College Living Experience (CLE)

College Living Experience (CLE) offers academic coaching and tutoring for coursework, study habits, time management, and executive functioning skills. It also includes life skills instruction in cooking, cleaning, personal organization, and daily routines, along with career coaching, financial coaching, and social and wellness support. CLE programming lasts 12 months, and students enrolled at CLE simultaneously pursue higher education at a local college or work toward career aspirations.

Programs

• Academic Coaching & Tutoring — Support for coursework, study habits, time management, and executive functioning skills.
• Life Skills Instruction — Practical, hands-on guidance in cooking, cleaning, personal organization, and daily routines.
• Career Coaching — Resume building, job search skills, interview practice, and workplace etiquette.
• Financial Coaching — Budgeting, banking, and decision-making skills.
• Social & Wellness Support — Strategies for healthy relationships, conflict resolution, physical well-being, and mental health self-care.

At a glance

• Ages: 18 years old
• General schedule: CLE programming lasts a full 12 months. Students enrolled at CLE simultaneously pursue higher education at a local college or work toward career aspirations. CLE supports young adults who are ready for college or employment and need additional guidance as they transition into adulthood.

About the provider

CLE helps people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), NVLD, dyslexia, and other disabilities gain the skills they need to become independent. The program has operated since 1989.

CLE has strategically placed centers in seven cities, including Costa Mesa, CA. Enrollment periods: Fall and Spring semesters. Early Admission deadline: apply by January 15; commitment by February 28. Priority Admission deadline: apply by March 15; commitment by April 30. Late Admission deadline: apply by May 15; commitment by June 30. Tuition is separate from school tuition. Additional costs may include apartment/housing and monthly student budget expenses.

Last updated October 8, 2026.