Matthew Kosiorek '08 The College Internship Program in Lee helps students with autism navigate the transition to independence

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“They’re in a very independent program,” Kosiorek said. “And they are learning transferrable skills that can be used in any work environment. They are building foundations, finding out what they like, and what they’re good at.”

Kosiorek said the cost averages about $100,000 per year, with the program lasting four or five years. There are no grant or scholarships opportunities, he noted.

One of the more popular curricula is the arts program. CIP purchased a vacant church downtown and renamed it Spectrum Playhouse, where they rehearse and perform musicals and plays.

“Creative writing is a healthy outlet for them,” Kosiorek said.

For DeKemper, she’s pretty sure she wants a career working with animals. Working at Sonsini was just the latest reminder for her. She has already learned about animal training for Seeing Eye dogs, and she’s planning on learning more about animal biology and animal medicine.

So her work at the shelter “just solidified it for me,” she said. “That’s where I want to go, I really enjoy the experience of bonding with an animal. It is really fun.”