College of Education (COE)
UMID Receives Tennessee Believes Grant to Expand TigerLIFE Opportunities
UMID Receives Tennessee Believes Grant to Expand TigerLIFE Opportunities
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 - The University of Memphis Institute on Disability has received continued Tennessee Believes funding to support TigerLIFE, enhance workforce credentials and explore expanded opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) has received a $124,394 Tennessee Believes grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to support TigerLIFE and expand opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The funding continues Tennessee’s investment in Inclusive Higher Education programming at the University of Memphis and will support initiatives focused on workforce readiness, independent living and student engagement.
TigerLIFE is a four-semester program that helps students develop career readiness, independent living skills and community connections while working toward a Certificate in Career and Community Services. Through academic, social and vocational experiences, students gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue greater independence and competitive integrated employment.
“This continuation of support from the State of Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging will allow an expansion of some of the innovative curricular improvements that cannot be funded through tuition alone,” said Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist, director of the University of Memphis Institute on Disability. “These funds will enhance the Inclusive Higher Education experience for our TigerLIFE students and allow us to share those successes with other programs in Tennessee, helping improve quality of life for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Grant funding will support the development of additional workforce credentials for TigerLIFE students and the exploration of expanded services in West Tennessee. The award will also support initiatives focused on independent living opportunities, student engagement and innovative programming designed to enhance the overall TigerLIFE experience.
The Tennessee Believes grant supports Inclusive Higher Education programs across the state and helps create greater opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue education, employment and independent living. Through TigerLIFE, the UofM continues to prepare students for meaningful careers, stronger community connections and lifelong success.
