Company Keepers™ Parent Handout
Everything you need to know about the Company Keepers™ program — who it's for, how it works, and what to expect. Read it here, download it, or print it for future reference.
About Company Keepers™
Company Keepers™ is a peer mentoring program developed by AIM Peer Programs™ for high school students on the autism spectrum. The program brings together teens with trained peer mentors of a similar age in a relaxed, structured environment where participants can practice conversation, build confidence, and develop social connections naturally — through games, shared activities, and real-life interaction.
Rather than relying on adult-directed instruction or scripted responses, Company Keepers™ is built on the principle that teens learn best by interacting with other teens. Peer mentors are trained to create a welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere where every participant feels accepted and supported.
Who Is This Program For?
Company Keepers™ is designed for high school students (grades 9–12) on the autism spectrum who want to build social connections, practice conversation skills, and feel more comfortable interacting with peers.
- High school students in grades 9–12
- Teens who want to build friendships and social confidence
- Students who benefit from a relaxed, structured social environment
- Teens who learn best through peer interaction rather than adult-directed instruction
- Families in Brunswick County or New Hanover County, NC
Program Details
Program Length
16 weeks
Session Duration
2 hours per session
Launch Date
September 2026
Group Size
Small groups
Session Locations
Brunswick County
Tuesdays
4:00 – 6:00 PM
New Hanover County
Thursdays
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Specific location addresses will be provided upon registration confirmation.
What Happens During Sessions?
Sessions are designed to feel relaxed and enjoyable — not like a class or therapy appointment. Participants and peer mentors spend time together in structured activities that naturally encourage conversation and interaction.
- Board games, card games, and group activities that spark natural conversation
- Peer-led interaction with trained high school mentors
- Small group settings that reduce social pressure
- A consistent, welcoming environment each week
- Opportunities to practice starting conversations, joining groups, and building connections
How We Treat Every Teen
At Company Keepers™, we believe every teenager deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and age-appropriate expectations.
A diagnosis does not define a person's intelligence, potential, or ability to contribute. Every participant brings unique strengths, interests, perspectives, and talents to the group. Our role is to create an environment where those strengths can be discovered, practiced, and shared.
We believe in assuming competence. Participants are encouraged to think independently, solve problems, make decisions, and learn through experience. Peer mentors and supervisors provide guidance and encouragement when needed, but they do not take over. Growth happens when young people are given the opportunity to participate, make choices, and build confidence in their own abilities.
Company Keepers is built on authentic peer interaction. Mentors and supervisors communicate with participants as teenagers, not as children. We use age-appropriate activities, encourage meaningful conversations, and foster an atmosphere where everyone is treated as a valued member of the group.
Support is always available when needed, but independence is always encouraged.
Above all, we believe that respect is the foundation of every successful relationship. When young people are treated with respect, heard, included, and given meaningful opportunities to participate, they develop confidence, friendships, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate the social world with greater independence.
At Company Keepers, we don't define young people by a diagnosis. We recognize their abilities, encourage their potential, and treat every participant with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Questions?
We're happy to answer any questions about the program before you register. Reach out anytime at [email protected]
Ready to register your teen?
Register for Company Keepers™