Mayor Jim Strickland’s initiative to connect you to opportunities in our city.
Beyond our duties to improve core city services such as infrastructure and public safety, I find more and more that our job at city government is to connect citizens, particularly our young people, to these opportunities. That’s what this website is all about. You can learn more about job training programs, nonviolent criminal record expungement, assistance in receiving a high school equivalency diploma, and many other services that you can take advantage of in our city for FREE!
Everyone should get a chance at an opportunity and we’re here to help!
–Mayor Jim Strickland
0 k+ Jobs Available in Memphis 0 % of Southwest graduates find a job
JOBS
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused youth disconnection rates to spike dramatically. Ensuring that every young person in Memphis has an opportunity to get an education and a job that pays a living wage is a part of creating a stronger city. According to a 2021 study, Memphis has the third-highest percentage of youth in the nation without a job or who are not in school. There are over 34,000 disconnected in Memphis, and to help address this problem, Workforce Mid-South works with youth 16-24 years old who are NOT ATTENDING school or currently working through its Career Launch Mid-South Young Adult Program.
Career Launch Mid-South is a comprehensive youth employment program for serving eligible youth, ages 16-24, who face barriers to education, training, and employment.
Who can join?
Out-of-school youth ages 16-24, who are eligible to work in the U.S. and have one of the following barriers:
- Those with Disabilities
- English language learners
- High-School Dropouts
- Homeless
- In a foster care facility or aged out of foster care
- Pregnant or Parenting
- Those subjected to any stage of the judicial process (IE: have been arrested, or are on probation)
As a young job-seeker, what’s in it for me?
- Assistance obtaining a GED or returning to high school
- Education Planner
- Leadership Opportunities
- Tutoring
- Job readiness classes and work experiences
- Occupational Training / Tuition Assistance
- Career exploration
- Self-Assessment
- Work Experiences
*All males 18 and above must be registered for Selective Service to be eligible for any federal aid program.
If you are between 16-24 years old and NOT ATTENDING school or currently working.
Text 56512 to MIDSOUTH OYWORKS
CALL 901-467-7113
Visit midsouthyouth.com
WHAT IS A WIOA YOUTH PROGRAM
Midsouth YouthEDUCATION
High School
Excel Center
The Excel Center provides adults 18 and older the opportunity and support to earn a high school diploma and begin post-secondary education while developing career paths in sectors of the local economy that offer better-than-average employment and growth opportunities.Tuition and on-site child care and transportation assistance is available,
Connect with the Goodwill Excel Center to complete your high school equivalency diploma.
HopeWorks
At HopeWorks it’s never too late to go back to school! With a high school equivalency diploma, you will have access to meaningful careers and better paying jobs to support your family. You will be able to participate in trade or technical programs or work toward your college degree. Also, you will set a great example for your children. You can do this! Call 396-8800 to find out how or visit whyhopeworks.org.
College
Free College
Tennessee is the first state in the nation to offer a free community college education to everyone and that includes adults, too. Ninety-nine percent of southwest graduates find a job. Take advantage by visiting tnpromise.com or contact Southwest Tennessee Community College at southwest.tn.edu or 333-5000.
Learn more by visiting tnpromise.gov or Tennessee reconnect program.
Tennessee Promise Tennessee Reconnect Program
Free Technical college
Just like community college, you can attend the Tennessee College of Applied Technology for free. These skills can lead to specific careers with real demand in Memphis such as aircraft mechanic, automotive technician, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning repair.
Check out TCAT’s programs here, along with salary ranges and the local job market for each. For more information call 543-6100 or visit tcatmemphis.edu.
Free Career Training
Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training.
The Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps center supports the job corps program’s mission to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.
In addition to career training, Dr. Benjamin l. Hooks job corps center also provides academic training, including basic reading and math, courses in independent living, employability skills, and career success skills are offered to help students transition into the workplace. They also have several academic programs to help our students achieve their full potential.
For more information or to join call 901.396.2800 or visit benjaminlhooks.jobcorps.gov
Certifications
National Career Readiness Certificate
The ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a valid and meaningful workforce credential. The certification helps companies understand if its employees or potential employees have a certain level of ability in key areas required for many jobs. Through the Workforce Investment Network and TeachEd2Go, NCRC training is Free.Learn More About NCRC
Manhood University
Manhood University is a six-week course created to inspire men to build up their communities, acquire jobs and create stronger relationships.
Participants will develop:
- Goal setting
- Time Management
- Financial Literacy
- Job readiness
- Communication Skills
Women Offering Women Support- WOWS
Women Offering Women Support (WOWS) is a six-week program delivered by community partners in a workshop setting.
The topics include:
- Who am I? Personality Assessment
- Belief and Goals Vision Planning
- Financial Freedom
- Affordable Home Ownership
- Health and Wellness
- Strategies for Positive Communication
SERVICES
Social Services
If you are looking for help!
Just dial 2-1-1 to reach the community information and referral resources of LINC at the Memphis Public Library. Linc, in conjunction with United Way of the Mid-South, is our local source for community resources and maintains a large, comprehensive database of human services organizations, government agencies and volunteer groups that connects you with community services such as mental health, transportation, food, utility assistance, and literacy programs.
Linc 211 maintains an online database of resources here.
Criminal Record
We may be able to get your record cleared!
Mayor Strickland’s Expungement Program is a partnership with the Shelby County Clerk and the Shelby County District Attorney to assist eligible participants in paying final fees necessary to clear their background issues.
Mayor Strickland has raised private money to pay for expungements for non-violent felons so they can more easily re-enter the workforce and can help you with the process and provide skills training. Call our office of Community Affairs at 576-6203, to see if you’re eligible
HOUSING
Linc 211
How to find home resources in the 901?
- Visit tn211.org
- Scroll to the bottom of the website
- Type in home901 in the search bar to take you to a list of agencies
United Housing
United Housing provides quality housing opportunities to Mid-South residents through financial education, mortgage lending, home building and renovation, and creative partnerships with public, private and nonprofit entities.
The Housing Counseling Network employs the 211 system to reach individuals with housing needs. Seven library branches host Housing Corners to meet residents where they are.
Frayser Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Frayser CDC and its partners want to help you own a home in the Frayser community. We have partnered with local lenders, realtors, and other housing professionals to provide you with the best possible options to realize home ownership in the Frayser community.- Attend Home Buyer Education Class and Housing Counseling
- Find the right lender
- Find a good realtor
- Select your home
- Arrange your loan
For more information, call 901.354.2778 or go to www.frayserhomes.com.