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As we wrapped up the budget this week, we reaffirmed our commitment to public safety, stronger neighborhoods, culture as an economic driver, and youth and workforce development.
One of the ways that commitment comes to life is through MPLOY, our summer work program that connects Memphis youth ages 14 to 22 with meaningful work experiences, skills training, and opportunities to explore careers that match their interests and strengths. This summer, the program is serving more than 3,000 young people, up from 1,800 last year.
Last week, I shared the first guest column from one of our workforce development participants. This week, I'm turning the newsletter over to recent high school graduate Jahiem McQuarter.
This is my second time being involved with MPLOY. And it has truly been a blessing both times.
The first time I was in the program, I was 15 years old. The program was mostly classroom-based at that point, but I still learned a lot about communication, banking, and even how to write in cursive. Those lessons have stayed with me.
This year, I am a recent high school graduate, and I really needed a job to help me save money for trade school. My family was low on money, and nobody seemed to be hiring. My mother reminded me about MPLOY, and it has been a blessing from God.
MPLOY is designed to help you with job skills and personal skills, and I've experienced that firsthand. The program teaches you how to communicate with people, work with others, and make new friends. MPLOY showed me that even if you're different from others or move a certain way, they will help you because they care about Memphis, and they believe that young people are important to our future. The people at the City of Memphis showed me that it is okay to be me. They believed in me, gave me a chance, and helped me when I needed it. That's why I say that MPLOY is my golden ticket.
 The City of Memphis is supporting 3000 MPLOY interns this summer. See more of Jahiem's story by clicking the image above.
This year, I was placed at Wrapzody Gourmet Wrapz Deli, and it has been the best place I have ever worked. The managers have helped me more than anyone I have worked for before. The people there are genuine, down-to-earth, and they treat me like family. This job has helped me save money and get a solid financial start before trade school.
Plus, the food is absolutely amazing. If you get the chance, please stop by and try it.
All I'm trying to say is thank you. Thank you, Mayor Young and MPLOY. Thank you, Ms. Wanda and Wrapzody.
All of you are my golden ticket.
Jahiem McQuarter, Hamilton High School Graduate
Future Trade School Student
MOVING TOGETHER SURVEY:
2055 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) & the 2026 Safety Action Plan
The Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is excited to kick off the second round of public outreach for the RTP update and share the draft 2026 Memphis MPO Strategic Action Plan for public review. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the development of the RTP by taking the online survey (English & Español). For more information, visit https://memphismpo.org/
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