About Beyond Akeela
Beyond Akeela is a 2.5 week summer pre-college program with an intentional focus on helping teens transition into their post-secondary lives. Based on a college campus, Beyond Akeela teens build and practice the social, executive function, and self-advocacy skills needed to thrive in college settings. In our non-academic program, teens develop a heightened sense of self-awareness and their college readiness, while forging friendships that last a lifetime. The dynamic curriculum grows with teens each year to meet the needs of their specific age group.
Skill Development
Social Connection: Form lifelong connections with a true peer group and develop social skills through travel and engaging camp activities. Executive Functioning: Teen’s take agency in their schedule promoting organization, flexibility, and time management. College & Job Readiness: Organic opportunities to practice independent living in a college setting with job-like volunteer experiences. Self-Advocacy: Choice-based activity options and independent decision making allow teens to take control of their experience.
Beyond Akeela Teens
Beyond Akeela teens are currently completing their Sophomore, Junior, or Senior years of high school, or a post-graduate year. Teens who thrive at Beyond Akeela have average to above average IQ and benefit from additional support for executive function and maintaining meaningful friendships. While not all campers have a diagnosis, most teens have a profile of someone with Asperger’s, NVLD, or ADHD (inattentive type). Beyond Akeela teens are college capable and considering a variety of college options after high school.
Applications for Summer 2024 Are Open!
Complete the form below to request more information about Beyond Akeela.
A Unique Camp & College Readiness Program for High School Teens with Asperger’s, Or Similar ASD (Autism) Profile, NLD, and ADD/ADHD
Beyond Akeela blends elements of a college readiness program, teen travel program, and the heart and soul of a traditional summer camp community. Participants build and practice post-secondary independent living skills, experience adventure, and develop life-long friendships, all while preparing for their transition to college and beyond.
The Beyond Akeela Difference
As in many other great teen programs, Beyond Akeela campers enjoy choice-based social outings, engage in rewarding community service projects, explore college and post-secondary options, and experience cultural travel opportunities. The difference is that Beyond Akeela brings together a true peer group of neurodivergent teens with scaffolded and individualized coaching support from experienced staff members. The community allows teens to feel confident stepping out of their comfort zone, taking new risks, and learning from their successes and mistakes.
Beyond Akeela campers are bright, independent and academically successful young adults who are looking for a little extra social support. Some have a diagnosis of Asperger’s or similar ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) profile, and others may have ADD/ADHD or a social-based learning difference such as NLD (or NVLD). Many of our campers aren’t diagnosed but describe themselves as “quirky.”
