Exploring Careers. Building Leaders. Preparing Futures—Together

Why Our Program Exists

High school students are expected to make critical postsecondary and career decisions with limited exposure to careers, professionals, and real workplaces. As a result, many students make short-sighted or uninformed choices that are misaligned with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

This lack of exposure contributes to:

  • Disengagement during high school

  • Inefficient or costly postsecondary pathways

  • Delayed entry into meaningful careers

  • Reduced economic mobility and confidence

Without intentional guidance and professional proximity, students often struggle to connect education to real-world outcomes—leaving families frustrated and young people uncertain about their future.

STS Strive

Where Confidence Is Built, Careers Are Discovered, and Community Leads the Way.

Founded in 2012, STS Strive is the flagship program of STS Enterprise Corporation and the organization’s first youth initiative. Anchored in career exploration and leadership development, STS Strive equips middle and high school students with the tools, confidence, and support needed to identify, research, and experience a wide range of career pathways.

The primary objective of STS Strive is to prepare students for postsecondary success by helping them make informed, intentional decisions about their future, whether that path includes college, workforce training, entrepreneurship, military service, or other career-aligned opportunities.

Serving students in grades 8–12 across the Memphis metropolitan area, STS Strive operates as a community-based, access-focused program that removes barriers related to school, zip code, and exposure. Students have traveled from across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas to participate, reflecting both the program’s reach and its impact on families seeking clarity and direction for their young people.

Join STS Strive
View Our Calendar
Meet Ou Team

STS Strive Focus Areas

  • Leadership

    Leadership is about helping teenagers discover who they are and who they are becoming.

    The leadership component of STS Strive focuses on personal growth, self-awareness, and confidence-building. Students are supported in finding their voice, developing a strong sense of identity, and learning how to communicate effectively in academic, professional, and personal settings.

    Outcome:
    Our students leave STS Strive more self-assured, articulate, and prepared to advocate for themselves in school, work, and life.

  • Career Exploration

    Career exploration is about exposure before decision-making.

    STS Strive introduces students to a wide range of careers and industries to help them make informed postsecondary choices. This focus area emphasizes strength-based and interest-based exploration, ensuring students understand not only what careers exist, but which pathways align with who they are.

    Outcome:
    Our students gain clarity, confidence, and awareness of career possibilities that align with their strengths, interests, and values.

  • Post Secondary Placement

    Postsecondary placement is about intentional transitions, not just graduation.

    The postsecondary placement focus ensures every student exits STS Strive with a defined and realistic plan for life after high school. Students are guided in leveraging their leadership development and career exploration experiences to select a postsecondary pathway that best fits their goals.

    Outcome:
    Our students graduate with a clear postsecondary plan and the confidence to pursue it intentionally and successfully.

How STS Strive Works

STS Strive is a year-long, community-based program designed to help teenagers discover who they are, explore career options, and leave high school with a clear plan for what’s next.

The program runs from August through April and meets once a month on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This schedule allows students to stay focused on school while still getting consistent exposure, guidance, and support outside the classroom.

    • rades: 8th–12th grade

    • Ages: 13–18

    • Location: Students from across the Memphis metro area, including Memphis, Shelby County, surrounding counties, and nearby areas in Mississippi and Arkansas

    • Schools: Students may attend any public, charter, private, or homeschool

    Students come from different schools, backgrounds, and communities, which helps create a diverse, supportive environment where students can learn from one another without pressure or comparison.

    • Program Length: August – April (school year)

    • Meeting Schedule: Once a month on Saturdays

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Format: In-person, community-based sessions (locations shared in advance)

    The once-a-month format allows students to stay focused on school, sports, and other commitments while still receiving consistent guidance and exposure throughout the year.

  • STS Strive is a great fit for students who:

    • Aren’t sure what they want to do after high school

    • Need confidence or direction

    • Are motivated but lack exposure

    • Have potential but need guidance and support

    You do not have to have all the answers—STS Strive helps your student find them.

    • Students arrive and engage with peers their age over a hot breakfast

    • Interactive activities (not lectures)

    • Conversations with professionals and mentors

    • Career and leadership workshops

    • Reflection and goal-setting

    • Encouragement, accountability, and community

    Students are grouped with peers from different schools, creating a space where they can grow without labels or pressure.

    • It’s not a school program – students from any school can participate

    • It’s exposure-based – students learn by seeing and experiencing, not just hearing

    • It’s strength-focused – we build on what students are good at

    • It includes families – parents are partners, not spectators

    • It’s long-term – growth happens over time, not in one event

  • Parents are an important part of STS Strive. Through our Parent Booster Club model, families:

    • Stay informed about what students are learning

    • Gain tools to better motivate and support their child

    • Connect with other parents facing similar questions

    • Help build a supportive “village” around students

    This helps reduce the frustration many parents feel when they want to help—but don’t know how.

  • Students leave STS Strive:

    • More confident

    • More focused

    • More aware of career options

    • Better prepared to make decisions

    • Ready to take the next step with optimism

    STS Strive isn’t about rushing students into decisions—it’s about preparing them to make the right ones.