College Internship Program (CIP) – Berkshires, MA
CIP Berkshires (Lee, Massachusetts): Independence in a Charming New England Town
One of our favorite stops on this trip was visiting CIP Berkshires in Lee, Massachusetts.
We met with Director Matthew, who showed us around both the program center and the student apartments. Right away, what stood out was how walkable everything is. Lee is a small New England town where students can truly practice independence while still receiving the support they need.
Program Overview
The College Internship Program (CIP) serves young adults with autism, ADHD, and learning differences who are preparing for college, employment, and independent adulthood.
Students receive individualized support in areas including:
- Executive functioning
- Academic coaching
- Career development
- Independent living skills
- Social skills
- Health and wellness
- Community engagement
Students can also attend local colleges, work in the community, and participate in internships while receiving ongoing coaching from CIP staff.
CIP Berkshire (Lee, Massachusetts): A Transition Program Focused on College, Careers & Independent Living
As part of our transition program road trip, we visited CIP Berkshire in Lee, Massachusetts. We met with Director Matthew, toured the program center, visited the student apartments, explored the Spectrum Playhouse, and even stopped by nearby Berkshire Community College.
Located in the heart of the Berkshires, this location offers students a small-town setting with plenty of opportunities to build independence while receiving individualized support for college, employment, and adult life.
Quick Facts
Location: Lee, Massachusetts
Serves: Young adults with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other neurodiverse profiles
Program Focus:
- College success
- Career development
- Independent living
- Executive functioning
- Social skills
- Health and wellness
- Community engagement
College Partner: Berkshire Community College
Housing: Apartment-style living throughout downtown Lee
Summer Programs: Yes
About CIP Berkshire
The College Internship Program (CIP) is one of the longest-running transition programs in the country, with multiple locations across the United States.
The Berkshire location provides individualized support for young adults who are preparing for college, employment, and independent adulthood. Rather than following one curriculum for every student, each student receives an individualized plan based on their personal goals, strengths, and support needs.
Students work on practical life skills while receiving coaching in:
- Executive functioning
- Organization and time management
- Academic success
- Career exploration
- Employment readiness
- Independent living
- Self-advocacy
- Healthy living
- Social communication
The overall goal is to help students become more independent while building confidence in everyday life.
Academic & Career Supports
Students attending college receive individualized academic coaching to help with:
- Organization
- Study strategies
- Time management
- Planning assignments
- Communication with professors
- Executive functioning
Students can attend Berkshire Community College or other local educational opportunities while continuing to receive support from their CIP team.
Career services are also a major part of the program.
Students receive help exploring career interests, building resumes, practicing interviews, finding internships, and preparing for competitive employment after graduation.
Independent Living
One of the biggest focuses at CIP Berkshire is learning to live independently.
Students live in apartment-style housing throughout downtown Lee while learning everyday skills such as:
- Cooking
- Grocery shopping
- Laundry
- Cleaning
- Budgeting
- Transportation
- Medication management
- Daily routines
Because everything is located within walking distance, students have frequent opportunities to practice real-world independence in a supportive environment.
Social Life & Student Activities
Students participate in a variety of social activities, wellness programming, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and community outings throughout the year.
One thing we really liked was how integrated the program feels within the town of Lee. Students regularly interact with local businesses and community members instead of spending all of their time inside the program.
The Starving Artist Café
One unique feature of the Berkshire location is the Starving Artist Café.
The café provides another opportunity for students to connect with the local community while showcasing artwork created by students. It’s a welcoming gathering space that reflects the creative atmosphere of the program.
Spectrum Playhouse
Probably the most unique feature of this location is the Spectrum Playhouse.
Located inside a beautifully restored historic church, the playhouse serves as a performing arts venue where students can participate in theater productions, music, improv, and other creative performances.
For students interested in performing arts, this is a standout feature that makes the Berkshire location different from many other transition programs.
Student Housing
We toured one of the apartment buildings located just steps from the main center.
The apartments were spacious and comfortable, and some buildings include shared community spaces where students can socialize outside of scheduled programming.
Because the apartments are located throughout downtown Lee, students naturally practice walking to classes, restaurants, stores, and activities while still having staff support nearby.
Summer Programs
CIP Berkshire also offers short-term summer programs designed for students who want to experience independent living before committing to a longer transition program.
Summer participants practice many of the same independent living, social, and executive functioning skills while getting a feel for the CIP experience.
Avery’s Thoughts
CIP Berkshire was one of my favorite stops on our trip.
Lee is a beautiful little New England town that feels safe, friendly, and very walkable. I loved the creative atmosphere, especially the Spectrum Playhouse, and the apartments were really nice.
If you’re looking for a transition program that combines independent living, college support, career preparation, and a strong sense of community, CIP Berkshire is definitely worth adding to your list.
