Many families ask us for help identifying college programs for their students after attending Akeela’s summer college transition program for high school students with Asperger’s and learning differences (NLD). Below is a list of programs, categorized by type, that we have relationships with or that Beyond Akeela teens have found success in after a summer of college transition skill building. (Colleges/programs are listed alphabetically)
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* Beyond Akeela teens have attended and/or reported success/supportive environments at these schools & programs.
Gap Year / College Transition Programs
*College Internship Program (CIP) (Five nationwide locations)
A one-year transition program that provides support for academics, executive function, independent living skills, career training opportunities, and social skills, all while students are attending classes at local four year and community colleges.
*College Living Experience (CLE) (Six nationwide locations)
An individualized transition program that assists students with their transition to college, career, and independent living. Students live in apartments with CLE staff support.
*Dynamy (Worcester, MA)
A Gap-year program created for students who want to pursue a unique, hands-on learning experience. This is a great alternative for those who are not ready to take on college or do not believe it is the right fit.
*Mansfield Hall (Three nationwide locations)
Students attend classes at local colleges (four year or community) and live in a staffed Mansfield Hall apartment while receiving support for social development, executive functioning, and independent living skills.
*Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC) (Richfield, MN)
Students have options as they prepare to live independently while beginning their career or college education. MICC students live on campus with staff support and take classes within their program that focus on independent living, social and emotional well-being, and career advancement.
*Thames at Mitchell College (New London, CT)
Students accepted to Thames experience a one-year transition program in which they work toward 15 hours of college credit and become matriculated Mitchell College students upon completion of the program. Thames provides, social, executive function, and academic support for its students.
College programs designed for students with learning disabilities
*Beacon College (Leesburg, FL)
Features Navigator PREP program which focuses on developing skills for college readiness up to 9 months prior to matriculation.
*Landmark College (Putney, VT)
Features online class enrollment options and an athletics program.
Colleges with built-in ASD program
There are many more universities offering these programs around the country. The list below reflects program we have a connection to, either through former campers or colleagues.
*Adelphi University: Bridges Program (Garden City, NY)
*Eastern University: College Success Program (St. Davids, PA)
Edinboro University: Boro Autism Support Initiative For Success (Edinboro, PA)
*Kutztown University: My Place Program (Kutztown, PA)
*Loras College: ARCH Program (Dubuque, IA)
Marquette University: On Your Marq (Milwaukee, WI)
*Marshall University: The College Program for Students with ASD (Huntington, WV)
*Mercyhurst College: Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) (Erie, PA)
*Rochester Institute of Technology: Spectrum Support Program (Rochester, NY)
*St. Joseph’s University: The Kinney Center (Philadelphia, PA)
St. Norbert College: ASD Support Program (De Pere, WI)
*UCONN: Beyond Access (Storrs, CT)
*University of Indianapolis: BUILD Program (Indianapolis, IN)
*University of Iowa: Twice-Exceptionality Academy (Iowa City, IA)
*Wright State University: RASE (Dayton, OH)
Colleges with strong LD support
The colleges listed below are particularly friendly for college students with ASD/LD and in some cases have specific learning support programs students can apply into.
Curry College – PAL Program (Milton, MA)
*Dean College – Arch Learning Community (Franklin, MA)
Lynn University – Institute for Achievement & Learning (Boca Raton, FL)
*McDaniel College (Westminister, MD)
*Mitchell College – Mystic Program (New London, CT)
Other colleges
There are thousands of universities that fall in this category, and all are required to have a disability services of some kind. Below are additional schools Beyond Akeela teens have attended and/or reported success/supportive environments.
*Butler University (Indianapolis, IN)
*Drew University (Madison, NJ)
*Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)
*Evergreen State College (Olympia, WA)
*George Washington University (Washington, DC)
*Hamilton College (Clinton, NY)
*Keene State College – Aspire Program (Keene, NH)
*King’s College (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
*Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ)
*Northern Vermont University (Lyndon, VT)
*Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH)
*Pace University (New York, NY)
*Savannah College of Art & Design (Savannah, GA)
*Seattle University (Seattle, WA)
*Southern Oregon University (Ashland, OR)
*St. Cloud University (St. Cloud, MN)
*St. Mary’s College (Moraga, CA)
*University of Arizona: SALT Center (Tucson, AZ)
*University of Hartford – Hillyer College (Hartford, CT)
*University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA)
*University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
*Warren Wilson College (Swannanoa, NC)
*Willamette University (Salem, OR)
*Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA)
Non-degree seeking college experiences
These programs provide a college experience while focusing on life skill development and workplace readiness.
*Lesley University: Threshold (Cambridge, MA)
*National Louis University: PACE Program (Chicago, IL)
