College & Career Readiness Program
About the Program
We recognized that education is a journey – and that our rising juniors and seniors needed support as they explore “what’s next.”
The College & Career Readiness Program empowers our students to unlock their full potential. When our student’s talents and skills are fully realized, our communities grow stronger and more vibrant, socially and economically. This program is unique to the Memphis community; we saw a need to expand upon the work we were already doing within the elementary, middle and high school setting. Our CIS of Memphis students are often the first to explore college or new careers in their families; we provide the hands- on expertise and guidance needed as they navigate these new pathways.
90%
of CIS of Memphis supported alumni completed their post-secondary plan
Our Suggested CIS of Memphis Pathways:
Post-Secondary Education
A post-secondary education can mean attending a university, a community college or trade school. For students exploring these options, our College and Career Specialists make the process easier. We:
• Work with students to ease the college application process
• Prep students for ACT entrance exams
• Assist with financial aid and scholarship applications
• Tour college campuses
• Conduct mock student interviews
• Obtain necessary paperwork for students, including birth certificates, drivers licenses/state ID or other identification
Workforce
Some students may opt to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. For students exploring these options, our College and Career Specialists provide guidance for students to find enjoyable and meaningful employment. We:
• Assist in finding paid internship opportunities
• Provide career counseling so students can navigate their interest areas
• Open doors to employment opportunities, including placement assistance
• Provide students with skillsets needed to thrive, including leadership development, communications development, interview skills
• Ensure students have appropriate interview attire
Military
Some students may enter the armed forces, which provides career opportunities, job placement after basic training, advanced individual training and post high-school education via college or trade school scholarships. The military can be a full career opportunity, offering benefits, retirement and travel opportunities for overseas assignments. For students exploring this option, our College and Career Specialists provide guidance throughout the recruitment process. We:
• Assist in researching different branches of the military and identify potential career paths within the military
• Provide support in preparing for the physical exam and physical assessment
• Connect students with respective recruiters
• Ensure students have completed all required documents for enlistment
We are confident that our work in this area will yield students that are well-equipped and prepared after high school graduation for their next moves. That might be attending the University of Memphis on scholarship, joining the workforce at a Memphis-based company like FedEx, AutoZone or International Paper or learning a lucrative trade which supports our humming economy.
Our students will be empowered and will grow and shape our future community.
“CIS of Memphis has been a tremendous help to me. Mrs. Jackie (College Success Specialist) has not only helped me navigate various school and life experiences such as lack of family support, lack of transportation, and food insecurity, but she also motivated me to stay focused through those obstacles by providing me with that support, checking in on me daily, provided me with resources for discounted bus passes, and even helped coordinate visits to a local food pantry. As an aspiring entrepreneur in the mechanical engineering field and artist, I feel more willing to face obstacles ahead of me because of Mrs. Jackie’s efforts.”