Outcomes are Low
Memphis ranks #1 for the number of people with no education, and is ranked #468 out of 511 cities nationally for educational attainment.
Options are Scarce
Child poverty in Memphis is more than twice the national average and options for education are out of reach for people who earn 36% less than the median income in the U.S.
Crime Piles On
Children being raised in Memphis, which ranked as the second most dangerous city in U.S. in 2022, are more likely to have issues with health, mental health, and to become a victim of crime or turn to crime themselves.
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The Top 3 Reasons Educational Doors Are Staying Closed
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1. Forced to rely upon IEPs + resource classes.
When parents look for education that is a better match for their child's needs or potential, the limited available resources don't bridge the gap.
2. Leaning into talent-based scholarships.
When the options are only open to those with unique skills, just a few find success. They can only get access based on exceptional talent or a large investment of time and money that most Memphis parents cannot afford.
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3. Focusing on social charities alone.
Meeting social needs can address critical current needs, but only provides a temporary lift that leaves children and families in the exact same situation and doesn't change their educational outcomes.