Programs
College & Career Readiness
Equipping students to unlock their full potential and be ready to pursue any path after high school
Words from Others
CIS of Memphis has been a tremendous help to me. My (college and career 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, providing me with resources for discounted bus passes, and even helping 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 [her] efforts.
Jamisha, Southwest Tennessee Community College (CISM Class of 2021)
Context
Education is a journey, and CISM recognizes that rising juniors and seniors need guidance and support while exploring what’s next after high school.
We know when students’ talents and skills are fully realized, our communities can become stronger and more vibrant, socially and economically.
We are confident that our work in this area will yield students who are empowered to grow and shape our future community. 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, high-demand trade.
Suggested CIS of Memphis Pathways
Post-Secondary Education
A post-secondary education can mean attending a university, community college, or trade school. For students exploring these options, our College & Career Readiness specialists make the process easier.
How We Help
- 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, driver’s licenses/state IDs, and other identification
H.S. Graduate Career Options
Workforce
Some students may opt to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. For students exploring these options, our College & Career Readiness specialists provide guidance to steer them toward joyful and meaningful employment.
How We Help
- 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 skill sets needed to thrive, including leadership development, communications development, and interview skills
- Ensure students have appropriate interview attire
Recruitment Guidance
Armed Forces
Some students may enter the armed forces, which provides career opportunities including job placement after basic training and college / trade school scholarships.
How We Help
- Assist in researching branches of the military and identifying potential careers 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
Approach
Our CIS of Memphis students are often the first to explore college or new careers in their families, so we provide the hands-on expertise and guidance needed as they navigate these new pathways.
The College & Career Readiness (CCR) Program empowers students to achieve lifelong success through coaching, counseling, and supportive services that prepare them to graduate and pursue post-secondary opportunities, whether it’s college, vocational training/certification, military, and/or a career. The Work Experience (WEX) Program multiplies the impact by offering pathways for career exploration and skill development, including internships and part-time jobs while attending school, to strengthen students’ workforce readiness.
In the first quarter of the 2022-23 school year, CISM students earned more than $200,000 in wages through the WEX Program.
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