SchoolSeed Foundation Awards $200,000 to Support Youth Development in Memphis

 SchoolSeed Foundation is thrilled to announce the awarding of $200,000 in grants, split evenly among eight deserving local organizations as part of its Memphis Youth Pilot Grant Program. Each organization receives $25,000 to bolster programs aimed at enriching and empowering the youth of Memphis outside the classroom.

This funding initiative, led by councilwoman Pearl Walker and provided to SchoolSeed by the Memphis City Council, is designed to provide young people with constructive experiences focusing on personal growth, education, and community involvement. 

"Every child carries the potential to reshape our future,” said Vincent J. McCaskill, president and CEO of SchoolSeed Foundation. “At SchoolSeed, we commit to nurturing this potential, turning today's learners into tomorrow's leaders through dedicated support and unwavering belief in their capabilities."

The pilot program partners with grassroots organizations to offer a diverse range of activities, including educational workshops, arts and crafts, sports, and community service projects. By doing so, it aims not only to provide immediate benefits but also to establish long-term support systems for the youth, engaging them in positive activities and connecting them with mentors and role models.

Recipients of the Memphis Youth Pilot Grant Program:

  1. BlueprintEd, Inc. — Expands internship opportunities for high school students, aligning them with local businesses to foster career skills and interests.
  2. Community Project, Inc. — Enhances their Empowering Futures Program, which supports youth in high-crime areas through educational and recreational activities year-round.
  3. New Direction Christian Church — Boosts its Youth Entrepreneurial Camp, helping young individuals develop business skills and leadership qualities.
  4. Operation Take Back 901 — Focuses on the UpliftHER program, which empowers young women through mentorship and professional development.
  5. Youth Restorative Justice Collaborative— Continues to mentor at-risk youth and those involved in juvenile justice, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve life outcomes.
  6. Southside Wildcats — Introduces a computer science component to their existing sports and personal development programs to enhance digital literacy.
  7. The Gentlemen's League — Expands their mentorship and educational support for Boys of Color, incorporating college visits and a summer bridge program.
  8. YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South — Extends its Achievers College and Career Readiness program, focusing on social-emotional learning and career exploration.

These grants underscore SchoolSeed Foundation’s commitment to empowering Memphis' youth and fostering a vibrant, supportive community. "Investing in our youth is planting seeds for a garden we all will one day enjoy,” said Patrice J. Robinson, grants selection committee member. “Through this program, we are watering these seeds, ensuring that every child in Memphis has the ground to grow strong and flourish." This funding is one of many efforts by the Foundation to support grassroots organizations that significantly impact students outside of the traditional educational setting, thereby strengthening families and the broader community.

About SchoolSeed Foundation

SchoolSeed Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational and developmental opportunities for students in Memphis. Through collaboration with local education agencies and community organizations, SchoolSeed aims to promote high achievement and build a stronger foundation for the community's future.

In the past two years, SchoolSeed Foundation has granted over one million dollars to support youth-focused organizations in Shelby County and across the state of Tennessee. This substantial funding support from the state has allowed SchoolSeed's network to expand to over 100 youth-focused grassroots organizations in Memphis and throughout Tennessee, amplifying its impact and reach.

These grants underscore SchoolSeed Foundation’s commitment to empowering Memphis' youth and fostering a vibrant, supportive community.