Founded in 2017 through a U.S. Department of Education Juvenile Justice Reentry grant, Project STAND is a school-based mentoring program that empowers at-risk youth through academic, social, and emotional support. Backed by Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and a strong network of community partners, the program helps students bridge critical gaps and prepare for success in college, careers, and civic life.
This summer, more than 150 students participated in Summer Explosion 2025, a dynamic experience designed to spark personal growth, inspire purpose, and build readiness for life beyond the classroom. “The voices of our students remind us why the work of Project STAND matters so deeply,” said Project STAND Advisor Marlena Shorter-Jones.
Summer programming kicked off with tours to Lane College in Jackson, Tenn., Memphis’ LeMoyne-Owen College, Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and Shorter College in North Little Rock, Ark. These visits, especially to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), left a lasting impression and ignited a sense of pride and possibility. For many students, the welcoming campus environment and rich traditions inspired dreams of higher education and a clearer vision for the future.
Students also took part in certification programs and workshops in healthcare, CPR, workplace readiness, critical thinking, and National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) preparation. Career exploration continued with visits to Cloud901, Top Golf, and the City of Memphis Office of Contract Compliance, where students gained exposure to pathways in business, the arts, and public service.
Each week, students engaged in service-learning projects at the Mid-South Food Bank, Wolf River Conservancy, and the Project STAND student-operated pantry. These hands-on experiences were described as humbling and transformative, reinforcing the values of empathy, responsibility, and giving back.
Wellness and self-care were central to the program, with events like the Spirit Builders Conference, G.L.A.M. Fest, and the Peaceful State of Mind retreat creating space for emotional expression, healing, and personal reflection. These sessions offered students the tools to manage stress, build confidence, and advocate for their own well-being.
The summer was also filled with enrichment and connection. From water safety at Hickory Hill Community Center to leadership development at the Tennessee Teen Institute and arts engagement through Contemporary Arts Memphis, students broadened their understanding of culture, history, and personal potential. Many stepped into peer leadership roles, advocating for safe spaces and anti-bullying education in their schools and communities.
As Shorter-Jones reflected, “This summer, our cohorts reflected a powerful sense of unity, purpose, and family – exactly what we strive to build. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful dialogue, youth gained real-world awareness and life lessons that sparked lasting impact. Many expressed a desire for the program to be longer, showing just how deeply they valued the connection and growth. Project STAND’s Summer Explosion is more than a program – it’s a launchpad for greatness.”
That sentiment was echoed by Derrick Nathaniel Jr., a recent East STEM High School graduate and incoming freshman at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
“I really enjoyed the summer program with Project STAND,” Nathaniel Jr. said. “My experience was incredible, especially working with Group 5 – high school and college athletes coming together as a team. I’m so grateful for the opportunity; it truly opened my eyes to real-world careers and the importance of community engagement. I plan to share this experience with others to help them understand the value of networking and brotherhood. As I prepare to head off to college, I want to say thank you to Project STAND – and I’ll definitely be back for Summer Explosion 2026!”
Project STAND’s Summer Explosion 2025 didn’t just fill time – it fueled transformation. As the season wraps up, one truth is undeniable: with mentorship, opportunity, and a community that believes in them, every young person has the power to be great.
For more information about Project STAND, you can email them at ProjectSTANDinfo@scsk12.org or visit their website, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.