
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cip-celebrates-autism-month-with-nationwide-community-engagement-302133110.html
SOURCE College Internship Program (CIP)