College of Education (COE)
UMID Strengthens Pathway from High School to Workforce Through Pre-ETS Partnership
Thursday, 23 April 2026 - The University of Memphis Institute on Disability expands pathways for high school students through Pre-ETS, supporting career readiness and workforce success.
The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) continues to strengthen pathways for high school students through its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, helping students with disabilities prepare for life after graduation through early career exploration and real-world experiences.
Designed for students with disabilities ages 14–22, Pre-ETS provides opportunities to explore career interests while building confidence, independence and essential workplace skills.
The program is part of a long-standing partnership between UMID, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and the College Campus Transition Program (CCTP), a collaborative initiative that provides students with disabilities an additional year of structured, postsecondary transition support focused on career readiness and independent living skills.
“This program helped me grow from being a student into becoming an employee,” said Carlos Taylor, 19, a Memphis-Shelby County Schools CCTP intern at the University of Memphis. “I learned job skills, how to act at work, and I feel more confident about my future.”
“We have been fortunate to build a long-standing partnership with Memphis-Shelby County Schools since 2011, including our work with CCTP and the in-school delivery of Pre-ETS career training,” said Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist, professor and director of the Institute on Disability. “This collaboration represents a meaningful and sustained partnership between the College of Education and MSCS.”
Through services such as job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training and instruction in self-advocacy, students gain the tools needed to navigate postsecondary education, vocational training or employment.
“Pre-ETS provides students with early exposure to career pathways while helping them build the skills and confidence needed for life after high school,” said Patrick Krolik, co-director of the Institute on Disability in the College of Education.
“This partnership creates real opportunities for students to explore their goals and transition successfully into employment or continued education,” said Tonyal Mathes, special education advisor for Exceptional Education with Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
The impact of this work is reflected in both data and student outcomes. Program results show that 57% of participating students have secured employment in career areas aligned with their interests, while 38% have continued their education through inclusive higher education experiences. Together, these outcomes contribute to a 95% person-centered placement rate, reflecting an approach that allows students to choose pathways aligned with their individual goals, interests and strengths.
Through this person-centered approach, students may pursue immediate employment or continue their education through inclusive college experiences, gaining both professional and life skills along the way.
For students and families, programs like Pre-ETS provide critical support during what can be a complex transition from school to adulthood. By connecting education, workforce development and community partnerships, UMID is helping create sustainable pathways to employment and independence.
Early exposure to career pathways and hands-on experiences through Pre-ETS empowers students with disabilities to build skills, confidence and a clear vision for their future.
