FUTURE Program Receives Tennessee Believes grant from state Department of Disability and Aging
Story and Photos by Carly Utterback, Student Reporter, Class of 2025
For the second time, the Believes grant has been awarded to the FUTURE program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS). The first grant was awarded in 2022. In year one the grant totaled $124,384 to meet the increasing demand for staff and provide specialized skill-based vocational training.
FUTURE students participating in the Tennessee Believes Kitchen
“The overall goal of the Tennessee Believes program is to expand inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Emma Burgin, Director of the FUTURE Program.
Tennessee Believes Kitchen, hosted through the grant, connected almost 50 community members with a disability to a professional chef to learn cooking skills.
“FUTURE is a comprehensive program that helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities make a successful transition from high school to adult life,” says Burgin.
The FUTURE Program has continuously grown from 2011 with 12 graduating classes and over 80 graduates. 85 percent of FUTURE graduates find competitive, integrated employment with in 90 days of graduation.
The program provides students with specifically designed classes, the opportunity to audit undergraduate courses, and an internship on or off campus. They offer career and clinical counseling to help develop academic, vocational, social, and decision-making skills. Support on- and off-campus is available to students working to increase their independence.
Partnership In Excellence Award ceremony
This year, the Partnership in Excellence Award was given to FUTURE for their collaboration with Student Government Association to honor a partnership that enriched the student experience at the University of Tennessee.
As of now, there are 35 FUTURE students, 150 peer mentors rotating each semester, and 11 staff.
“Peer mentors are the backbone of the daily operations at FUTURE,” Burgin said.
The mentors help with day-to-day campus lives of students, from in-class help to lunch buddies.
On Aug. 27, 2025, Burgin will take a group from FUTURE to Atlanta to be honorees at the Big Game Ball, put on by the National Down Syndrome Congress.