Next Steps

An annual tradition at Vanderbilt, Founders Walk celebrates the moment that first-year, transfer and Next Steps students officially begin their journey as members of the Vanderbilt University community. The celebratory procession, which took place Aug. 18, is the conclusion of Move-In Weekend. Read More

The Department of Labor awarded Next Steps at Vanderbilt University $2.32M to expand its registered apprenticeship offerings for neurodiverse students. This grant will enhance existing apprenticeships and develop new ones in high-demand industries, furthering the program’s mission to provide inclusive postsecondary education and meaningful employment opportunities. Read More

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries recently expanded their partnership with Next Steps at Vanderbilt. The first program of its kind in Tennessee, Next Steps provides neurodiverse students with a college experience that includes academic, social, professional and residential programming. Read More

For the first time, graduates from Vanderbilt’s Next Steps program for students with developmental disabilities will walk in the full campus Commencement ceremony.  Read More

Six students graduated from the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program as part of the Class of 2021 this May. Next Steps at Vanderbilt provides students with intellectual disability an inclusive, transformational higher education experience that embodies the values of equality, compassion and excellence in all endeavors. Read More

More than 7,600 members of the Vanderbilt community, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends, joined together on Giving Day, April 7, to donate more than $5 million to help advance the university’s mission of education, discovery and leadership. Read More

As Next Steps at Vanderbilt marks its 10th anniversary throughout 2020, the year also brings another significant milestone: The first class of Next Steps at Vanderbilt students will graduate from its expanded four-year program. Read More

Runners are a group Graeflin knows well. He ran track at Vanderbilt, and is the longtime owner of The Athlete’s House in Nashville, the first store in Tennessee devoted to running apparel and gear. Read More