New program tries to keep best, brightest in Memphis | News

More than a dozen local college students are getting experience on the front lines of city government thanks to the newly created Urban Fellows Program.

“The benefit of the Urban Fellows program is twofold,” said Douglas Scarboro, executive director of the Office of Talent and Human Capital, the city agency overseeing the project. “The City of Memphis gets assistance and input on pressing issues facing government. Urban Fellows, in turn, get firsthand experience in helping to shape a more improved and efficient government.”

The program, which runs year-round, was launched this month. Currently, 13 students are taking part and will work at least 10 hours a week for a semester. In return, students will receive mentoring opportunities and college credit.

However, the ultimate goal of the program is to keep some of the city’s brightest young people from moving away.

“It serves as a way for us to say to these young and emerging professionals and citizens that ‘We value your service and we want you to stay and grow right here in our great city of Memphis,’” said Mayor A C Wharton.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Sean Davis.