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Building Bridges to College and Career Success

Preparing Memphis students with the skills and confidence to thrive in college, career, and life after high school.

Our Program

A comprehensive 5-year journey from high school through the first year of college

Career Exploration & Development

9th & 10th Grade

Students gain career exposure through guest speakers, workplace visits, and the College Board’s Teamship program, solving real business challenges.

Postsecondary Preparation & Advising

11th & 12th Grade

Year-long credit-bearing Junior and Senior Seminar courses provide 11th and 12th graders with rigorous college and career preparation and advising.

Post-High School Coaching & Support

Postsecondary

Students who complete the Junior and Senior Seminar courses and pursue a pathway after high school receive one year of coaching and support.

College Success

Postsecondary

Continued support throughout college to ensure students persist, thrive, and graduate on time.

The Challenge

The path from high school to a degree or career credential remains out of reach for many Tennesseans. While more than 60% of jobs in Tennessee will soon require a degree or credential, only 48.1% of adults currently hold one.

The challenge is even greater in Memphis, where just 34.9% of adults have earned an associate degree or higher. High school college-going rates in Memphis, which measure the percentage of a graduating class that enrolls in a TCAT, community college, or 4-year college or university in the fall after graduation, remain well below the state average.

48.1%
of residents of Tennessee who hold a degree or credential
34.9%
of Memphis residents with an Associate’s degree or higher
Students talking together in class

Our Approach

FutureBridge Memphis partners with schools to provide students with personalized programming to prepare for college, career, and life after high school.

Early Start

Students benefit from dedicated time to discover their strengths and interests, build college and career readiness skills, and explore postsecondary opportunities.

Career Exploration & Development

Career exploration and development opportunities help all students build confidence, discover possibilities, and prepare for future success.

Match & Fit Focus

All students should have the information and support needed to succeed in a high-quality postsecondary pathway aligned with their strengths, interests, needs, and long-term goals.

Our Students

We serve motivated Memphis students who are committed to achieving their college and career goals, regardless of their current academic standing or family income.

Who We Serve

200+
Active Students
95%
Students of Color
2
Partner High Schools

Student Voices

Marcus J.

11th Grade · Central High School

"My mentor helped me see that college isn't just a dream—it's a real possibility for me."

Aaliyah R.

College Freshman · Rhodes College

"From freshman year of high school to graduation, FutureBridge was there every step of the way."

Our Partners

We collaborate with schools, colleges, and community organizations to create a network of support for our students.

Partner High Schools

We work closely with counselors and administrators at our partner schools to identify and support students who will thrive in our program.
Craigmont High School logo
Craigmont High School
Principal: Dr. Sarah Johnson
Booker T. Washington High School logo
Booker T. Washington High School
Principal: Mr. Robert Williams
Overton High School
Principal: Ms. Patricia Davis
White Station High School
Principal: Dr. Michael Brown
Kingsbury High School
Principal: Ms. Jennifer Martinez

Community Partners

Our network of community partners provides resources, expertise, and opportunities that enrich our students’ experiences.

College Spring logo
nXU logo
Seeding Success logo
Slingshot Memphis logo
Teamship logo
tnAchieves logo

Get Involved

Join us in empowering the next generation of Memphis leaders

Be a Guest Speaker

Share your career story and inspire our students

Host a Workplace Visit

Show students first-hand how business works

Donate

Make our program possible with your financial support

Sign Up as a Guest Speaker

Share your professional journey and inspire our students. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!

About Us

Our Mission

Preparing Memphis students with the skills and confidence to thrive in college, career, and life after high school.

Our Vision

Young adults thriving with purpose and opportunity, building a more flourishing Memphis.

Our Values

Student Focus

We keep students at the center of our work.

Collaboration

Build trust with families, staff, and community.

Persistence

Stay flexible, overcome challenges, find solutions.

Continuous Learning

Use data to improve and track progress.

Our Team

RB

Richard Bailey

Founder & Executive Director
CW

Crystal West

Junior Seminar Instructor
Craigmont High School

Board of Directors

JS

Dr. Jamia Stokes

Board Chair
Complete College America
RP

Dr. Reginald Porter

Treasurer
Leadership Memphis & Volunteer Memphis
MM

Mary Cypress Metz

Secretary
Tennessee SCORE

Financials

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to transparency and accountability. Our annual reports and financial statements are available for review.

Our Impact

We measure our success by the achievements of our students and the positive change we create in our community.
88%

Partner School Satisfaction Rate

The schools we partner with
72%

Postsecondary Enrollment

Students we help continue their journey

College Persistence

Seeing goals through

Beyond the Numbers

Our impact extends far beyond statistics. We’re building a generation of leaders, professionals, and community members who will transform Memphis.

Every student who graduates college doesn’t just change their own trajectory—they change their family’s future and inspire others in their community.

Make a Difference Today

Your gift helps us provide life-changing support to Memphis students on their path to college success

$25

Provides one student access to high-quality college and career curriculum

$50

Covers the cost of a local field trip for one student

$100

Covers the cost of an out-of-town college trip for one student

$250

Provide access to summer academic and enrichment opportunities for one student.

$500

Provides college books and supplies for a graduating senior.

$1,000

Supports one 11th or 12th grade student through a year of the program.

Ways to Give

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us empower students to achieve their dreams. All donations are tax-deductible.

Other ways to support:
Corporate Matching • Planned Giving • Stock Donations