Shepherds College Expands to Franklin, Tennessee, Bringing Proven Postsecondary Opportunity to Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Franklin, Tenn. — September 11, 2026 — Shepherds College, a nationally recognized postsecondary college serving young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has announced the launch of its new Empowered for Life (E4L) program in Franklin, Tennessee. The program opened in August 2026, bringing Shepherds College’s proven educational model to Middle Tennessee and creating new opportunities for students with IDD to develop confidence, increase independence, and prepare for meaningful futures.
For nearly two decades, Shepherds College has served students from across the United States through its fully accredited residential college in Union Grove, Wisconsin. The launch of the Franklin program marks the first expansion of the Shepherds College educational model beyond Wisconsin and reflects the organization’s commitment to increasing access to specialized postsecondary education for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Empowered for Life program is built upon the foundation of Shepherds College’s flagship residential college in Union Grove, Wisconsin, where students receive an education designed around their individual strengths, abilities, and goals. Through this proven model, approximately 90 percent of Shepherds College graduates from the Wisconsin campus obtain meaningful employment, demonstrating what is possible when students receive intentional support, individualized instruction, vocational preparation, and opportunities designed around their unique gifts.
“The need for specialized postsecondary education extends far beyond Wisconsin,” said Brian Canright, Executive Vice President of Shepherds Ministries. “Families throughout Tennessee and across the country are searching for opportunities that help their sons and daughters grow in independence, develop meaningful skills, and pursue purposeful lives. Our goal is to provide a place where students are known, encouraged, and equipped for their future.”
Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the Empowered for Life program provides students with an individualized educational experience built around Shepherds College’s four pillars:
• Faith Journey
• Personal Development
• Life Skills
• Job Readiness
Through individualized instruction, community engagement, personal development, and vocational readiness, students experience Shepherds College’s hallmark philosophy of Appropriate Independence™ – helping each student develop the confidence, skills, and support needed to achieve the highest level of independence appropriate to their individual abilities.
The need for specialized postsecondary education for young adults with IDD continues to grow. Nationally, only an estimated 17–21 percent of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment, highlighting the significant barriers many individuals face as they transition into adulthood. Shepherds College’s nearly two decades of experience demonstrates what is possible when students receive education and support designed specifically around their abilities and goals.
The Tennessee program serves students from Middle Tennessee and surrounding communities, allowing families to access a specialized postsecondary opportunity without requiring students to relocate far from home.
“We’re excited to have welcomed our inaugural class,” said Brian Canright, Executive Vice President of Shepherds Ministries, who relocated from Wisconsin to Tennessee to help lead the launch of the new program. “This campus provides a pathway for underserved students with IDD, from the greater Nashville area, to discover their purpose and maximize their God-given potential.”
The Empowered for Life program operates out of The Village at Church of the City Franklin, where classes began in August 2026. The program offers full-time and part-time enrollment options for students seeking continued growth in independence, life skills, faith, and career preparation.
The Village at Church of the City Franklin will celebrate its Grand Opening September 12–13. The weekend will include services, ribbon cuttings, tours, food trucks, lawn games, fireworks, and more.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Empowered for Life program. Students can begin the program at the start of any quarter. The next available start date is November 2, 2026, at the beginning of the second quarter. Applications are also being accepted for students planning to begin during the 2027–2028 academic year.
To learn more about Shepherds College Tennessee or apply, visit www.shepherdscollege.edu.
About Shepherds College
Shepherds College is a fully accredited, faith-based postsecondary college serving young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in Union Grove, Wisconsin, Shepherds College equips students with the academic, vocational, social, spiritual, and independent living skills needed to lead meaningful, productive, and purpose-filled lives. Through its Appropriate Independence™ educational model, Shepherds College empowers students to reach their fullest potential. In 2026, Shepherds College expanded its mission with the opening of its first program outside Wisconsin in Franklin, Tennessee.
Media Contact
Brian Canright
Executive Vice President
Shepherds Ministries
Email: bcanright@shepherdscollege.edu
Website: www.shepherdscollege.edu