Today, The Collective Blueprint announced the launch of NextUp901, a citywide, multi-sector youth workforce development initiative designed to foster economic mobility. NextUp901 offers young adults ages 18-30 free career preparation and paid job training while simultaneously connecting leading local employers to motivated, talented workers.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910310550/en/
Memphis Mayor Paul Young delivers remarks at the NextUp901 launch event in Memphis, Tenn. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Created to serve the approximately 45,000 young adults in Memphis who are currently out of school and out of work, NextUp901 offers internships, apprenticeships and career opportunities with leading Memphis employers.
The program provides young people with quality training options that tie directly to in-demand sectors like health, IT and trades while offering career coaching and personalized support at each step, including counseling, childcare and transportation. Created to serve the approximately 45,000 young adults in Memphis who are currently out of school and out of work, NextUp901 offers internships, apprenticeships and career opportunities with leading Memphis employers.
“Our young adults have the talent and drive to succeed. Our job is to make sure they have a clear path to opportunity,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “NextUp901 connects workforce development directly to the needs of our economy, preparing Memphians for the jobs employers need to fill today and building the skilled workforce we need to compete for the jobs of tomorrow.”
NextUp901’s initial goal is to place 1,000 young adults on pathways to stable, well-paying careers within the next year and 5,000 over the next five years.
“Our goal is to increase economic mobility,” said Sarah Lockridge-Steckel, CEO and Co-Founder of The Collective Blueprint. “By providing holistic support, NextUp901 builds pathways — to greater futures for young adults, stronger businesses, and a better Memphis.”
NextUp901 is powered by a collection of public-private partnerships partners including Tech 901, The Medical District Collaborative and Moore Tech; major Memphis employers including Big Momma’s and Granny’s Catering, Jamerson Strategic Consulting, LLC and Mitchell Consulting; and city, state and local government officials.
“I’m very excited to make connections here, gain experience in communication, and learn how to get into different careers,” said James Hammett, a NextUp901 participant. “One of the most important things I want to do is get a good, stable job that pays a decent wage—more than just a living wage. I believe this is the perfect opportunity to do so, especially with an internship and the chance to get the experience that so many companies and employers demand.”
NextUp901 is a free initiative open to any young adult who: is living in the Memphis area; is recently out of school or work; is 18-30 years old at the start of the program; and does not have a college diploma or certification. No work experience is required. Most NextUp901 programs are three to nine months long, with none of the programs lasting longer than one year.
To learn more about application requirements, recruitment, funding and employer partnerships, please visit NextUp901.org.
About The Collective Blueprint
The Collective Blueprint increases socioeconomic mobility for young adults in Memphis by building clear pathways to thriving careers. Through tuition-free training in high-growth industries, career coaching, living stipends and holistic wraparound support, the organization helps young adults launch successful careers while advancing systems-level solutions that strengthen the local workforce ecosystem. To learn more, visit thecollectiveblueprint.org.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910310550/en/
Media gallery
