Building Futures: The Impact of CRISP 2025

This summer, 25 bright and determined young people came together for a journey that was about more than just internships. The Career Readiness Internship Summer Program (CRISP) gave neurodiverse young adults the tools, confidence, and opportunities to step boldly into the world of technology and career development.

For five weeks, participants worked side by side with industry professionals, honed tech skills, and built the confidence to see themselves not just as students, but as future leaders, creators, and innovators.

But the real transformation happened when they stepped into their worksites. Across 18 different placements— including Con Edison, Weill Cornell BioVenture eLab, Eleplan, Guardian Heals, Gray Swan AI, Multiple Hub, MuseKat, PointPolish, Lectrify, Marilyn The Chef, and MindOpen Learning Strategies— interns applied their skills in projects ranging from web design and data analytics to 3D modeling, video editing, and SEO optimization.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of CRISP 2025 was hearing students share their journeys:

• “I was nervous at first. But over time, I realized that nothing was wrong with asking for more time.”
  – Intern, Age 22
  
• “I can see video editing as my career! Before, I was taking it as a hobby only. Now I feel ready to take it seriously.” – Intern, Age 16
  
• “I’ve learned to communicate better with others in this internship, which is something I struggled with back when I was younger.” – Intern, Age19
  

Looking Ahead

These reflections remind us that growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through small moments of courage, patience, and persistence.

By the end of the summer, interns finished the program with confidence, connections, and possibilities for their futures. Some received job offers and volunteer opportunities. Others walked away with LinkedIn-ready profiles, stronger portfolios, and a deeper belief in themselves. As one student put it: “I am proud of all the work I have accomplished… I learned a lot about myself, and I know I can do this.”

Why It Matters

CRISP is about possibility. With unemployment rates for neurodiverse adults still alarmingly high, programs like CRISP prove that when we invest in potential, we unlock talent that benefits not just students, but the entire community.

To our students: your hard work and courage inspire us all. To our partners, mentors, and supporters: thank you for believing in these young people and opening doors to their futures.

Learn more about the program and discover how you can partner with CRISP to host talented interns next summer.