CIP provides specialized curriculum specifically for young adults Asperger's and learning differences, helping students gain the insight and skills necessary for success.

Our goal is to graduate young men and women of confidence, character, and integrity capable of making contributions to society and claiming their place as citizens of the world.

Berkeley: A Friendly, Exciting and Innovative Place to Live

With a population of 102,000, Berkeley has a unique and accepting community that prides itself on cultural diversity. Sheltered by rolling hills and the San Francisco Bay, this environmentally conscious city is surrounded by a beautiful landscape with an abundance of recreational and community activities. Founded in 2007, the Berkeley Center is CIP’s fourth national center of excellence. CIP Berkeley is ideally located in the heart of downtown, only a few blocks from Berkeley City College, downtown Berkeley BART station, UC Berkeley, Berkeley City Library and historic Telegraph Ave.

Exceptional Local Colleges & Universities

The majority of CIP students are enrolled at Berkeley City College (BCC), part of the Peralta College District. BCC offers several associate and certificate programs in the areas of liberal arts. Other Peralta colleges include Merritt College, College of Alameda and Laney College. Additionally, students can attend Cal State East Bay, which has repeatedly ranked among the best business schools and regional public schools in the West, and UC Berkeley, known for its programs in engineering, ¬science, mathematics, and liberal arts. All students complete a Learning Skills Assessment prior to registration. The Berkeley Center Academic department has a valued relationship with the office of disabilities and will help navigate the process of acquiring accommodations.

C-STEP (Career Skills Training and Employment Program)

Through this program students receive the support services and skills instruction they need to become self-motivated, self-sufficient, young professionals that can forge ahead and succeed in developing a clear objective for their career paths and be successful negotiators in the world of work. The goal of the program is to enable our students to develop self-advocacy and motivation so that they may take their places in the adult workforce, contributing to society and fulfilling their own potential.

Internship & Career Opportunities

Our goal is for every student to have an internship or job so that they can begin or continue developing their career skills. If a student is enrolled in college, their internship will typically be just a few hours per week. Some students hold one or two internships or jobs up to 20 hours per week. The Career program offers individual skill assessments, career counseling and job coaching. The Berkeley Center offers a variety of internship opportunities. Recent internships include Oakland Zoo, paid and unpaid positions at the YMCA, Humane Society and Assistant in the Alliant University DDS department.

Health & Wellness

CIP is deeply committed to promoting the wellness of each and every student. CIP offers wellness sessions lead by experienced staff members who assist in identifying that balance of wellness through nutrition, exercise, yoga, stress reduction practice, walking clubs, local health clubs, volleyball team and many more modern and innovative techniques.

Comfortable Apartment Living

Students reside in fully furnished 2 bedroom apartments at the spacious Library Gardens apartment community (www.librarygardens.com) located 1 block from Shattuck Avenue. Each student has their own bedroom and shares the bathroom, kitchen and living room with their roommate. Instruction is given in meal planning, food preparation, clean up, laundry, apartment maintenance, executive functioning and leisure skills. Two laundry rooms are located on each floor of the building.

Coordinated Weekend Activities

Weekend recreational activities are very important opportunities for students to put into practice the social competencies they are developing. Every weekend, several activities are planned and transportation provided. Students may also propose alternate activities. A comfortable climate, a superb park system and access to ocean and mountains make Berkeley a great city for outdoor recreation. Each weekend several activities are scheduled which promote socializing and a healthy lifestyle. Typical outings include hiking the beautiful and scenic trails, the Berkeley Marina, movies, bowling, UC Berkeley sports, concerts, the Oakland Zoo, farmers markets, shopping and museums. Cultural and educational events include various local festivals, the San Francisco MOMA, Chabot Space Center and cruises to Alcatraz and Angel Island. We have an “activities meeting” every week lead by the Residential Coordinator, where students are involved in choosing and planning the events.

Exciting Travel Opportunities

Students enrolled at CIP have the option of attending a fun and educational travel program one week a year during the college spring break in March. Students prepare for this trip through a series of class meetings in which they study the language, arts, culture and trip itinerary. Each year an exciting new world destination is chosen. As part of the spring break experience students often participate in community service. Besides being able to help those in need, this experience instills leadership and develops character. These trips are an excellent opportunity for students to travel and broaden their horizons in a safe, supervised atmosphere. In 2009, Berkeley Center students set sail on an all-inclusive weeklong cruise enjoying the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallerta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan.

Student Senate

The student senate with the guidance of a CIP staff member provides students the opportunity to develop and refine their leadership skills through event planning and fundraising. These events range from game nights, movie nights and dances to Halloween parties, Super Bowl parties and more. In addition to functioning as an opportunity to develop leadership and social skills the student senate also plays a critical role in providing valuable feedback to the staff concerning program improvement.

Visit our website or call to learn more about the College Internship Program at the Berkeley Center.