At Sherwood Autism Center, we believe in preparing our students not just for the classroom—but for life. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our growing partnership with the University of Missouri’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, a statewide initiative through MU’s College of Education & Human Development designed to support high school students with disabilities in their transition to adulthood and the workforce.
Twice a month, Chris Grantham, a Pre-ETS specialist from MU, joins Sherwood’s Transitional and Pre-Vocational students to dive into lessons on life skills, job readiness, self-advocacy, communication, and more. It’s hands-on, student-centered learning that’s already making an impact.
“From learning a solid handshake to solving problems in a group, our students have dove head first into this opportunity,” said Shannon Torres, M.Ed, Transitional Specialist at Sherwood. “We’re thrilled to have Chris in the classroom, and soon out in the community with us, as we extend this learning into real-world job sites, volunteer opportunities, and beyond.”
About the MU Pre-ETS Program
Pre-Employment Transition Services are free for Missouri students with disabilities, ages 14–21, and are designed to support a smoother, more successful path from high school to life after graduation. MU’s specialists collaborate directly with schools and students throughout the year, offering instruction in five core areas:
- Job Exploration: Helping students connect their interests and strengths to real career paths
- Workplace Readiness: Training in soft skills, mock interviews, transportation planning, and more
- Self-Advocacy: Building confidence to make informed decisions, seek accommodations, and set personal goals
- Work-Based Learning: Opportunities to explore work through job shadows, site tours, or task simulations
- Post-Secondary Counseling: Supporting next steps in education, vocational training, and disability services
Each area is tailored to encourage independence, empowerment, and informed career planning—all of which align beautifully with Sherwood’s mission to equip our students with the tools they need to thrive.
What’s Next
This partnership is just beginning. In the coming months, MU’s Pre-ETS services will expand to include community-based experiences with our students—bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce realities.
“We look forward to growing this relationship with MU and giving our students every opportunity to succeed—not just in school, but in life,” Torres added.
For more information on the MU Pre-ETS program, visit pre-ets.missouri.edu