Eight Years, One Dream Fulfilled: The Legacy of STS in Meghan’s Story
From Exploration to Elevation: How One Memphis Student Turned a High School Conversation into a Federal Career
At a time when many young adults struggle to find direction after college, Meghan Carpenter has done more than just find her footing—she’s walked confidently into her calling.
A proud graduate of the University of Memphis Class of 2025, Carpenter will soon begin her career as a Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. But for Meghan, this prestigious post isn’t just the next chapter—it’s the culmination of an eight-year journey rooted in mentorship, exposure, and intentional design, all thanks to her early involvement in STS Enterprise Corporation, a Memphis-based nonprofit committed to guiding students from high school to career success.
Carpenter becomes the first student in STS history to complete the organization’s full developmental pipeline, having participated in its flagship STRIVE (high school), ELITE (college), and Senior Experience (workforce readiness) programs. She entered STS as a quiet but curious ninth grader and leaves as a nationally recognized scholar and emerging leader in the field of economics.
“Meghan Carpenter is a living embodiment of our mission,” says Jeremy Calhoun, STS President and Co-Founder. “She represents what’s possible when students are not only believed in—but intentionally invested in.”
The Defining Moment
Meghan first expressed a budding interest in economics during her 11th-grade year. Sensing her potential, STS leaders coordinated a 1:1 meeting with Douglas Scarboro, senior vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, through their Day in the Life initiative, a program designed to connect students with real-world professionals.
That conversation proved transformative.
“Meeting Mr. Scarboro changed the game for me,” Carpenter reflects. “He helped me see how economics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, policy, and purpose. That moment solidified my decision to major in economics. It made the career feel real.”
From Aspiration to Accolades
That initial spark turned into sustained excellence. While majoring in economics at the University of Memphis, Carpenter earned multiple honors, including recognition by the university and selection as a 2024 AEA Summer Training Program and Scholarship Program Scholar (AEASP)—a nationally competitive fellowship designed to prepare underrepresented students for graduate-level study in economics.
Her resume boasts internships with Shelby County Government and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and she distinguished herself through a summer fellowship focused on public policy and financial equity. Carpenter also became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, balancing academic rigor with civic leadership and community service.
As she now prepares to take on the world of economic policy and research in the nation’s capital, Carpenter reflects on the journey that brought her here—one that started with a single conversation and was nurtured over nearly a decade by the STS community.
Full Circle, Fully Prepared
“It feels surreal,” she says. “I met someone at the Fed as a high school junior, and now I’m about to work at the Fed in D.C. That’s what STS does—it bridges the gap between where you are and where you’re meant to be.”
Her trajectory offers a powerful example of what happens when exposure meets preparation. As a Research Assistant in Washington, D.C., Carpenter will now have proximity not only to the nation's economic epicenter, but to some of the country’s top graduate schools—including UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and her alma mater, the University of Memphis—all of which she’s considering for future study.
Why STS Exists
Founded in Memphis, STS Enterprise Corporation operates with a bold mission: to help youth build lives they can be proud of. Through its tiered model of exposure, development, and placement, STS continues to redefine what youth empowerment can look like—especially in communities historically underserved by traditional career pipelines.
“This is why we exist,” says Alton Cryer, STS Executive Director and Co-Founder. “Meghan’s story is proof that with the right exposure and support, our students don’t just survive—they thrive.”
As Meghan Carpenter walks into her future, she carries more than a degree. She carries a legacy—one shaped by vision, resilience, and a program that believed in her before the world knew her name.
Hear more of Meghan’s story on the I AM STS Podcast
She shares more about that pivotal moment—and her full STS journey—in a special episode you won’t want to miss:
🎧 Watch on YouTube → Episode: Meghan Carpenter’s Journey Through STS
For media inquiries or more information on STS Enterprise Corporation, visit www.stsenterprise.org or email us at contactus@stsenterprise.org
