We take the city schools' best students,
get them in the best summer programs,
and change their world and ours.

A world of promise,
Realized.

A world of knowledge,
Gained.

A world of opportunity,
Discovered.

News

About

Right here in our Memphis City Schools, there are students who have the mind for just what we have in mind.

The Memphis PREP Program provides these promising rising juniors and seniors with a summer of intellectual stimulation, personal growth, leadership development, cultural diversity and discovery in the summer programs of our country's finest educational institutions. On these campuses, and more, our students are joined by students from all over the globe.

"I was able to open my eyes more to the situations all around the world.
Arigato, merci beaucoup, gracias. Thank you for the opportunity!"

- Eboné Ingram, Andover 2006, Cordova 2008, Harvard 2012

When our students return to Memphis from their broadening summer experience, they are more curious about everything, less satisfied with the way things are, and ready to do something about it.

The Memphis PREP Program helps students throughout the rest of their high school experience with ACT/SAT workshops and tips on interviewing skills, resumé writing, and time management. They get group and individual college counseling, family sessions on financial aid, and a variety of activities to continue to help them grow socially, intellectually, and emotionally.

Armed with scholarships to colleges and universities across the nation, our students will rise above the circumstances that lower expecations and achieve higher things to benefit us all in the years to come.

"College, law school, a thriving law practice in DC— more than I ever believed I could accomplish growing up poor in Memphis. In a world where everyone placed limits on me, it was at Andover that I saw I was truly unlimited."

- Harrell Conner, Andover 1997, Central High 1998,
Harvard College 2002, Columbia Law School 2005

The Memphis PREP Program helps to overcome the challenge of diminished means with the recognition and nurturing of intellectual potential.

Programs

View PREP-Sponsered Program Locations in a larger map

Above is an interactive map of the programs that PREP works with.
Just click a blue balloon for more information.

"Now that I have been given this torch, I plan to spread my light to all I encounter who want to take a risk, leave what they know, and find what they could never dream of."

- Casey Jackson, Choate 2003, Craigmont High 2004, University of Tennessee 2008

Partners

Memphis PREP Program is grateful for the support of the following Foundations for our Program:

Partners
- The Children’s Foundation of Memphis
- Memphis Leadership Foundation
- Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation
- Memphis City Schools

Board & Staff

Officers

Michael Matthews, President
Pan Awsumb, Past President
Ed Vaughn, Secretary
Jerrold Graber, Treasurer

Directors

Mr. Leo Arnoult
Mr. Andrew Bailey
Ms. Carol Barnett
Ms. Lisa Frieson
Mr. James Jalenak
Dr. Fred Johnson
Ms. Elaine Kaufman
Ms. Ellen Klyce
Ms. Jackie Mayo
Mr. Chris Peck
Ms. Sherry Samuels
Ms. Linda Sklar
Mr. Jules Wade
Dr. Jane Walters
Ms. Dorcas Young

Honorary Director

Mr. Jed Dreifus

Staff

Executive Director Margaret Ryan
Program Director Linda Patterson
College Counselor Bitsy Kassellberg
Mentor Coordinator Alisha Henley
Administrative Asst.Dana Speck

Support

The Memphis PREP Program has grown tremendously in the past few years. Take a look:

In 1995, PREP sent 15 students to 5 programs.
In 1998, PREP sent 41 students to 7 programs.
In 2003, PREP sent 62 students to 14 programs.
In 2005, PREP sent 95 students to 19 programs.
In 2010, PREP sent 108 students to 34 programs!

Total Scholarship Aid

1998 - $129,425
2001 - $199,300
2003 - $209,475
2005 - $339,500
2009 - $391,000

Help our students achieve their potential with your contribution.

There are many ways you can help PREP students. To show you, here's how your financial contribution can impact our students:

Support Memphis PREP Program's work with promising high school students. - $5,000
Support a sophomore's participation in Memphis PREP - $3,700
Support a junior's participation in Memphis PREP - $2,100
Support one student going away to a prep school for one summer - $1,600
Provide college counseling for one student - $500
Purchase an airplane ticket so one student can go away to a summer program - $400
Other contribution - $100, $50, $25
Every little bit helps!

The Memphis PREP Program is a 501(c)3 organization.
Your donation is tax-deductable to the full extent allowable by law.
Please be generous, and please let us know if you have any questions.

Volunteer with Memphis PREP

Memphis PREP Program joins the Grizzlies Foundation Memphis Mentoring Network! Volunteer to mentor a high school senior through the college application process. Here's the job description and the application:

Memphis PREP Program volunteers work:

In schools, to introduce guidance counselors and students to Memphis PREP, coordinate application submission, and assist students with summer program selection
With interviewing. All Memphis PREP Program applicants are interviewed by staff or volunteers prior to their acceptance into the program.
To assist students in selecting a summer program, in completing their applications, and in completing their financial aid applications
To assist program staff in determining student financial need for eligibility for the Memphis PREP student assistance funds

Volunteers may also assist with workshops for students and their families on topics such as essay writing, interview skills, or college applications, and may assist with planning and working with students on community service projects.

To volunteer, or if you have questions about volunteering, please email Bitsy Kasselberg