Preparing Neurodiverse Youth for the Workforce: The CRISP Internship Program

CRISP is Tech Kids Unlimited’s premier summer internship program, designed for advanced TKU students seeking workforce readiness. This six-week program provides hands-on experience at external sites aligned with students’ interests. Interns work 20 hours weekly and participate in workshops facilitated by TKU focused on career development skills.

Over 30 young adults participated in the CRISP program. Before starting their internships, interns joined a one-week career development intensive hosted by TKU. The program incorporated the innovative KF-STRIDE tool developed by the Kessler Foundation, focusing on strengths-based development and interview preparation. The summer internship program was offered as a six-week or three-week placement, with remote work available for students outside New York City. 

Throughout the internship, participants focused on building key work-based competencies such as email etiquette, professionalism, and understanding employer expectations. The TKU social workers and tech teachers provided ongoing support and collaborated with internship supervisors, who completed assessments of the interns.

CRISP emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that cover social-emotional management, networking, and professionalism. Interns have the opportunity to create projects for their portfolios, set goals, multitask, and navigate the balance between work and life. 

Overall, CRISP is not just about gaining work experience; it’s about fostering personal growth and preparing students for a successful transition into the workforce.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of this program. Shoutout to the CRISP work sites for believing in neurodiverse students! And special thanks to the students for your commitment and parents for their support.