CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES
To Prospective Student,
Thank you for your interest in our Learning Independence for Empowerment (LIFE) Project
internship position for the 2014-2015 academic year. To apply for this position, you must commit to the
entire school year (Summer, Fall and Spring). Please note that the internship is currently unpaid, but can
be eligible for academic units. Both undergraduates and graduates are encouraged to apply and all
major will be considered.
LIFE Project is a program for students on campus with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
Asperger’s Syndrome or other social-cognitive disorders. The weekly meetings within this program helps
promote independence by teaching social skills and study habits, as well as navigating the campus,
forming social groups and providing resources for students with ASD.
The internship level of commitment requires 15-20 hour availability in which all Friday meetings
every week from 10am-2pm are attended: trainings, weekly supervision meetings with other interns and
the Autism Specialist, and participation in team projects are required. Coaching is required and includes
working with one of the members of the LIFE Project with ASD or a diagnosed social cognitive deficit. As
a mentor, you will meet the student outside the Friday group meetings. The coach receives support
from the advisory staff and is required to meet with his or her member on a weekly basis. Parent
education seminars occur once a semester (fall and spring) at evening and are mandatory. Other duties
such as research and intervention planning will be assigned as they are in demand.
A completed internship application package will include:
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Introductory letter
LIFE Project Internship Application
Resume
Writing Sample – a research paper that you have turned in for school
Unofficial transcripts
Please submit your completed application package to:
Nicole Smith
California State University, Long Beach, Disabled Student Services, Brotman Hall – 270A
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
*or email it to nicole.smith@csulb.edu
Rev. 4/14
LIFE Project Internship Requirements
The LIFE Project stands for Learning Independence for Empowerment and is for students with
an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome, or other social-cognitive deficit. Within the
LIFE Project meetings, students learn social skills by being part of workshops, teambuilding exercises,
presentations and interactive games. Students also get to eat lunch and socialize with their peers. The
Autism Specialist runs this program from Disabled Student Services at CSULB with trained interns.
The program assists in promoting independence and autonomy through social interactions, peer
coaching, scripting, as well as role-play.
Duties:
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Research assignment
Peer Coach Assignment (2-3 students)
Training/Intervention/Workshop plan and implementation
Project in program development
Program obligation
Responsibilities:
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Attend all LIFE Project meetings on Fridays, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Attend all supervision meetings on Fridays, 10:00am-11:45am
Attend all parent education seminars to be held once a semester on Fridays’ evenings, 5:00pm7:00pm
Be an ambassador for the LIFE Project
Dress appropriately and act in a professional manner
Interns are allowed up to two absences per semester. If an absence extends this regulation, you will be
asked to forfeit your position.
Please sign and date that you understand what the level of commitment requires and that you with the
terms.
Signature: _____________________________
Date:______________________
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Internship Application
Applicant Information
Last:
First:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Email address:
How did you hear about LIFE Project?
M.I.
Apt/Unit:
Zip Code:
Phone:
Do you plan on obtaining academic units for this program?
Areas of Interest
Please indicate your major:
☐Yes
☐No
Minor:
Availability
Please provide your availability for the (check off) ☐Fall ☐Spring ☐Summer semester:
For the days you are available, please mark the time. (*Please note that you must be available every
Friday, 10am-2pm except holidays)
Monday: _________________________
Thursday: _________________________
Tuesday: _________________________
Friday: 10am-2pm,__________________
Wednesday: ______________________
Experience/Education and Skills
Current employment status: ☐Full-time
Current or most recent paid position held:
☐Part-time
☐Not employed
Employer Information:
Name:
Address:
Contact number:
Are you current a full-time student?
☐Yes
☐No
Class Level:
☐Freshmen
Do you speak any other languages?
☐No
☐Yes, language: __________________
☐Junior
☐Senior
☐Graduate
If yes, please check your language ability:
☐Fluent
☐Semi-Fluent
☐Basic
☐Sophomore
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Questions:
Why are you interested in the LIFE Project program?
What specific experience would you like to gain through this internship?
What experience do you have with people with autism or Asperger’s?
Please explain any counseling/mentoring experience you may have:
Describe your long-term career goal(s):
Any health concerns or accommodations necessary? If yes, please indicate:
Professional References
Name (First, Last)
Relationship and contact info (email or phone #)
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Disclaimer and Signature
I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If this application leads to
an internship assignment, I understand that false or misleading information in my application may result
in my release.
Signature:
Date:
Upon Completion, please submit your application and any supporting documents for review to:
ATTN:
Nicole Smith
Disabled Student Services, BH 270
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90804
Nicole.Smith@csulb.edu
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