PATH (Preparing Autistic Teens for Higher Education) Program
Discover Your PATH
The Discover your PATH (Preparing Autistic Teens for Higher education) Program is a comprehensive transitional program designed to support autistic high school students in developing the skills necessary for success in post-secondary education. This program offers two flexible participation options—a Summer Intensive Program and a Semester-Based Program—allowing students and families to select the format that best meets their needs, schedules, and stage of college readiness.
Prepare for College Success
This program is grounded in evidence-based practices and include a combination of group instruction, individualized support, and social engagement opportunities. Across all offerings, participants will build competencies in areas critical to the transition to college, including academic readiness, executive functioning, independent living, social communication, and self-advocacy. Each student will also receive individualized assessment and goal-setting support to guide their post-secondary planning.
Following the completion of either program, participants and their families will be invited to attend a consultation with the Director of College Support to review the student’s college readiness, discuss post-secondary plans, and establish targeted goals for continued development.
Participants may enroll in multiple program cycles, including both summer and semester formats. For returning students, individualized goals and program content will be adapted to reflect prior participation, ensuring continued skill advancement and meaningful progression toward college readiness.
Summer Intensive Program
The Summer Intensive Program is a four-day, workshop-style experience designed to provide an immersive introduction to college readiness. Prior to the start of the program, students will participate in individual pre-program meetings with staff to establish goals and review program expectations. During the program, participants will engage in structured group instruction and social activities, supplemented by two individualized meetings to assess readiness for higher education and identify areas for growth. These sessions will culminate in the development of a personalized action plan to support each student’s transition to college.
Lunch will be provided each day during the Summer Intensive Program. Students may enroll in multiple summer sessions and/or in the Semester-Based Program.
Summer Intensive Program Dates:
Session 1: July 6-9, 2026 | 9:30 AM-5:30 PM
Session 2: July 20-23, 2026 | 9:30 AM-5:30 PM
Cost: $1,000
Semester PATH Program
The Semester-Based Program is a 12-week experience offered during the fall and spring semesters, providing a more gradual and sustained approach to skill development. Participants will attend weekly sessions held on Mondays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, along with additional planned social events throughout the program. The semester format includes an individualized planning meeting at the outset (Week One), two progress check-in meetings during the program, and a final individualized meeting to evaluate readiness, review progress, and establish next steps. This extended structure allows for continued practice, reinforcement, and skill generalization over time.
Students who participated in the Summer Intensive Program are welcome to enroll in the Semester-Based Program.
Dates: Mondays | September 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Cost: $1000
Registration for the Fall 2026 Session will be open soon.
Eligibility Criteria
The Discover Your PATH (Preparing Autistic Teens for Higher Education) program is designed for autistic high school students who are preparing for post-secondary education and are able to independently participate successfully in a structured, group-based learning environment.
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- Students must be enrolled in high school (typically grades 9–12) or be recent high school graduates planning to pursue post-secondary education.
- Students should demonstrate an interest in attending a 2- or 4-year college.
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- Students must have a documented diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- The program is best suited for students who:
- Can participate in small group instruction (typically 6–12 students)
- Benefit from structured, skills-based programming focused on college readiness
- Are working toward increased independence in academic and daily living skills
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To ensure a safe and productive group environment, participants must:
- Be able to engage in programming without the need for 1:1 behavioral or personal support
- Demonstrate the ability to:
- Follow group expectations with minimal prompting
- Participate safely in classroom and community-based activities
- Regulate behavior in a shared environment
This program is not designed for students who:
- Require continuous 1:1 supervision or intensive behavioral support
- Exhibit frequent or severe aggressive, self-injurious, or disruptive behaviors that may impact the safety or learning of themselves or others
- Require individualized crisis intervention plans beyond what can be supported in a group setting
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Participants should:
- Be able to communicate basic needs (verbally or via AAC/alternative methods)
- Tolerate and engage in group discussions and collaborative activities
- Demonstrate readiness to work on:
- Social communication
- Executive functioning
- Self-advocacy
- Independent living skills
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- Students should show interest and willingness to participate in college-preparation activities
- Students must be open to goal-setting, feedback, and skill development
- Families should be willing to support attendance, participation, and follow-through on individualized goals
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- All applicants will participate in an intake screening and/or pre-program meeting to assess fit for the program
- Placement is determined based on:
- Student readiness for a group-based model
- Alignment between student needs and program scope
- Ability to benefit from and contribute to the learning environment
ASPIRE College Support
Whether you are attending Saint Joseph’s University or another institution of higher learning, the Kinney Center’s expert team can help you adjust to campus life and reach your goals of graduation.