Advance LA Now Enrolling Students For New Summer College Institute

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Advance LA announced today its newest program, The Summer College Institute.  This innovative program will take place August 5-12, 2012, on the campus of American Jewish University in Los Angeles. 

The week long Summer College Institute will offer young adults an independent living experience on a college campus filled with fun activities designed to build the educational, vocational, social and independent living skills needed to make the transition from high school to college or career.

The Summer College Institute is open to young people facing unique challenges as they prepare for the transition to college or those already enrolled who may need additional skill building or support.  The individualized program serves participants with a wide variety of needs and diagnoses including: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, executive functioning difficulties, and other learning differences.

The Summer College Institute will provide young adults with the opportunity to prepare for higher education and allow for a smooth transition into their next stage of life – independent adulthood. Situated in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains, The Summer College Institute will offer residential and day programs. Participants in the residential program will stay in college dorms for the full experience of college life, while day participants will attend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also an early drop off and late pick up option for day participants, so that they may enjoy the full day's activities and evening programming.

Highlights of the program include: learning stress-management techniques, developing and strengthening of executive functioning skills (like organization, time management, and planning), enhancing communication and self-advocacy skills, and offering the opportunity to make new friends.

For information on Advance LA and The Summer College Institute, please visit www.advancela.org or call 818-397-8407.

About The Help Group

Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems.

The Help Group's seven specialized day schools offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,400 students. The Help Group's broad range of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs extends its reach to more than 6,000 children and their families each year. With more than 900 staff members, The Help Group's state-of-the-art schools and programs are located on six campuses in the Los Angeles area.

About Advance LA

Advance LA, an innovative program of The Help Group, provides individualized support services including one-on-one life skills coaching and workshops for teens and young adults facing unique challenges in their transition to independence. The Summer College Institute will be led by Amy Griffiths, Ph.D., Director of Advance LA; Rachel Round, MA, Program Coordinator of Advance LA; and Janlyn Underwood, MFT, a professional college and career counselor at The Help Group.

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SOURCE Advance LA