We are thrilled to share that the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) has been selected for Tennessee SCORE’s 2026 Future Forward Innovation Grant.
This funding directly supports a vital partnership with Gestalt Community Schools to expand our Career Launch Academy, fundamentally changing how young people in Memphis discover and enter the medical field.
Rather than navigating a fragmented system, students will now have a clear, coordinated path from the classroom into the workforce. Starting in high school, they will explore different medical fields, take foundational coursework, and tap into dual-enrollment opportunities that give them a head start on college credit.
By the time they graduate, students can earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential—a critical first step that allows them to jump straight into meaningful employment while opening the door to advanced, stackable nursing degrees down the road.
While Career Launch Academy focuses on the next generation, our Hire Local initiative continues its vital work connecting adult job seekers to quality healthcare roles across Memphis.
Together, these efforts power our broader Healthcare Talent Collaborative. By bringing together dedicated regional partners—including Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Southwest Tennessee Community College, the University of Memphis, TCAT Memphis, and Sincere Healthcare Institute LLC—we are making sure our training programs do more than just build skills. They lead directly to stable careers and lasting economic mobility for our entire community.
"We are deeply grateful to SCORE for believing in this vision, and to every partner working alongside us to build a healthier, stronger Memphis workforce."
