Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP)

West Chester University  proudly presents the College Autism Readiness Retreat (CARR).

 AT WEST UNIVERSITY CAMPUS 

Participants: Up and rising junior and senior high school students on the autism spectrum, intending on pursuing a 4 year undergraduate degree

When: June 23-25, 2025 (3 days, 2 nights)

Location: West Chester University

Cost: $450 this includes residence hall stay and meals in the dining hall.

• Payment of Check only please. Check only payable to: West Chester University- CARR
• Funding may be available through Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). 

Goal: To provide overnight, on campus, experience that will assist students with ASD to prepare for college

Objectives:

• To live in a Residence Hall overnight
• To access the Dining Hall
• To acquire information, destinations, and experiences with Campus services (including: Health and Wellness Services, Psychological and Counseling Services, Student Success Center and Tutoring Services, Autism resources).
• To tour and experience various on-campus facilities (including the Student Recreational Center, Library, the Student Union, and Bookstore, Dining Halls, Residential Buildings and Academic Buildings)
• To participate in a variety of Classroom/Activity formats (small classroom and lecture halls)
• To acquire, practice, and/or generalize college classroom etiquette and communication skills
• To learn and differentiate the difference between entitlement and eligibility (IDEA vs ADA) for high school to higher education.

Participants: Up and rising Seniors, with Autism, who plan on attending a 2 or 4-year post-secondary education

Location: West Chester University

Dates:  July 7-11, 2025

Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights

Cost: $950 this includes residence hall stay and meals

• Funding may be available through Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).

Goal: To provide an overnight, on campus, experience that will enhance the previous skills acquired in previous CARR program or post-secondary preparatory programs while providing a commuter and residential expectation of college.

Objectives:

• Experience campus life, commuter style and residential style
• Access dining hall options
• Practice skills of self-determination, social, time management, independence, community integration, safety, problem solving, and communication.
• Acquire information and experiences with Campus services including: Health and Wellness Services, Psychological and Counseling Services, OEA, Trans and Queer Advocacy, D-CAP, and LARC
• Tour and experience various on-campus facilities including the Student Recreational Center, the Library, the Student Union Building, the Student Bookstore, Dining Halls, Residential Buildings and Academic Buildings
• Participate in a variety of Classroom/Activity formats (e.g. lecture, lab, studio, structured, unstructured)
• Talk with current students with ASD about experiences
• Learn about additional post-secondary education programs that support autistic students, besides West Chester University.
• Acquire, practice, and/or generalize college classroom etiquette and communication skills
• Create and deliver a presentation on experience as well as skills acquired and needed to transition to college
• Learn the difference between entitlement and eligibility (IDEA vs ADA) for high school to higher education.

College Autism Readiness Retreat 3 (CARR 3)  

 

Participants:
High School Students (New graduates, 18 years +)
Does not have to attend CARR or CARR2 to participate in CARR 3
Can have previous Higher Ed experience

When: July 14-25, 2025 (including overnight through a weekend)

Location: West Chester University

Cost: $2500.00 this includes residence hall stay and meals.

• Funding may be available through Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). 

Goal: To provide an overnight, on campus, experience that will enhance the previous skills acquired in previous CARR programs or post-secondary preparatory programs while providing a more realistic expectation of college life for students with ASD

Objectives:

• To reside in a residence hall and participate in the scheduled activities 
• To access the variety of meal plan options (dining hall, Rambucks, Meal swipes, and cash).
• To learn and practice budgeting skills
• To attend workshops via campus resources to acquire/review skills in the areas of resiliency, stress management, study skills, budgeting, self-advocacy, and classroom etiquette.
• To participate in activities and workshops to learn more about majors-to-careers, employment opportunities, volunteer experiences, and early start programs.
• To identify, locate, and receive information on the different campus resources including the career development center, writing center, tutoring, public safety, counseling, LGBTQA, DCAP/ My Place, Disability services
• To develop a personal schedule that includes time set aside for everyday activities such as meals, self-care/downtime and transition from one activity to the next.
• To create a personal schedule that incorporates time for group projects or meet-ups with people having various schedules
• To learn and differentiate the difference between entitlement and eligibility (IDEA vs ADA) for high school to higher education.

Are there funding options available?

Yes, in-state students may be eligible for funding through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Apply here: https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/Common/Registration

Do you have to attend CARR 1 to attend CARR2 or CARR3?

No, you do not have to attend CARR1 to attend CARR2 or CARR3. Likewise, you do not have to attend CARR2 to attend CARR3.

When will we hear back about our application?

Interviews will begin in April.

What do we need to pack?

A packing list is provided in the welcome packet.

Are meals provided?

Yes, a meal card will be provided to eat at the dining hall for the duration of the stay.

Where will the drop-off/pick-up be?

Drop-off and pick-up locations will be provided in the welcome packet along with a map visual.

Do you provide a pillow/any bedding?

No, a pillow and bedding are not provided. The student is responsible for bringing their own belongings.

Are we allowed to help our students set up their room?

No, after drop-off, parents will meet with staff while their student unpacks.

What can we do when we do not have an organized session?

When on break, students will be able to call home, go into town with other students, play games in the lounge, and/or rest.

Will my student be traveling around campus by themselves?

All minors will be required to stay and travel in small groups to ensure safety across campus and in town.