Launch a Leader: Helping Collegiate Graduates Thrive Beyond Graduation

Transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming, but at The Collegiate School of Memphis, we are equipping our students with the skills and support they need for success. Through our Foundations program and our Alumni Support program, we’re dedicated to helping each graduate navigate this important change and start their journey after high school on the right foot.

Preparing for Life After Graduation

Building Essential Skills
Beginning in sixth grade, our Foundations curriculum focuses on key skills such as executive functioning, time management, and test-taking strategies to prepare students for success.

Guided College Planning
As many of our scholars are first-generation college attendees, we provide personalized support to help them identify the right post-secondary pathway and navigate the collegiate application process so that every CSM senior graduates with next steps for their future.

Financial and Scholarship Assistance
Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education. Our Senior Seminar class helps scholars identify and apply for college scholarships, complete FAFSA forms, and understand financial aid packages to ease college costs.

Supporting a Smooth College Transition

Continued Support After Graduation
Our alumni team stays accessible and connected through events, campus visits, and  staying in touch virtually, ensuring that alumni can always reach out with questions, celebrate milestones, or talk through challenges.

Emergency Assistance for Unexpected Challenges
College can sometimes come with unexpected hurdles. Our alumni emergency fund can help cover unforeseen expenses, like surprise fees or a transportation emergency, to make sure they can stay on track toward success.

How You Can Make a Difference

Only 16.5% of seniors in the local school district graduated their high school “college ready” (defined here as scoring 21 or higher on the ACT) in 2024, while 56% of the Collegiate Class of 2024 graduated college ready. With your contribution, we can continue providing our scholars and alumni with targeted support and ensure that Collegiate graduates are prepared to thrive once they get to college.  

A gift to Collegiate’s Launch a Leader initiative helps:

  • Provide tailored college admission, college scholarship, and career guidance.

  • Maintain strong relationships with alumni to stay informed about their needs and connect them with valuable resources.

  • Cover unexpected emergency financial hurdles to help alumni remain on their path to success.

Each year, Collegiate graduates go on to top institutions such as Rhodes College, Washington University, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Vanderbilt University,and the University of Memphis. With your partnership, we can continue to invest in their success and build a brighter future for the city of Memphis.

Join us in supporting these talented young scholars. Make a gift today toward our Launch a Leader initiative and help pave the way for the next generation of Memphis leaders.

Collegiate School of Memphis