Autism Services Center

Summer Programs

Western Michigan University’s Autism Services Center saw the need for programs that help autistic/neurodiverse high school students build the social, communication, and independent living skills they need to make a successful transition to higher education. The ASC provides two unique summer programs. The Summer Transition Program (STP) is geared towards juniors, seniors, recent college graduates, and transfer students who plan on attending or have been admitted to a college or university. The College Exploration Week (CEW) is geared towards high school students who are interested in exploring college as a potential post-secondary option.

Summer Transition Program (STP)

Planning for the Summer Transition Program 2027 is underway. We begin accepting applications in the new calendar year.

STP participants:

  • Enroll in a 3 or 4-credit WMU course of the student’s choosing.
  • Work in paid on-campus employment for up to 10 hours a week.
  • Participate in instruction focused on pre-employment, social, study, academic, and transition skills.
  • Live in a residence hall for 7.5 weeks.
  • Meet weekly with an ASC graduate point person.
  • Engage in a variety of social opportunities, such as going to the Student Recreation Center, game nights, and movie nights.

Information for Potential Summer Transition Program Students

  • Participants are typically juniors, seniors, recent high school graduates, or transfer students.
  • ASC Summer Transition Program is designed for autistic/neurodiverse individuals who are planning to attend a university after high school.
  • Summer Transition Program Students must be 18 years old or older or 17 years old and attending WMU as a degree seeking student for the Fall 2027 semester.
  • The 2027 program dates will be posted soon.
    • Students may go home on the weekends, just as if they were first-year students at WMU.
  • For more information about the ASC Summer Transition Program, please email @email.

College Exploration Week (CEW)

College Exploration Week provides participants with the opportunity to stay on WMU’s campus and gain valuable information about the college experience. Depending on the number of interested participants, several weeks may be offered during July and August.

We are gauging interest  to run the College Exploration Week during Summer 2027. Updates will be posted here when decisions have been made.
CEW participants:

  • Stay in a WMU Residence Hall for 4 nights under ASC supervision.
  • Tour various WMU colleges (such as Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Development, Engineering, and more!) to gain information about potential majors.
  • Participate in the Focus 2.0 Assessment, which helps students identify job preferences and employment strengths and skills.
  • Learn about the in’s and out’s of college during ASC lead informational sessions.
  • Experience a variety of campus amenities, such as the dining halls, campus bus, and student recreation center.
  • Engage with ASC Peer Mentors during structured social events.

Information for Potential College Exploration Week Participants

  • Participants are typically high school sophomores and juniors.
  • ASC College Exploration Week is designed for autistic/neurodiverse individuals who are interested in exploring the option of attending a university after high school.
  • College Exploration Week participants must be under the age of 18 and parental/guardian approval. Additional paperwork is required.
  • For more information about the ASC College Exploration Week, please email @email.