College Living Experience
Davi, FL

The College Living Experience (CLE) has announced the launch of the College Preparatory Institute (CPI), a new program to prepare young people for a successful college experience while simultaneously improving college graduation and retention rates.

According to the Education Trust, nearly one-third of all college students drop out of school after their first year.

CPI provides an intensive introduction to college for two weeks during the summer for students ready to enter their freshman year of college or for students who have struggled previously in higher education. Students can attend sessions at the University of Denver in Denver, Colo., or at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore.

"Many students drop out of college because they feel unprepared or overwhelmed by academic expectations," CLE President Stephanie Martin said. "CPI students acquire skill based strategies to become better and more proficient learners."

As a leading provider of transition services for students with learning exceptionalities, CLE provides year-long and summer programming for students who need additional assistance to be successful in a college environment. With the introduction of CPI, CLE expands its reach to assist all students, in addition to those with special learning needs.

"At CLE, we want to provide students with the best possible tools to graduate and be viable candidates in today's competitive job market," Martin said. "A key component of CPI is the instruction taking place within the college environment, so that students can learn to navigate campus resources and higher education systems"

CPI courses prepare students for independent living and study on a college or university campus. These courses include:

• Introduction to Higher Education: become familiar with the culture of the college campus, common systems and available resources


• Writing at the College Level: understand the expectations of college level writing and research


• Technologies for 21st Century Learning: access campus websites and various assistive technologies to enhance learning and organization


• Skills and Strategies for College Success: practice efficient and effective study skills to make the most of your college education


• Self-Advocacy in Academia: understand your rights and responsibilities as a student and under federal law, including ADA and IDEA, and practice appropriate ways to become your own best advocate


• Financial Management: discover how to manage personal and scholastic finances


• Balanced Living: learn to maintain the critical balance between work, leisure and self-care


• Building Your Personal Support System: explore how to develop and maintain positive relationships with peers, faculty and mentors

To enroll in CPI, contact Mary Adams at 800-486-5058.

About CLE
College Living Experience is a post-secondary program for students who require additional support with academic, social and independent living skills because they have autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger's syndrome, or other specific disabilities or maturation issues. CLE provides individualized support in three primary areas: academics, social skills and independent living. Students travel from all over the country to attend CLE programs in Austin, Texas; Denver; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Monterey, Calif.; and Washington, D.C.