Special Needs Students Give Back on Spring Break Service Trip

25 Mar 2010

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(Denver) March 25, 2010 – This week, 12 college students with special needs who are enrolled in the College Living Experience (CLE) will make the trip from Denver to North Cascades National Park in Washington to spend spring break volunteering. CLE provides intensive assistance with academic, independent living and social skills to college students with special needs. While service is a fundamental part of CLE program’s philosophy, this will be their inaugural volunteer/service trip under the new enrichment initiative, CLE Serves.

“This is my first time to travel to a place that I’m not familiar with without my family, so I’m a little nervous. But I’ll be with people I trust, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to get comfortable traveling,” said Michael Anthony, a second-year CLE student enrolled at Denver Community College. “I am excited about seeing a new place and making a difference at the same time.”

Twelve students with Asperger’s syndrome, bipolar disorder, ADHD and learning disabilities will assist national park staff with maintenance and improvement projects such as preparing green houses for spring planting, replacing non-native plants with native ones, mending fences, preparing campgrounds and caring for horses.

“I’m excited about making a positive impact on the environment because that’s a passion of mine,” said Elliot Chaffee, a first-year CLE student also enrolled at Denver Community College. “This is also good way to help me develop my independent living skills, which is one of the reasons why I enrolled in CLE.”

The students, who represent Denver Community College and Red Rocks Community College, will reside in park housing and practice self-sufficiency by planning, shopping for and preparing their own meals. They will also learn about the structure and function of the National Park Service and gain exposure to career opportunities with the federal government.

To follow CLE students during their trip, visit the students' blog for updates.

About CLE
College Living Experience is a post-secondary program for students who require additional support with academic, social and independent living skills because they have autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome, or other specific disabilities or maturation issues. CLE provides individualized support in three primary areas: academics, social skills and independent living. Students travel from all over the country to attend CLE programs in Austin, Texas; Denver; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Monterey, Calif.; and Washington, D.C.