How is the Accelerate 2023 associated with The Jay Uiberall Foundation?
The Jay Uiberall Foundation is sponsoring Accelerate 2023. The foundation honors the legacy of Memphis restaurateur Jay Uiberall by funding innovative programs designed to improve the lives of Memphis youth.
What will happen with this program in response to COVID-19?

Please visit the "about" section of the New Memphis website for additional information. As we navigate changing workplaces, New Memphis is still committed to providing the development you deserve.

What is the difference between Launch: Campus to Career and the Launch: Accelerate cohort?

Launch: Campus to Career is a series of free events that are open to all college students (local, undergraduate, and graduate students) that occur year-round. No application is required to attend Launch events and no events are required. Accelerate is a free semester program that requires application – it is a cumulative experience for high-performing students with each session required.

How do I become a participant in an Accelerate class?

All participants must submit an application. To qualify, students must be current full-time, 4-year college students with an expected graduation date by May 2026. They must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and provide two recommendations from campus leaders who can speak to leadership and professional potential. We encourage you to apply to the program if you are interested and encourage community partners to nominate potential talent.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for the Spring 2023 cohort are due by January 23, 2023 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Nominations for Accelerate candidates are accepted at any time, though application deadlines for future cohorts will be set closer to the start of those sessions.

What is the time commitment?
There is a total of 6 sessions and a graduation; each class is two hours long except the first session which is 2.5 hours. The session schedule can be found on the website. The total number of hours spent over the course of a 3-month period is approximately 14 hours.
Are all six Accelerate sessions required?
Yes, participants must make a commitment to attend all six scheduled sessions to be admitted into the program and graduate. Full participation by each member of the cohort is key to the group's cohesiveness and crucial to the individual’s experience.
Where are the program classes held?
Sessions will be held in-person with locations to be announced soon. Participants will receive a final schedule with locations in their acceptance letter into the program.
How many people are in each cohort?
Each cohort has 25-30 participants.
How much does the program cost?

While the actual value is $1,800 per participant, our community and corporate partners enable us to offer the program for free to all participants. Additionally, New Memphis will give a $350 stipend to each participant who completes the program for having invested in their own professional development.