Science Hill's Evan Brown signs to UT's FUTURE Program

Applause filled the Science Hill High School cafeteria as Evan Brown pulled on a University of Tennessee cap, wiping away tears — a moment years in the making finally real. Brown signed Tuesday afternoon to join the FUTURE Postsecondary Education Program at the University of Tennessee, a transition program designed to help young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities move from high school into independent adult life. Family, classmates and staff gathered to celebrate as he took the next step toward college and a future he has long imagined. "We don't have words exactly because we never knew this day could actually happen," Melissa Brown, his mother, said. "We're just so excited." Melissa Brown said Evan has been a Tennessee fan since childhood, even recalling a photo of him heading into first grade in a UT shirt. On signing day, he wore orange again, this time as a future student. "Evan is going to the UT FUTURE program at Knoxville, and he is so excited," Melissa Brown said. "He loves the Vols. He's going to go to regular classes, pick a major and do great things." She said he is interested in sports management, a goal he now has the chance to pursue in a college setting. The FUTURE program, which began in 2011, offers a two or four-year experience that combines academics, career preparation and campus life. Students take specialized courses focused on life skills, career planning and digital literacy while also auditing undergraduate classes based on their interests. Internships, both on and off campus, give students hands-on experience aligned with their goals. Eden Krumholz, outreach coordinator for the program, said Brown stood out early in the process. "We immediately saw just his kindness and his love for UT," she said. "He expressed that so well with us, and came in with his orange on that day. We just knew he'd be a great representation for FUTURE and what it means to be a Volunteer." Krumholz said the program currently serves 33 students, with 13 incoming and eight set to graduate in May. She said participants can live on campus, join student organizations and fully immerse themselves in university life. "He is going to be living on campus in a dorm," she said. "He'll get to take classes, do FUTURE-specific classes like life skills and career planning, and audit undergraduate courses — really anything he might be interested in." She said internships are tailored to each student, helping them build real-world experience in environments where they can succeed. "We really try to personalize that process," Krumholz said. "So really, what they're interested in, we try to put them in an environment where they will thrive and learn and grow." That preparation continues through graduation, with staff working closely with students on resumes, interview skills and job placement. Krumholz said the goal is meaningful employment and independence after completing the program. Current students say the experience opens doors across campus. Charlotte, a sophomore ambassador, described learning practical skills in class while balancing three internships, including outreach for FUTURE and work with campus athletics and youth programs. Andrew, a freshman ambassador, said he has already taken on two internships and joined multiple student organizations, including Best Buddies and a campus ministry group. His family said that Tuesday's celebration was about more than a signature. It was a moment that once felt uncertain, now filled with possibility, and now, a lifelong Vols fan is heading to Rocky Top.