Executive Functioning Summer College-Prep Program
A summer course to achieve college readiness for returning college
students and incoming freshman.
Participate in Boulder, Boston, or online.
Achieve College-Readiness with 3 Levels of Support
The Executive Functioning Summer College Prep Course includes:
College-Level Instruction
College-level Psychology 101 course taught by Professor Daniel Hipp. With added support from a teaching assistant and writing lab with tutor.
Executive Function Coaching
Two hours a week, 1-on-1 , with an executive function coach to work on a range of skills timed to coordinate with classroom activities.
1-on-1 Parent Coaching
Individual parent coaching sessions and four informational sessions to help parents support students with their college and mental health journey.
A course designed to give you the college experience before you go to college.
- Introduction to Psychology class taught in-person (in Boulder, Co) and online
- College-level instructor with office hours
- Additional support from teaching assistant
- Weekly small-group recitation classes
- Writing lab with tutor
With executive function coaching to ensure your success.
- 1-on-1 executive function coaching in-person in Boulder and Boston
- 1-on-1 executive function coaching online for all other students
- 1-on-1 parent coaching sessions
- Parent Summer Seminar Series
Improve Executive Functioning Skills and Gain College Readiness
Students achieve college-readiness by taking a college-level course while receiving 1-on-1 executive function coaching support. Coaches help students develop a wide range of life skills like organization/time management, goal setting, focus, and self-regulation. Using these tools, students practice and learn to self-advocate and collaborate with professors, advisors, and other students.
Summer College Prep Program - Executive Function Topics Covered
- Week 1 – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
- Week 2 – Organization/Time Management
- Week 3 – Goal Setting
- Week 4 – Prioritization
- Week 5 – Focus
- Week 6 – Cognitive Flexibility & Self-Regulation
- Week 7 – Memory
Take the Summer College-Prep Course In-Person or Online
In-Person Classroom
Students in Boulder, Colorado attend class in person.
In-Person Coaching
- Boulder, Colorado
- Boston, Massachusetts
CCS coaches meet with students in Boulder and at Northeastern University in Boston.
Or Attend Online
Students outside the Boulder and Boston service areas can attend classes and receive one-on-one coaching online.
Who the Summer College-Prep Program is For
Our summer college prep course is designed for teen and adult students ages 16 and above who’ve completed their junior year of high school. Ideal candidates identify with one or more of the following:
- Seeking college-readiness by learning to manage their challenges.
- Preparing to attend college for the 1st time.
- Returning to university or college after prior unsuccessful attempts.
- Impaired executive functioning due to ADHD.
- Struggles with social skills.
- Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Diagnosed with social communication disorder (SCD)
- Diagnosed with specific learning differences (SLD)
- Weighed down by depression, anxiety, or other mental health factors that impact their motivation
How this Summer Program Prepares You for College
Individual Assessment & Action Plan
College-Level Academic Rigor
1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching
Life Skills Development
Parent Coaching & Seminars
Dr. Nicole Hipp, Psy.D.
Dr. Nicole Hipp is a licensed psychologist in the state of Colorado with a background as a college professor in psychology. Dr. Hipp obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA in January of 2016. While at La Salle University, she completed training in neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment of learning disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia. She has extensive experience assessing learning differences and cognitive challenges in high school and college students. She initially began participating in the CCS summer program as an executive function coach and became a professor of the program in 2018.
Additional Summer College-Prep Programs for 2024
Boston Summer College Prep - May through August 2024
Our Boston summer college-prep program is an intensive for students preparing to attend college in the fall for the first time, or returning to college after struggling to meet their goals. CCS coaches help identify executive function issues and provide strategies for college students to achieve success.
- Work on executive function issues like attention and focus, study skills, preparing and planning ahead, prioritizing, self-advocating, career planning, and more.
- Receive a thorough assessment to determine the level of coaching that best fits your needs and goals.
- Attend 1-0n-1 coaching sessions in person at Northeastern University (for both NEU and non-NEU students), or at the Boston Public Library.
- Ask about availability to meet at Boston University, Boston College, Harvard, or Colleges of the Fenway.
- Students not in Boston this summer planning to attend college in Boston in the fall can meet with their coach online.
- Students can engage with their coach only during the summer months or continue once the school year begins.
Contact us about summer college-prep in Boston.
Supervised Independent Living Services (SILS) in Boulder
Available at an additional cost to young adults enrolled in the Summer College-Prep Course who live in close proximity to CCS in Boulder, Colorado or are willing to relocate. Ideal for those seeking support to better prepare for life at college.
- Time Management
- Morning Routine
- Life Management Skills
- Evening Routine
- Following an individualized health and wellness plan
- Social anxiety and/or performance anxiety issues
- CCS Social Activity Seminar included in the cost of the SILS program
Social Activity Seminar Series In Boulder
This series is designed to support adolescents and young adults with social anxiety and issues engaging face-to-face with others. Each week, our seasoned executive function coaches will lead social activity groups outdoors, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. Weekly activities include hiking and games with lunch in the park. A BBQ will also be held for the 4th of July. This program is included in the cost of the Supervised Independent Living Series (SILS) and available for an additional cost to participants of the Summer College Preparatory Program.
Four-Week Social Seminar Series
Six-Week Social Seminar Series
Parent Summer Seminar Series in Boulder, Boston and Online
The Parent Summer Seminar series is included in the cost of the Summer College Preparatory Program or can be purchased alone. This series is designed to support parents with students transitioning to college. Participants can attend four, one-hour informational sessions facilitated by Dr. Nicole Hipp. on the following topics:
- Introduction to Executive Function Skills and Mindset
- Digital Media Overuse and Responsible Technology Use in College
- How to Support Your Young Adult’s Executive Functioning: What to Do and Not Do
- “What Comes Next?” Empowering Your Young Adult to Succeed in Higher Education.
Sessions will occur in-person in Boulder, Colorado and online for both local and remote parents.
Executive Functioning Summer Programs
College Prep Course 2024
Each student will be individually assessed by our clinical director of academic services and an action plan will be developed based on their identified goals, and areas of strengths and challenges.
College Level Instruction
Students will engage in class, using university-level curriculum led by a professor with experience as an educator at the college level. In addition to lectures, students will participate in recitation/laboratory. Instruction will take place in-person or, via live web meeting for those who are outside of Boulder, with a smaller subset of same-aged peers to provide a hands-on approach to the material presented in lectures.
Executive Function Coaching that's 1-on-1 and Face-to-Face
Students will work one-on-one with an executive function coach to create goals for the summer session that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART), with a focus on improving executive functioning skills like organization, planning, time-management, initiation and following-through. During this executive functioning summer program students will:
- Learn to create a weekly schedule that integrates important due dates/projects into a calendar as well as studying, exercise/physical outlets, social/group commitments, entertainment, etc.
- Develop a favorable life management routine that includes a good sleep routine, diet, limiting or abstaining from using substances, as well as practicing responsible digital media use.
- Examine ways to improve ability to cope with criticism and increase motivation and ‘grit’; Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset.
- Focus each week on an executive function process in individual coaching meetings and in the classroom:
- Week One – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
- Week Two – Organization/Time Management
- Week Three – Goal Setting
- Week Four – Pritization
- Week Five – Focus
- Week Six – Cognitive Flexibility & Self-Regulation
- Week Seven – Memory
Each student will be individually assessed by our Clinical Director of Academic Services and an action plan will be developed based on their identified goals, and areas of strengths and challenges.
College Level Instruction
- Students will engage in-person classroom using university-level curriculum led by a professor with experience as an educator at the college-level. In addition to lectures, students will participate in:
- Recitation/Laboratory instruction will take place in-person with a smaller subset of same-aged peers to provide a hands-on approach to the material presented in lectures.
One-to-One In-Person EF Coaching
- Creating summer session goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART), with a focus on improving executive function skills, like organization, planning, time-management, initiation and following-through.
- Learning to create a weekly schedule that integrates important due dates/projects into a calendar as well as studying, exercise/physical outlets, social/group commitments, entertainment, etc.
- Developing a favorable life management routine that includes a good sleep routine, diet, limiting or abstaining from using substances, as well as practicing responsible digital media use.
- Examining ways to improve ability to cope with criticism and increase motivation and ‘grit’; Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset.
- Each week an executive function process will be the focus in individual coaching meetings and the classroom:
- Week One – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
- Week Two – Organization/Time Management
- Week Three – Goal Setting
- Week Four – Prioritization
- Week Five – Focus
- Week Six – Cognitive Flexibility & Self-Regulation
- Week Seven – Memory
Office Hours
- Weekly office hours will be available to students seeking one-to-one collaboration with the professor. This is also an opportunity to work on self-advocacy abilities and develop confidence when talking to a professor.
Writing Lab
- Students will have the opportunity to meet with the writing tutor weekly to work on preparing for and successfully completing relevant papers and writing assignments.
- Students will be supported by their coach to sign up to meet with the writing tutor on a regular basis. Coaches can also assist their students to utilize the writing centers or tutors near them.
Writing Lab hours will be announced during the first week of classes.
CCS coaches will provide individual meetings with parent(s) of students enrolled in the Summer College Preparatory Program to discuss short and long-term goal attainment, progress in the course, and other items identified by students and parents.
Program Review & Recommendation Meeting
- This meeting occurs after the course is completed.
- To include the student, parent(s), executive function coach and professor.
- The student and parents will be provided with a summary of the student’s performance in the class and program as a whole.
- Recommendations for next steps in the areas of; Academics/engagement in further college courses, supporting executive function development, resources to engage in for success, and more
Parent Informational Sessions
Parents are strongly recommended to attend four, one-hour informational sessions facilitated by Dr. Nicole Hipp. These parent informational sessions will occur through Zoom, for both local and out-of-state parents.
- Introduction to Executive Function Skills and Mindset
- Introductions – Get to know each other
- Review key executive function processes
- Discuss brain science, motivation and academic success.
- Review “Mindset”
- Digital Media Overuse and Responsible Technology Use in College
- Guest Lecturer: Tracy Markle, MA, LPC
- How to Support Your Young Adult’s Executive Functioning; What to Do and Not Do;
- Accountability vs Enabling
- Become aware of your EF strengths and struggles and how this influences your parenting style.
- Digital Media Use & Academic Success
- “What Comes Next?” Empowering Your Young Adult to Succeed in Higher Education;
- Empowering Your Young Adult to Succeed in Higher Education
- Living at home while attending college vs living independently
- What is your role in their success?
- Tailored curriculum specifically designed to prepare students for Psychology 101 or to take the Credit-by-examination program test (CLEP).
- Please consult your university or college to determine if they accept CLEP credit.
- The chance to engage in college-level coursework.
- Prepares students in-person or face-to-face instruction and collaboration at the college level.
- Our expert team will assess for college preparedness in academic, social, emotional and functional domains and make recommendations to support success.
- Prepares students that are college-bound with skills for academic success as well as support to explore resources at their university of choice.
Supervised Independent Living Services (SILS)
Our supervised independent living services (SILS) program is offered to young adults, ages 18 and older who enroll in our Summer College Preparatory Program that begins in June and ends in July. Some of our clients will transfer to their college campus after completion of the summer program or they may continue with us through the fall months for ongoing support.
This service is ideal for young adults who are prepared for and seeking support to live independently to be better prepared to live on their campus or local community where they are attending college. Their team of coaches meet them regularly at their apartment, near our central location, to support time management, morning routine, life management skills, and evening routine.
SILS is indicated for young adults who live near our location, or are willing to relocate to Boulder, Colorado which allows for a short walk to our location, shopping areas, hiking trails, and social and entertainment opportunities.
Young adults with the following difficulties/diagnoses often enroll in our summer intensive, SILS program:
- Social anxiety and/or performance anxiety issues with avoidance, especially social & academic avoidance
- Low self-confidence
- Autism spectrum disorder/Social communication disorder
- ADHD
- Slow processing speed
- Digital Media Overuse issues that interfere in their ability to manage college requirements or prevent them from enrolling in college, maintain social connection, and more.
- Have had a successful completion of intensive/residential treatment and they are seeking an aftercare program to prepare them to return to their college campus.
Our clients engage, and follow through with an individualized health and wellness plan, which includes, but is not limited to,
- Regular movement outdoors and indoors (e.g., hiking, walking, rock climbing, gym, etc.)
- They prepare and engage in college courses which include the college preparatory course included in the summer intensive program, Psychology 101. If indicated, they may also attend a course at CU-Boulder during the time they are at CCS.
- For some, obtaining employment or engaging in volunteer work is important to their core structure and improving a sense of competence and confidence.
- Taking driving lessons and earning the necessary practice and hours to obtain a driver’s license.
- Social support is a critical part of our services, which includes regular group activities and connection with interests in the community.
All young adults engaging in our SILS program receive an average of 15-20 hours per week of face-to-face coaching. The number of coaching hours for the initial month of services is determined after the assessment process is complete.
Activities and goals include:
- Executive function & academic coaching
- In-home life management & coaching support
- Transportation for grocery shopping, job searching, school-related functions, and social engagements (if needed).
- Summer social series & community connection activities
- Parent coaching support provided to the young adult’s parents
- Improved emotional regulation and coping, including reducing the use of escapist and avoidant behaviors, such as screen overuse, substance use, or other areas of concern.
- A core aspect of our services is to support the young adult’s understanding of their executive function limitations, learn and implement effective tools and resources, and receive consistent coaching to reinforce the practice of using the tools and resources.
- Our team of coaches excels in the areas of connecting the young adult with immediate support at their school, which promotes academic and life management success.
- Ongoing team collaboration to provide the best services possible for our clients. This includes regular team and individual supervision for team, collaboration meetings, ongoing communication with Educational Consultant (if needed), and regular communication with clients’ psychiatrist and therapist to ensure the best service for our clients.
- We guide and empower our clients to develop the important skills necessary for obtaining and maintaining employment. Our clients typically obtain employment within 45-60 days.
- Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Testing. These assessments, provided by Dr. Nicole Hipp, evaluate underlying mental processes impacting educational, workplace achievement and life management abilities. To understand why a person achieves at a certain level, it is critical to measure various aspects of cognition using the tools of psychological measurement.
Note: This is an additional fee to the SILS/therapeutic coaching monthly cost. Specialized Psychotherapy Services. Our affiliate companies, Strive Psychotherapy (general outpatient mental health) and Digital Media Treatment & Education Center (specialized treatment for digital media overuse and co-occurring factors) can be included during the course of the summer supported independent living program if indicated.
Note: Engaging in these services is an additional fee to the SILS/therapeutic coaching monthly cost.
Social Activity Seminar Series
Many adolescents and young adults find it difficult to engage in social situations and make connections with same-aged peers. This series is designed to support those with any of the following difficulties:
- Social Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum & Related Issues
- Digital Media Overuse and related issues engaging face-to-face with others
- Pandemic induced social difficulties
- Social Isolation
Our social seminar series is offered to young adults and adolescents aged 14 and older. Separate groups may be created based on age group and developmental level. Contact us to learn more details about our social groups and associated costs or to enroll now. The Social Activity Seminar Series is included in the cost of the Supervised Independent Living Series (SILS).
Each week, our coaches will lead the following two social activity groups, outdoors, in the beautiful City of Boulder:
- Hiking Group: Coaches and clients will meet at one of our local hiking trails for an hour long, accessible hike.
- Games Group & Lunch in the Park: Coaches and client’s will meet in Greenleaf park to engage in a variety of lawn games and outdoor activities, along with lunch provided by CCS.
- CCS Fourth of July BBQ: We will hold a BBQ in honor of Independence Day in Greenleaf park and provide lunch in place of our normally scheduled Games Group & Lunch In the Park
Participants can choose to participate in one or both groups of their choosing each week, for four or six weeks. The exact schedule (e.g., date and time) of these activities will be determined at a later date.
