Accelerate

Accelerate is a free 3-month experience that offers college students the skills and networks necessary to launch successful careers in Memphis. Over six sessions in a semester, students receive top-notch professional development, gain insight on local career paths, and make valuable connections with area employers looking to hire young talent. Accelerate offers the essential footing needed for students to find and be successful in a paid Memphis-area internship. 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.

Testimonials

"I loved receiving career development advice from people in all kinds of fields. New Memphis is passionate about providing opportunities and helping us prepare for them."

-Cassidy Burlesci-Niukkanen

"I am able to use the knowledge that the program gave me and utilize it to improve myself every day. I loved hearing different professionals' point of view. We learn something new each session and can tailor it toward different aspects of our life, including school, career, and gaining a larger network."

-Joshua Booker

"My favorite part was meeting the other members of the Accelerate program. The facilitators are very helpful and their goal is to help you get an internship — they even offer speed mentoring, which a lot of the other programs don't offer."

-Xavier Cobb

"My main focus with this program was character development and growth. I made a lot of connections with Speed Mentoring, and I even received a LinkedIn message from one of the professionals!"

-Alexis Johnson

"I liked the speakers that New Memphis brought in. I have a lot of friends who are graduating this year, and this is a great way to kickstart further growth after college. Finding new connections in Memphis has been really beneficial."

-Kelsey Morrison

"I've really enjoyed the different sessions that we've had. My favorite session was the Speed Mentoring. I would say that it was a great opportunity to improve your professional development and interact with professionals. It's a great way to grow and build your brand as a college student."

-Janice Farris

"It's a great opportunity to meet professionals from all over Memphis in different fields and different jobs to gain a better network just by being a part of the program."

-Joshua Booker

Get Involved

Accelerate is for college students interested in jump starting their careers. Participants must be a current full-time student with an expected graduation date by May 2026. Know a high-potential student? Nominate them! Are you ready to take the next step to launch your career? Apply now!

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Apply for Accelerate

Why Accelerate?

Through the free Accelerate program, students can expect to build and refine leadership, communication and “career-ready“ skillsets while also growing in personal goal setting and time management. Beyond building skills, you will also build a valuable network. Participants benefit from professional coaching and networking and get access to an elite network of professional mentors.

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FAQ

Q: How do I become a participant in the Accelerate class?

A: 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 2025. 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.

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Curriculum Information

Each Accelerate session engages high-performing, community-conscious student leaders in professional and leadership development. The goal of the program is to provide access to professional networks and opportunity that springboard students into satisfying Memphis-area careers. 

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.

Click here for a session calendar and overview.

 If you have any questions about the session schedule, curriculum, or application process, please contact caleb@newmemphis.org

Session Calendar and Overview