S6E18 - Helping Students Succeed with tnAchieves and MDRC

A proven model of success is helping students in Memphis persist to graduation and launch careers in the Mid-South thanks to an impact-driven collaboration between tnAchieves and MDRC. Listen in to learn how a state-wide program is taking a tailored approach to help students in Memphis succeed! Guests: Krissy DeAlejandro (tnAchieves) Sonia Drohojowska (MDRC). Resources mentioned in this episode include: tnAchieves MDRC MEMcomplete MDRC Post Secondary focus Tennessee Promise Slingshot Memphis MEMworks Southwest Tennessee Community College Previous Meanwhile in Memphis episodes on related topics can be found here , here , here , here , and here This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The City of Memphis named the goal of 10,000 housing developments by 2030 in an effort to create a vibrant city core with community-lifting development. This conversation with Mayor Young (City of Memphis) and John Zeanah (Chief of Development and Infrastructure for the City of Memphis) explores the "how" and "why" behind the goal. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The City of Memphis Housing and Community Development Previous episodes featuring Mayor Young can be found here , here , and here . Previous conversations featuring John Zeanah can be found here and here . State of the City 2026 Community Redevelopment Agency Memphis 3.0 HOME Program EDGE Downtown Memphis Commission This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The local farming and agriculture community is helping Memphians to bloom where they're planted. Camille "Farmer C" James (Halls of Ivy) and Derravia and Bobby Rich (Black Seeds and Black Seeds Urban Farms) share how to grow what you know by discussing creative solutions and collaborations that make Memphis more sustainable while providing access to food education and healthy options. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Halls of Ivy Black Seeds Urban Farms Mia's Orchard Frayser Community Garden Everbloom Farmacy Alpha and Omega Veteran Services New Way Aquaponic Farms Agritourism The Works Jones Orchard Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Certified Tubby Creek Farm Booker T. Whatley Girls Inc. Black Seeds Urban Farms Instagram Farmer C Instagram Black Seeds Urban Farms: From Family Garden to Local Food Movement The Giving Garden: Black Seeds Urban Farms Feeds the Soul of Its Memphis Community Roxie's Market This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Memphis is a media oasis! The city has a vibrant, people-powered ecosystem with a wealth of public radio stations. Go behind the scenes of two of the city’s signature public stations with Jared "Jay B" Boyd (WYXR 91.7 FM - the host station for Meanwhile in Memphis) and Charles McLarty. (WKNO 91.1 FM) to learn what role they play in connecting the community through news, music, and future-focused missions. This episode first aired on November 18, 2025 (S5E46) Resources mentioned in this episode include: WYXR WKNO The Daily Memphian Previous episodes on similar topics can be found here , here , here , and here NPR PBS Morning Edition All Things Considered Behind the Headlines KLOVE Donate to WKNO and donate to WYXR The University of Memphis Crosstown Concourse Congress rolls back $9 billion in public media funding and foreign aid article from NPR Timeline: The History of Public Broadcasting in the U.S. Educational Television Facilities Act of 1962 Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Christian Brothers University is turning learners into leaders. This conversation with President-Elect Ronald Brandon is part of a series that explores the role Memphis' colleges and universities play as essential civic anchors shaping the region's talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Christian Brothers University Christian Brothers University Appoints Ronald L. Brandon as Next President John Baptist de la Salle Christian Brothers University gifted $5M to implement new academic programs Other episodes in this series can be found here and here This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

In this episode, New Memphis shares the mic with a special guest host — City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young — to explore how collaboration led to the transformation of Historic Melrose High School and how the project is revitalizing the community. Orange Mound -- a historic neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee -- was the first subdivision in America built specifically for Black homebuyers, and at the heart of this neighborhood lies Historic Melrose High School. The school closed in 1979, but in recent years, community advocates came together with local government to pursue an ambitious mixed-use redevelopment of the space that includes community spaces, a public library, a Black genealogy center, and a 28-unit senior housing facility. Learn how the project came to life and how you can play a role in its future in this conversation! Guest: Ashley Cash | City of Memphis Meanwhile in Memphis is produced by New Memphis and is powered by iBank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Learn how Memphis' HBCU is anchoring talent in the city by creating job-ready, community-informed leaders. This conversation with Dr. Christopher Davis, president of LeMoyne-Owen College, is part of an ongoing series that explores the role Memphis’ colleges and universities play as essential civic anchors shaping the region’s talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. Resources mentioned in this episode include: LeMoyne-Owen College Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) LOC Center for Cybersecurity LeMoyne-Owen College cybersecurity program gears up, set to build technology center called TIRC LeMoyne-Owen College's Accelerated Studies for Adults and Professionals Program (ASAP) Other Meanwhile in Memphis episodes that explore and illuminate topics covered in this episode are here , here , here , and here . LeMoyne-Owen College Receives $500,000 Investment from FedEx to Strengthen Business Department and Advance Student Success LeMoyne-Owen College Board of Trustees Selects Dr. Christopher B. Davis as the College’s 14th President This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis’ colleges and universities are essential civic anchors shaping the region’s talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. All of these factors play a critical role in employee readiness, attraction, and retention for local employers. Hear how university leaders are navigating challenges and creating a thriving Memphis for generations to come in this conversation moderated by Dr. Joann Massey (EDGE) featuring Dr. Bill Hardgrave (University of Memphis), Jennifer Collins (Rhodes College), and Dr. Tracy D. Hall (Southwest Tennessee Community College). This is a recording of a live Celebrate What's Right: Educating Memphis' Future that happened on February 24 at The National Civil Rights Museum for a conversation with presidents from Memphis-area institutions. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Rhodes College University of Memphis Southwest Tennessee Community College Tennessee Promise Previous M eanwhile in Memphis conversations with these organizations can be found here , here , and here .

Memphis is teaming with talent, both on and off the field, thanks in part to the ways The University of Memphis is developing future professionals with transferable skills through sport. By equipping student athletes with professional development resources, mentors, and connections to career opportunities in Memphis, the 901Women program is creating success stories and future Memphians. Guests: Ed Scott, PhD, The University of Memphis Beth Wilson , Wilson PR; 901Women Initiative Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations connect changemakers and community leaders who make Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Created and produced by New Memphis. Resources and references mentioned in the episode include: The University of Memphis Athletics Department 901Women 901Women Power Summit Meanwhile in Memphis is powered by Independent Bank.

Memphis is a city known for its creative output. With new strategic priorities in place, both public and private investments are shaping the trajectory of the city’s cultural impact and the community’s civic pride. Guests: Elizabeth Rouse, ARTSmemphis Rachel Knox, Hyde Family Foundation __Resources mentioned in this episode include: ARTSMemphis Hyde Family Foundation ARTSMemphis event calendar Young Actors Guild Memphis Artists Emergency Fund Art By Design Previous Meanwhile in Memphis episodes related to this topic can be found here , here , here , here , and here Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations connect changemakers and community leaders who make Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Created and produced by New Memphis. Powered by Independent Bank.