Children’s Institute and Camp for Teens with Autism

STEM Camp for High School Students on the Autism Spectrum

Each year, the Penn State Eberly College of Science hosts a STEM camp for high school students on the autism spectrum. This camp takes place on the Penn State University Park campus and coincides with the National Autism Conference. The camp is brought to you in partnership with the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, PaTTAN system.

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Children’s Institute

To support family participation in the conference, conference child care will be available through a Children’s Institute. This institute is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. Services are provided by the Central Intermediate Unit #10, using trained professional and support staff. The institute offers an on-site, structured, and fun environment for Pennsylvania-resident children and youth (six months through age 21) with autism and their siblings.

Registration is limited to 100 participants. Since the number of applicants always exceeds our capacity, registration preference will be based objectively on a number of factors (e.g., first-time registrants, timely submission of completed registration forms). Only children who have received a confirmation will be able to participate. Drop-off care is not available.

Important Information: A parent or guardian must be in The Penn Stater building and must be accessible (by cell phone, e.g.) during all Children’s Institute hours. Also, families that have previously been accepted for enrollment but did not call to cancel when their plans changed are not eligible to participate. If you change your child’s attendance plans in any way, please notify Cherie Neely by email at cneely@ciu10.org by Thursday, June 25. If you have questions or concerns, please email Cherie Neely at cneely@ciu10.org or Dawn Moss at dmoss@ciu10.org.

Registration

Complete the online registration packet in full for each child participating. Once you begin the online registration process, you must continue until a form is completed for each child. When you click on “submit” at the end of the application, be assured that each application is automatically submitted to the Children’s Institute team. 

Although early registration is helpful, it does not guarantee placement in the Children’s Institute. You may receive a follow-up phone call in order to clarify or obtain information. If you miss the May 31 registration deadline, your child(ren) can be placed on a waiting list by sending an email to Cherie Neely at cneely@ciu10.org.

Enrollment Decisions

Your completed registration packet will be reviewed. Once an enrollment determination is made, you will either:

1. receive a confirmation by mail or email, OR
2. be notified of full capacity and availability on a waiting list

Please note: Your child is not officially registered until you receive the confirmation notice. No child will be admitted to the Children’s Institute without a confirmed registration. Bring your registration confirmation notice to the Children’s Institute.