The Memphis Challenge
Founded in 1989, The Memphis Challenge, Inc. (MC) was created to dissuade educated and highly motivated students of color from leaving Memphis due to a lack of opportunities. Our goal was and is to give students the tools necessary to become future leaders in Memphis. Our mission is to coach and empower our students, through leadership and professional development. For nearly 20 years, Memphis Challenge has been providing high achieving high school seniors with invaluable personal and professional opportunities before and during their college experience. We have taken exceptional students of color and worked to augment their leadership capabilities, increase their self-efficacy and self-actualization through workshops, internships and service projects. In 2003, we have expanded the MC program to include high school juniors.
The Memphis Challenge has been extremely successful in providing services to high achieving students. As a result, in order to close the achievement gap and given our commitment to community, we have expanded our programming by creating life skills, development and coaching opportunities for students outside our core MC program. View More Information
Memphis Youth Leadership Program
The Memphis Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) is an eight week pilot designed to be an interactive life skills program that would engage youth, ages 14-17, through learning and applied experience in workforce readiness. The MYLP is a partnership between The Memphis Challenge, Inc. and The Memphis Regional Chamber in conjunction with the City of Memphis summer Youth Employment Program and business stakeholders. The program has been structured to provide Memphis area youth with opportunities for positive connections with family, peers, and community through a myriad of instructional methods such as, coping skills training, role-playing exercises, creative expression, speaker presentations, and experiential learning. View More Information
Project Challenge
Project Challenge is a program aimed at a core group of 9th grade students at Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School. In collaboration with BTW, The Memphis Challenge has developed a collaborative alliance with school administrators, teachers and counselors. We offer much needed life skills development and cultural opportunities to a core network of students. Each week, hands-on-learning experiences are designed to inspire students to remain focused, committed and motivated about education. View More Information
Additional Pages
Meet the ChallengersMeet The Staff
Board of Directors