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, more than 150 Memphis Challenge alumni are employed in Memphis. These alumni are serving the community as attorneys, educators, physicians, foundation directors, corporate executives and entrepreneurs.