The Memphis Challenge, a non-profit program, was created to ensure successful student/college matches and encourage students to return to Memphis after graduation. The Memphis Challenge offers advisement to students and their families regarding education choices, paperwork in applying for scholarships and entrance to recommended schools, and follow-up throughout college to ensure continued success. Throughout their college careers, the program also places students in summer internships within their fields of study. The internships provide a rewarding employment experience during the summer. They are designed to encourage the students to stay with and become leaders of these companies and to instill in students a commitment to become part of the future leadership of Memphis.
Overview The Memphis Challenge program has two parts – the college advising program and the internship program.
The college advising program provides extensive assistance with standardized testing (such as the ACT and SAT), scholarships and college admissions. In addition, the program encourages students to develop their leadership skills through community involvement and extracurricular activities. To ensure the students’ continued success, The Memphis Challenge maintains contact with them throughout college.
The internship program is a coalition of area businesses willing to provide meaningful summer employment to The Memphis Challenge students. The purpose of the internship program is to fulfill Memphis’ responsibility to educate its young, provide a challenging and rewarding employment experience to these students and prepare students for a position in Memphis’ leadership structure.
In 2003, a new initiative was added to The Memphis Challenge program – Junior MC. This program provides high school juniors with professional development workshops and college admissions test training. The goal is to help prepare them for making the best college choice, as well as give them a jump start for future participation in The Memphis Challenge program.
The Memphis Challenge does not provide summer internships for Junior MC participants, and the students selected for Junior MC are not guaranteed selection to The Memphis Challenge program.
Features Students and their parents receive information needed for choosing a college, including financial aid information, college essay writing workshops and test strategy tips for college preparatory exams.
Students are enrolled in professional development workshops, focusing on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, business etiquette, time management, career assessment and networking.
Students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships with local Memphis companies.
Benefits Students and their parents are provided with the tools they need to apply for colleges, financial aid and scholarships.
During their senior year of high school, students are equipped with a professional resume and the skills necessary to interview for a job and succeed in today’s work place.
Students gain experience in their fields, and have hands-on knowledge of working in a professional environment.
Objectives
The students are challenged to excel both academically and in the workplace. They are required to:
Attend and remain in good standing at a four-year college or university
Attend Memphis Challenge training and participate in community service projects
Maintain relationships with Memphis Challenge staff and their corporate sponsors.
Corporations sponsoring Memphis Challenge students commit to:
Attend Memphis Challenge functions and activities.
Provide a professional opportunity for a student each summer throughout the student’s college career.
Pay the intern’s summer salary (there is no sponsorship fee).
Create a career development plan for the intern and monitor his or her progress by conducting performance evaluations.
Assign a mentor to introduce the intern to the culture and politics of the business and to help with the transition from college environment to work environment.
Consider the intern for permanent employment upon college graduation.
History The Memphis Challenge was founded in 1989 by Joseph R. Hyde, III. The first class of Memphis Challenge was comprised of East High School students. In 1990, students from Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools and local private schools were admitted into the program. With 30-35 students inducted each year, The Memphis Challenge now boasts of an alumni and student network of more than 450 of the finest academic minds and career disciplines imaginable, spanning colleges and universities across the United States.
The program is just now beginning to bear witness to the fruits of its labor. To date, approximately 87 Memphis Challenge alumni are employed in Memphis. These alumni are serving the community as lawyers, foundation directors and entrepreneurs. For example, the principal of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Diamond Academy is Donald Dyer, a 1992 Central High School graduate and Memphis Challenge alumnus.
"Diversity in every aspect of corporate, professional and community life is essential if Memphis is to thrive. Our young people are our future, and we must encourage them to return to Memphis after college. Without question, your decision regarding participation in The Memphis Challenge will help determine the strength and vitality of Memphisę future."
