Miriam High School 2024 graduate, Drake Wilkerson, watched his brother leave for college three years ago, and he wanted a similar experience.

At first, Drake’s mom, Amy, thought college might not be in the cards for her son. “But after an encounter with a stranger on an airplane, my eyes kind of opened up and I started to dig deep.”

She discovered several options tailored to students like those at Miriam High School. Eventually, they landed on the UI Reach Program at the University of Iowa. 

UI Reach is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. Other universities offer similar programs, such as the Succeed program at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, where a few other Miriam graduates attend. 

CTP programs are specifically designed to support students with intellectual, cognitive and learning disabilities who want to continue their education in academic, career and independent living instruction. These programs prepare students for gainful employment, and also include internships to help students determine their desired career focus.

“Iowa seems like the perfect fit, with lots of options, and it is a well-established program. We are so happy and excited for Drake and this next big step,” Amy said.

Jackson Welge and his family followed a similar path. Jackson is a fellow 2024 graduate and a buddy of Drake. In fact,the two families visited schools together. The Welges also appreciated the UIReach program’s long-standing reputation and appropriate size. 

“It has approximately 75 students with a range of disabilities, and many program and extracurricular choices due to the school size,” said Tracy Welge, Jackson’s mom.

Drake and Jackson will both live in a dorm with other UI Reach students. They are excited about making new friends and joining clubs.

“We’re excited to see all the ways Drake grows in his independence at Iowa,” Amy said.

The two new college students spent a week at the University of Iowa over the summer for the program’s “Bridge” orientation. They lived in dorms, learned to navigate the bus system, became familiar with the campus and got to know the other UI Reach participants.

They move in for the fall semester on August 22 and begin classes on August 26.

Drake and Jackson’s journey toward independence began here at Miriam, where classes are tailored to individual needs, focusing on appropriate-level academics, skills for life, and transition planning.

In fact, 100 percent of our 2024 graduating class has a post-Miriam path to follow. 

Miriam High School’s individualized learning plans (Miriam’s version of Individualized Education Plan, or IEP) include comprehensive planning for post-high school pathways. Miriam administrators collaborate closely with each student and their family throughout their high school journey to determine interests, set realistic goals, and prepare for post-graduation. Some students complete internships or summer programs while still in high school, and Miriam intends to grow the internship program in 2024-25.

Drake, Jackson and the other 19 2024 graduates feel confident that - while change can be intimidating - they know where they’re headed. And they know that Miriam will always be here to support them.