Memphis Challenge

Project Challenge

Please note that there will not be a Project Challenge program for summer 2013.

Project Challenge was a program of The Memphis Challenge, Inc., piloted with 9th graders at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, TN.

The mission of Project Challenge was to create a paradigm shift in the disparities that exist between at-risk students of color and replace it with one of achievement through peer support and other service learning techniques. Project Challenge provided a venue for our students, Memphis Challengers, to take the helm in providing a service to another group of students, encouraging them to share the wealth of what they have been privileged to receive.

Project Challenge consist of a four-phase operational program strategy

Phase 1 - Assessment
Phase 2 - Coaching
Phase 3 - Training
Phase 4 - Camp Challenge

Each student participated in the first 3 phases of the program
Students who successfully mastered the program's objectives were selected to attend Camp Challenge
The program took place during a nine-month period concurrent with the academic school year
A standard method of evaluation was given at the end of each six-week reporting period

Points of evaluation were: academic achievement, professional development, and interpersonal skills

"I think education is power. I think that being able to communicate with people is power. One of my main goals on the planet is to encourage people to empower themselves"

- Oprah Winfrey

"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all treads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color"

- Maya Angelou