Bridging the Gap Between High School and Higher Education for Neurodivergent Teens
Beyond Akeela is more than just a summer program; it’s a transformative college readiness camp specifically designed to launch neurodivergent teens into successful college transitions. Our innovative college readiness program for neurodivergent teens combines the community of a traditional summer camp with a robust college readiness curriculum to create endless opportunities to practice essential skills for post-secondary success in an independent college environment.
Comprehensive Skill Development for Future Success
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: Teens take agency in their schedule, promoting organization, flexibility, and time management. College & Career 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.
Post-Program Success
The success teens experience in our summer college readiness program for students with autism extends beyond their time at Beyond Akeela. Alumni maintain connections and build the confidence to apply their learned skills in their high school and post-secondary environments. We have an engaged base of families ready to share their stories with you as you consider Beyond Akeela. Check out our alumni college and transition program database to see where past Beyond Akeela teens have found success in college.
Neurodivergent Teens Thrive at Beyond Akeela
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 ASD 1, Asperger’s, NVLD, or ADHD (inattentive type). Beyond Akeela teens are college capable and considering a variety of college options after high school.
Curious if Beyond Akeela is right for your teen? Let’s connect!
The College Transition Program Experience
A Unique Blend of Experiences
Our summer camp program for neurodivergent teens uniquely combines elements of college preparation, teen travel, and the heart & soul of a summer camp community. This comprehensive approach ensures teens don’t just learn skills, they practice them in real-world contexts with scaffolded staff support.
A True Peer Community
What sets our summer college readiness program for students with autism and similar neurodivergent profiles apart is our commitment to bringing together teens who truly understand each other. This authentic peer group creates a safe space for taking positive risks, learning from mistakes, and celebrating successes together.
Expert Support & Guidance
Our experienced staff provides scaffolded, individualized coaching that meets each teen exactly where they are in their journey toward post-secondary success. This personalized approach ensures every participant gains the confidence needed to thrive after high school. Our team is full of motivated, energetic, and mature adults.
