Memphis offers a variety of youth leadership programs aimed at empowering young individuals with the skills and experiences necessary for personal and professional growth.
From civic engagement initiatives to job training and life-saving certifications, these programs provide valuable opportunities for youth to develop leadership qualities and prepare for future success.
To create this guide, we interviewed parents, conducted online research and gathered insights from reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Reddit posts, and in some cases from parent interviews through our reporting. This list showcases classes recommended by parents based on their personal experiences. Each program’s offerings, location, and schedule were carefully verified to provide families with accurate, reliable information to support their decision-making.
Ready to get started? Check out these great options in the Memphis area:
1. BRIDGES USA – Bridge Builders
BRIDGES USA’s Bridge Builders program engages students in grades 8–12 in a year-long experience focused on community service, civic engagement, and leadership development. Participants collaborate on projects that address community issues, fostering skills in teamwork, communication, and advocacy.
Things to Know:
- The program is designed for youth grades 7–12
- There is a one-year commitment and application required for the program
- Community service, civic engagement, leadership skills will be learned
- Custom workshops focusing on topics like teamwork, empathy, conflict resolution, and civic education will be offered
- BRIDGES connects youth with various leadership opportunities across Memphis, including the Youth Advisory Board, Bridge Builders Collaborate Leadership Council, InterCORE, Youth Justice Action Council, and the Shelby County Youth Council.
What families are saying:
One Memphis parent shared in a Google review,
Must love this organization. It is a great experience for young kids and high school students. My 3rd daughter is now going through the program and loves it. Mario is a great asset to the program. The kids meet all different cultures and kids from all different backgrounds and learn that they have more in common than differences. They have the opportunity to learn about their communities and be a positive impact and want to give back. Ten stars Mario.
Contact Details:
- Address: 477 N. Fifth St., Memphis, TN 38105
- Phone: (901) 452-5600
- Website: https://www.bridgesusa.org/collaborate
2. MPLOY Youth Summer Experience
The MPLOY Youth Summer Experience is a six-week, paid summer program for Memphis youth aged 14–22. It offers career exploration, soft skills training, and real-world work experience in various industries.
Things to Know:
- For those 14–22 years old
- It’s a six-week summer program
- Provides career readiness, soft skills, professional development
- Participants work up to 20 hours per week
- Participants are compensated for their time worked via paper checks; photo ID is required when receiving paychecks
- Opportunities span various sectors, including health and wellness, arts and culture, banking, communications, and more
What families are saying:
One Facebook fan mentioned,
MPLOY Memphis is a great opportunity for young people to be placed in businesses in the area and earn money over the summer.
Contact Details:
- Address: 315 S Hollywood St. Memphis, TN
- Phone: (901) 636-6264
- Website: https://www.cityofmemphisyouth.org/blank-4
3. Stax Music Academy
Stax Music Academy offers after-school and summer programs for students in grades 6–12, focusing on music education, performance, and leadership. The academy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and community engagement through music.
Things to Know:
- Students arrive for the after-school program as early as 3:00 PM for homework assistance and snacks. At 4 p.m., youth development programming begins, focusing on life skills, mental health wellness, and leadership. Junior and senior students participate in college prep and professional etiquette classes. Ensemble sessions, including music theory, run from 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Summer Music Experience: A dynamic program for students in grades 6–12, offering live performance opportunities, choreography training, music business and history classes, audio engineering, filmmaking, and songwriting workshops.
- Throughout the year, students engage in workshops with guest speakers and legendary musicians. They also perform in events like the annual Black History Month program and the Summer Grand Finale, with opportunities to perform locally and out of state.
- Students receive college-prep courses, life and professional skill-building workshops, family resources, and mentorship. The academy aims to transform students into “Soul Communicators”—socially conscious artists of integrity.
- Programs for grades 6–12
- Prospective students can audition/apply for the after-school program and summer experiences.
What families are saying:
One Facebook parent reviewed,
Stax Music Academy has been a place that has taught/is teaching my son so much about music, from theory to music business. It gives him an opportunity to play and enjoy the type of music he loves. The staff are all very amazing at what they do and have made it easy for me to leave my son (starting at age 9) in their hands. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk with several of the staff at various times and grown to really appreciate their hearts and passion for the students. Finally, their communication with me and investment in my son’s growth as a musician, as well as his general wellbeing, makes me feel certain that they dedicate the same efforts to all of their students.
Contact Details:
- Address: 926 E. McLemore Ave., Memphis, TN 38106
- Phone: (901) 946-2535
- Website: https://staxmusicacademy.org/
