University of Memphis Secures $4.9 Million Grant for Internships

Students engaged in paid internships at nonprofit organizations in Memphis

News Summary

The University of Memphis has received a significant $4.9 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, aimed at transforming student internship opportunities. This funding will enable the university to place 125 to 145 students in paid internships, primarily in the nonprofit sector. The initiative addresses the challenge of unpaid internships and aims to encourage students to pursue degrees in arts and humanities. With an endowment to sustain the program, this grant represents a lasting investment in the future of Memphis’s youth and economy.

Memphis Students Hit the Internship Jackpot with New $4.9 Million Grant

Exciting news is brewing in Memphis! The University of Memphis has recently secured a whopping $4.9 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, and the impact is set to be significant for the city’s students. This generous funding will provide a much-needed opportunity for students to participate in paid internships that will benefit their futures and strengthen the community.

Transforming Unpaid to Paid Internships

In the past, many students like Cate VanNostrand, a junior studying English and history, have found themselves in the frustrating position of accepting unpaid internships. Cate had to take on a six-month, unpaid internship at Literacy Mid-South in 2023, which, while valuable, has become a tough pill for many to swallow. With the new grant, the University of Memphis will change this by placing between 125 and 145 students each year in paid internships, offering a much-appreciated pay rate of $20 per hour.

Focus on Nonprofits in Memphis

What’s particularly exciting about this grant is that most of the funded internships will be situated within the nonprofit sector. Historically, this area has been notorious for its lack of paid internships, making it hard for motivated students to gain practical experience without draining their wallets. Given that one in every ten jobs in Tennessee is in the nonprofit sector, this shift could provide a transformative experience for many upcoming graduates.

A Timely Response to a National Trend

This initiative couldn’t have come at a better time. There is a noticeable decline in college graduates pursuing degrees in arts and humanities, a trend seen both locally and across the nation. By offering paid internships in these fields, the university hopes to show students the value of a liberal arts education, aiding in reversing this concerning trend.

Sustaining the Future: An Endowment for Internships

Part of the grant’s funds will be allocated to an endowment that ensures some internships will be funded indefinitely, allowing future students to benefit from this new opportunity. This means that the program won’t just be a one-off event, but a lasting legacy for the University of Memphis and its students.

Supporting Young Leaders with the NexGen Program

The grant aligns perfectly with existing efforts such as the NexGen Internship Program by City Leadership. This progressive initiative aims to support young Memphians as they transition from education to professional careers. It’s all about matching students with organizations based on their individual career goals while also offering crucial job readiness assistance, including interview practice and resume writing.

The NexGen Program gives participants an amazing eight weeks of hands-on training with various host organizations, empowering them to become confident, capable leaders. This year’s partnering organizations include notable names such as Youth Villages, Church Health, City Leadership, and the Brooks Museum.

Investing in the Future of Memphis

So, what’s the grand vision behind all these initiatives? It’s about cultivating young leaders who are not only ready to step into the workforce but are also deeply invested in the future of Memphis. This grant and the supporting programs are paving the way for the dreams and aspirations of countless students and fortifying the local economy with skilled, passionate young professionals.

For students in Memphis, the dream of gaining valuable experience through paid internships is now closer than ever. All eyes are on how this new grant will reshape opportunities in the city, providing a brighter future for those eager to learn and grow. With a community geared towards nurturing its young talent, there’s a spark of optimism in the air, and it’s electrifying to witness. Let’s cheer on this fantastic step forward for Memphis and its future leaders!