A college prep program for teens with social language challenges and social anxiety
Next Step is designed to help students with social language and anxiety challenges prepare for college. The program serves as a simulation for independent living.
Juniors and seniors in high school, or students who have recently graduated.
Including ASD, Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NLD), or related learning differences.
High school students who are serious about pursuing higher education.
Date & Time: Sunday, July 17th - Friday, July 22nd
Cost: $3000/student (refundable $600 deposit with remaining balance of $2400 due on 7/1)
Location: Boston College
Participants will live in a dormitory with a roommate and suitemates, have meals in the dining hall, participate in lessons and discussions on academic and mental health supports in college, learn executive functioning strategies, learn about dating & relationships, develop mental health coping strategies, enjoy off campus excursions, and learn how to handle the downtime in college
Vaccination and proof of negative COVID test prior to program required, masks will be contingent on local and state guidance as well as Boston College and MBTA policies, at the time of the program.
Day-long weekend sessions focused on building particular skills, engaging in problem-solving activities, and exploring a college campus.
A week-long college simulation experience at a real campus. Participants will stay at a dorm with a roommate, experience dining on campus, build executive functioning and self-advocacy skills, and more.
A fun group experience where participants will engage with other teens preparing for college and gain valuable experience with social interaction and skill building.
The Next Step program has been supporting teens since 2013 and the program has evolved over the years to offer even more for the community.
My son emerges from these sessions feeling more confident and competent and I, as a parent, emerge feeling like I can slow down, appreciate my child, and take some of the pressure off of both of us. I leave the Next Step sessions with a fresh perspective, realizing that my son's differences can also be considered his strengths.
A profoundly life-changing experience- I now believe in myself and my ability to be successful at the college level as well as whatever the next step happens to become.
Next Step provides a valuable, thoughtful, and practical bridge for families making the transition from high school to college.
It's amazing how many successes my daughter has had in a relatively small amount of time. I've gone from worrying whether she'd survive high school and graduate to how am I going to afford four years of college. It's a good worry!
