The Collective Blueprint
based in Memphis, Tennessee
The Collective Blueprint effectively provides intensive support to young adults in Memphis who have been out of work and school. The organization’s combination of high-quality technical education with intensive support significantly increases the success rate of traditional workforce development programs.
The Collective Blueprint’s multifaceted support system includes school-readiness training, ongoing coaching, monthly stipends, free therapy, employment support, and lifelong access to a well-connected network. And the organization’s approach yields results: The Collective Blueprint boasts two-thirds completion rate, compared to a ~5-10% completion rate at the local community colleges. TCB’s special efforts with other organizations and its advocacy work are also impressive.
The Collective Blueprint will use the Creativity grant to support Technology Cohorts in 2025. Delivered in partnership with Tech901 and CodeCrew, two Memphis-based 501(c)(3)s dedicated to providing affordable and targeted IT and Coding training, this cohort will empower young adults with foundational IT skills critical for thriving in the region’s growing tech economy. This grant will provide critical funding for young adult supports, such as stipends, transit vouchers and free therapy, as well as supplies for these specific cohorts.
The Collective Blueprint is the brainchild of Creativity Foundation Legacy winner Sarah Lockridge-Steckel