Overwhelmed by researching summer programs? While it is great that there are so many options, narrowing down the list to find the right one for your student just got harder.
That’s why we’re thrilled to share the 9 incredible programs participating in our Summer Program Expo.
We only invited programs that we have firsthand experience with through their team or participating families. These programs are the real deal where you student can make the most of their summer.
Get to know them here!
ASPIRE Kinney
Beacon College
Beyond Akeela
Camp Kodiak
Camp on Tour
College Internship Program
Focus Collegiate
Franklin Academy
Mercyhurst
Before we introduce these 9 programs, let’s talk about choosing the right one.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Summer Program
- Your Student’s Goals
There is no perfect program. There are a lot of really great programs with different focus areas. Before you look at specific options, sit down with your student to decide what the goals of participating in any program are right now.
Maybe your student has never been away from home on their own and wants to experience that before going off to college?
Maybe your student is deeply interested in a specific topic and wants to dive into a college course?
Maybe your student needs to practice making social connections with new people?
Maybe your student needs to focus on executive functioning separate from parental support before freshman year?
From social skills to academic credit to life skills, set one key goal for this summer. This helps you make decisions with that outcome in mind rather than falling in love with one particular aspect and missing the bigger picture.
- Location
Geography matters. Your student will have a very different experience at a community college in your hometown vs. a campus across the country.
If spending time away from home is the goal, set your geographic parameters to make that happen.
Likewise if your student needs parental support, it is much easier to hop in the car and drive a few hours rather than book a last minute plane ticket.
- Course Credit
Many college prep programs include hands-on coursework for students to get a feel for the academic rigor on campus. Decide how important it is for your student to obtain degree credit for a course. Do they need a transcript? Does their grade matter? Or do you want a more relaxed program where academics are a secondary focus?
- Length
These programs can last anywhere from one week to the full summer. Again, depending on your student’s individual goals, a shorter program may provide helpful exposure while a longer program may offer a more comprehensive experience to mimic college life.
- Cost
The prices of these programs vary widely based on their length and inclusions. Take an honest look at your family’s finances to decide how much you are willing to spend on this experience, knowing that college tuition is just around the corner. Be sure to include travel expenses, groceries, leisure spending, medications and insurance in your estimate.
2025 Expo Participating Summer Programs
Description: The Kinney Center’s College Bound Retreat is an interactive seminar for high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are planning to enroll in postsecondary education after graduation. Individuals with ASD can achieve great collegiate success, and the College Bound Retreat program provides specialized support to kick-start the attainment of their educational goals. Attendees learn about advocacy and autism support at the university level, and receive practical guidance on issues such as choosing a major, socialization and relationship building and executive functioning.
Length: 2 days
Designed for: High school students of all ages, graduating seniors and incoming ASPIRE students.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Dates: July 7th & 8th, 2026 (7th virtual, 8th in-person)
Cost: $175
Description: At Beacon College, we believe that education should be life-changing – and summer learning is no exception! Summer for Success is built around three distinct learning tracks focused on self-discovery, skills development and confidence building. We promise students a great time as they learn how to become better learners while forging new friendships with fellow students from across the country.
Length: Typically 2.5 weeks
Designed for: To be eligible for the Summer for Success, you must be a current high school freshman, sophomore, junior or senior in the 2024–25 academic year and have a diagnosed learning disability such as dyslexia, ADHD, or a related condition.
Location: Beacon College, Leesburg, FL
Dates: To be announced
Cost: Starts at $5,450
Description: 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.
From Parents: “Beyond Akeela changed Sydney’s sense of what might be possible for her–mainly by introducing her to such wonderful peers. She is now more engaged in her college search. She said the best thing about camp was living in such a warm and accepting community. This experience was transformative for our family!”
Length: 2.5 weeks
Designed for: High School Teens with Asperger’s or similar ASD (Autism) profile, NLD, and ADD/ADHD
Location: Curry College, Milton, MA
Dates: June 27 – July 17, 2026 and July 18 – August 5, 2026
Cost: $8,700
Description: Club Kodiak is a unique summer program for adults 19+ with ADHD, LD, ASD, MID, and other developmental and intellectual disabilities. The focus includes developing social skills, independent living skills, and job-readiness skills while having fun in a camp-like setting. With over 30 activities and weekly day trips, there is always an opportunity for fun, friend and success!
From Parents: “My daughter cannot imagine her summer without Club Kodiak. Her time there takes her to a new level of independence and confidence each year. The staff are clearly devoted to the guests and their experience. Our only regret is that we didn’t find out about it sooner!”
Length: June 28 – August 29 (2-week, 3-week, 4-week, 5-week, 7-week, 9-week sessions available)
Designed for: Adults 19+ with ADHD, LD, ASD, MID, and other developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Location: Burk’s Falls, Ontario, Canada
Dates: June 28 – August 29
Cost: Varies by length of session
Description: Camp On Tour is committed to helping young adults with social, emotional, learning, and cognitive differences make meaningful connections while exploring the world on travel tours.
From Parents: “Five years and many trips later I can say this is by far the most fun, social and educational program he has ever tried and I would highly recommend it to everyone.” “Traveling with the group has improved his skills of daily living more than any other school or recreational program.” “My daughter found her people while on travel. I have never seen her smile this much!”
Length: Monthly trips are offered, but big trips are are offered in June, July & August
Designed for: Teens and adults from 14-28 with social, emotional, learning, and cognitive differences
Location: Worldwide
Dates: Throughout the summer
Cost: Varies by length
Description: Since 2009, Summer@CIP has helped thousands of teens with autism and learning differences prepare for their next steps after high school; whether it’s attending a college, preparing for the workforce, or learning to live independently. Summer@CIP is an overnight program and participants reside in fully-furnished student housing.Summer@CIP provides teens and young adults with autism and learning differences the opportunity to further develop the valuable skills necessary for making a well-prepared transition to college, employment, and independent living.
Length: 2 weeks
Designed for: Students between 14-19 with autism and other learning challenges
Location: Lee, MA – Orlando, FL – Bloomington, IN, – Berkeley, CA – Long Beach, CA
Dates: Mid- July, exact dates to be announced
Cost: Around $6,000 (2026 pricing to be announced)
Description: Join us for three weeks of fun and learning in one of the country’s most academically prominent cities! Students entering college are headed to a new world of opportunities. Our summer experience prepares them for that adventure. While building academic independence, collegiate residential skills, and invaluable life experience, the Summer Cohort provides a comprehensive gateway to college life, regardless of which school our students are attending in the fall. The Focus Collegiate Summer Cohort supports inbound and returning college students in a smoother transition to college.
From Parents: I want to say how amazing your entire team is. You really have some special, dedicated people and I cannot begin to express my gratitude for what they have all done to support my daughter as well as myself. ~ Parent
We are very appreciative of the support you provided, and know that you have always been available. That peace of mind was very helpful as we all transitioned into this year, our daughter’s first in college! ~ Parent
Thanks so much for everything! Our son is doing so well and that’s definitely because of what your team is doing! ~ Parent
First, I want to compliment the Focus Collegiate Team. You all have made such a difference for our family. Thank you! ~ Parent
Length: 2.5 weeks
Designed for: High school graduates heading to college
Location: Simmons University, Boston, MA
Dates: July 12-August 1, 2026
Cost: $8,500
Application – get in touch to receive an application link
Description: Summer at Franklin is a dynamic and skill-based summer experience designed to engage and support neurodiverse students in grades seven through post-graduate. Our program focuses on social engagement, executive functioning development, and experiential learning, ensuring that students build essential skills while having fun.
At Summer at Franklin, we understand the importance of a program that not only prevents skill regression but also fosters personal growth, confidence, and independence. With hands-on, project-based learning, structured social opportunities, and immersive college preparation, Summer at Franklin is uniquely positioned to help students transition successfully into the next academic year at their home school.
Program Highlights:
- Passion Paths (Grades 7-11): Students select two areas of interest per session, such as College & Career Exploration, Theater and Performing Arts, Animal Studies, Robotics, or Forensics. These hands-on, interactive experiences encourage learning in a stress-free environment.
- The College & Career path gives neurodiverse students the opportunity to experience an authentic college setting, including academic advising, disability services applications, general education courses, and social programming. Tours of colleges and universities in the surrounding area will be offered each week, and students will also h
- Social & Executive Functioning Growth: Students participate in structured social experiences, including outings to theme parks, beaches, bookstores, and museums, reinforcing independence and social motivation
Length: 2 weeks
Designed for: Neurodiverse students in grades 7+
Location: Franklin Academy, East Haddam, CT
Dates: 2 week and 4 week experiences
Cost: 2-Week Day Experience: $4,000; 4-Week Day Experience: $7,500; 2-Week Boarding Experience: $5,000; 4-Week Boarding Experience $9,000
Description: Mercyhurst University’s Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) offers two residential summer programs – a one-week program called IGNITE for rising sophomores and juniors, and a three-week program called CREATE for rising seniors and recent graduates.
Length: 1 and 3 week program options
Designed for: Rising sophomore through graduate.
Location: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Dates: Late June (one-week program) and July (three-week program)
Cost: $1250 for IGNITE, $5200 for CREATE
A Game-Changer for College Readiness
College success requires more than academics. It demands resilience, independence and the ability to navigate setbacks. Summer programs are microcosms of that reality. They offer challenges in bite-sized, supported doses, allowing students to practice skills in a safe environment.
For autistic high school students, these gains can make the difference between surviving in college and thriving.
FAQs
- What benefits do autistic teens gain beyond academics?
Confidence, resilience, social communication skills and independence, all of which are essential for the transition to adult life after high school graduation. - How do summer programs reduce social isolation?
Many summer programs focus specifically on autistic students or neurodivergent students with ADHD. Being around peers who have navigated similar challenges – connecting with peers, masking, sensory issues – can be incredibly beneficial to autistic teens. - Do shorter programs have value?
Yes, any exposure helps, but longer programs (three weeks or more) tend to create the biggest impact according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (Shaping Summertime Experiences: Opportunities to Promote Healthy Development and Well-Being for Children and Youth). - How do these programs support parents?
Parents see their student practice independence successfully which builds family confidence about the future. - Do all programs emphasize academics?
No. Many programs focus primarily on life skills, executive function, and social-emotional development.