FUTURE: Postsecondary Education Program
Program Description
The University of Tennessee FUTURE Postsecondary Education Program is designed as a 2-year nonresidential program culminating in a University of Tennessee FUTURE Program Vocational Certificate and job placement. The program will provide individualized academic, social, vocational, and independent living skills to students ages 18-29 with intellectual disabilities and autism in eastern Tennessee who completed high school without earning a regular high school diploma. Participation in the FUTURE Program will provide students with a local or regional option for continuing their education beyond high school to increase employment opportunities. The FUTURE Program will feature an individualized schedule for each student based on personal career aspirations achieved through a person-centered planning process.
Mission
The mission of the FUTURE Program is to empower students to achieve gainful employment in the community.
News and Events
Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism to be Offered on the UTK Campus
KNOXVILLE- The University of Tennessee is one of 27 recipients across the United States to be awarded funding under the Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. Under the direction of Melinda Gibbons, Counselor Education in Educational Psychology and Counseling; and David Cihak, Special Education in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education; and in connection with the Korn Learning, Assessment, and Social Skills (KLASS) Center under the direction of Dr. Brian Wilhoit, the Program will focus on academics and instruction, social activities, employment experiences through work-based learning and internships, and independent living. We are very excited to expand our longstanding partnership with the University of Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). For more information, contact Dr. David Cihak.
Press releases:
http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-
duncan-announces-109-million-awards-under-new-programs-he
Contact the FUTURE Program
University of Tennessee
FUTURE Program
430 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996-3452
Phone: (865) 974-9176
Email: futureut@utk.edu