MAYOR'S MESSAGE | MemphisYouthServices

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

The Memphis Office of Youth Services plays a vital role in our community. Not only does MOYS serve our youth; it serves the public. As an essential division of the City of Memphis, MOYS provides education and professional opportunities for young people throughout our city. Their goal is to help participants reach their full potential, and ultimately, become productive citizens.

MOYS’s mission is “to equip students with the tools necessary for becoming contributors to the greater community by inspiring them to make positive life decisions in the classroom and beyond thought engaging and interactive programs.” By “focusing on initiatives that add value through education, health, employability, and justice,” participants are learning responsibility and other valuable life skills to help them become competent adults, allowing them to develop their full potential.

The public plays and important role in the success of MOYS. Local business offering structured employment opportunities for youth during the summer months make the MPLOY Youth Summer Work Experience possible. By agreeing to serve as Business Partners and Service Providers, some of the top employers in the area provide Memphis youth aged 14-22 with valuable employment experience.

In addition to the successful MPLOY Program, MOYS also has a year-round development program, the Memphis Ambassadors Program (MAP), which serves up to 440 youth from the seven city council districts in grades 9-12 annually through career and college preparation as well as like-building skills. The program integrates curriculum centered on community, businesses, and neighborhood alliances. MAP students participate in community service projects throughout the year as a result of a partnership with area non-profits. At the end of each school year, MAP students participate in a two-week Summer Leadership Camp by grade level where students share ideas and receive additional life-building skills. MAP operates out of eight sites throughout the city.

I fully support what MOYS is accomplishing in Memphis. Programs that help our youth reach their full potential benefit the participants, their community, and all of us in the City of Memphis.

Sincerely,

Jim Strickland, Mayor

City of Memphis