• Students who desire developing increased knowledge about how to successfully engage in college courses, which includes useful skills, strategies, and improved confidence.
• Students seeking effective ways to self-advocate and collaborate with key departments on campus, such as, professors/instructors, advising, tutoring, as well as peer.
• Students who live or study in close proximity to Boulder, Colorado.
• Teens or young adults 16+ (juniors or seniors in high school)
• Young adults who are preparing to attend college for the first time.
•  Prior unsuccessful attempts attending college.
•  Students who have executive function difficulties, like ADHD
•  Students who struggle with social skills or have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Social Communication Disorder
• Specific learning differences.
• Students with mental health factors that impact motivation, such as anxiety and depression.

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

• The professor will offer office hours weekly 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.

Our coaches will provide 1-on-1 meetings with parent(s) to discuss short and long-term goal attainment, progress in the CCS summer 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 will occur, which includes 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.

Dr. Nicole Hipp, PsyD
Director of Academic Services

Dr. Nicole Hipp is a licensed psychologist and the director of academic services as well as the college preparatory program at CCS. Dr. Hipp initially began participating in the summer program as an executive function coach and eventually became the professor of the program during the summer of 2018. Dr. Hipp has background as a college professor in psychology, as well as extensive and current experience assessing learning differences and cognitive challenges in high school and college students.

Daniel Hipp, Ph.D. 
Professor of CCS Summer Program

Professor Daniel Hipp is a developmental cognitive psychologist by trade, receiving his Ph.D. in cognitive and brain sciences from Binghamton University in 2015. Dr. Hipp has taught psychology courses from the introductory to upper division levels at top universities including University of Denver and Binghamton University. His teaching style emphasizes integrating disciplines to achieve a fuller scientific understanding as well as meeting individual student needs. He has also worked as a research scientist in medical, educational, developmental and clinical fields. Dr. Hipp is a proud parent, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, avid snowboarder and lifelong learner.

Beth Arnold

Beth Arnold has been employed by Boulder Valley Schools for forty years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Colorado. She has taught or tutored young people of all levels, from pre-kindergarten through college. Beth’s hope is to help students hone strategies and skills they will need to be successful with life-long learning.

Meet our Coaching Team