UCAN Build Us in Your Budget

UCAN of Memphis is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public operating organization established in 2006 in Memphis, TN. Our mission is to empower young people by providing mentorship, workforce training, and anti-bullying education, all of which will contribute to the community's healthy development. Our initiatives are presented in schools as part of the Blazers and Pearls program for youth empowerment.

Our leadership development program, Blazers and Pearls, gives underprivileged middle and high school students in local schools and communities in the Mid-South a chance to enhance their character while empowering social change. The program gives underprivileged children in the Mid-South, ages 12 to 19, the chance to broaden their horizons by enabling them to develop healthy self-respect via group mentorship. Conflict resolution, social-emotional development, and preparing students for success in college and the workplace are our main priorities. Using the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, UCAN of Memphis offers workshops on bullying prevention to the local community, parents, teachers, and students.

We serve an average of 100 students per year across six schools within the Memphis Shelby County School System during the academic year.

In addition to our academic year programs, UCAN also hosts an annual citywide youth conference called Dare2Dream during the summer. This exciting event offers young people a unique opportunity to engage in interactive workshops and be inspired by motivational speakers. The conference is designed to challenge and empower participants, equipping them with practical strategies to excel academically and thrive in all aspects of their lives. At Dare2Dream, students receive holistic support and encouragement, enabling them to become their best selves. Over the past seven years, we have served hundreds of students.

According to KIDS COUNT: The State of the Child in Tennessee, Shelby County ranks last in child well-being including economic well-being, health, education and family and community statistics. Memphis specifically has the highest rate of disconnected youth in the country at 21.6%, meaning youth aged 16-24 are either not in school or not working. The children and youth of Shelby County encounter many obstacles to their success. UCAN of Memphis aims to address key barriers to success through our programs and advocacy.

We encourage you to build us in your budget by making a tax-deductible monthly contribution of $25 which covers supplies for 1 class session per school. Your monthly donation also will help us expand and serve more students across more schools. Any amount of monetary donation is appreciated and accepted.

We also accept in-kind donations (i.e., gift cards, food for events, and school supplies). Become a mentor or sponsor an event.