The young adult population represents the next generation of community, business, and political leaders.

It is imperative that young adults are equipped with the skills and supports that they need today in order to guide Memphis forward tomorrow. The Collective Blueprint advances a community framework that reflects the personal and economic aspirations of the city’s young populace. We build pathways to careers while addressing systemic inequities to get to economic justice:

1. Programs - We have designed a set of programs that support young adults in getting to social mobility. Our Schools Program focuses on credential attainment in in-demand career fields, like IT, healthcare, and the skilled trades. Our Careers Program targets young adults who have not been able to get to a career. We support those young adults via our corporate partnerships in getting into a career and being successful during that first year. All of our programs are paired with a unique set of supports: $400/mo stipends, twice monthly coaching by our staff, access to a psychologist, transportation assistance, and direct connections to professional mentors. Relationships are at the center of our success, and our intensive supports make reaching goals doable. 

2 - Systems - Through our work the past three years, we have learned a tremendous amount about the systemic barriers that exist for young adults. We use this knowledge to further our work at a higher, systemic level. We form strategic partnerships with key players such as the city and county governments, schools, and employers to advocate for policies and craft initiatives that will create a more equitable ecosystem for young adults.

3 - Policy - We will not truly move the needle without meaningful public policy support. In 2020, we were an organizer of Memphis Nonprofits Demand Action, which had over 150 nonprofit CEOs sign onto a list of demands related to criminal justice, police reform and systemic change. We publish op-eds, organize demonstrations, and serve as a thought leader locally to push forward an agenda that will better serve young adults.