The Shainberg Scholarship Is Back. Plus: How You Can Invest in Memphis Talent This Summer

Most of us already know college is expensive. That's nothing new.

But here's the thing: our tax dollars invest billions into education in this city. Billions. And when a young Memphian graduates high school and doesn't have a clear path forward, when the cost of college, trade school, or a certification program stops them in their tracks, that investment stops too. The talent stays on the sideline. The momentum breaks.

The most fragile years aren't the school years. They're the ones right after high school graduation. Getting into college, affording it, staying enrolled; that's where so many promising young people hit a wall. Not because they weren't ready. Because the bridge wasn't there.

That's exactly why Give901 supports scholarships for Choose901 Alumni. We want to make sure the investment this city has already made in these students doesn't just... stop. We want to keep that talent here, growing here, building here for Memphis.

And that's where the Shainberg Foundation has stepped in.

The Shainberg Scholarship Is Back

We are so excited to announce that the Shainberg Scholarship is officially open for year two. The Shainberg family even increased their total scholarship gifts by 25%!

Applications are open now through May 1, 2026, for Choose901 Alumni students pursuing any postsecondary path. This scholarship exists because college is expensive. Trade school is expensive. And the cost of not finishing is even higher for the student and for Memphis.

Last year's scholars said it better than I ever could. Sheltoria Love, one of our 2025 Shainberg Scholars, put it like this:

"The scholarship has made a huge difference for me by relieving financial stress and allowing me to focus a little more on my classes and goals. Knowing I have this support also gives me peace of mind and motivation to keep pushing forward, especially as I complete my final semester and prepare for what comes next."

That's what investment looks like in real life. Not just an acceptance letter. The ability to stay, persist, and finish.

About Herbert Shainberg

Herbert Shainberg was a Memphis businessman who owned a department store on Main Street. He had a reputation for generosity and a real commitment to fairness and justice. His grandchildren are continuing that legacy today by investing directly in Memphis students.

The name Shainberg means "Beautiful Mountain."

And that's exactly what this is. Reaching your potential is a climb. It's hard. It takes grit. But no one should have to make that climb alone. And no one should have to turn back because they couldn't afford it.

This scholarship makes that possible.

Building the Talent Pipeline

A scholarship is a powerful thing. But a scholarship is just the beginning.

Because when a student graduates, what comes next?

They need experience. They need an opportunity. They need someone to take a chance on them.

That's why we need a talent pipeline. And Memphis, we need your help building it.

Our alumni are sharp. They are motivated. They have been shaped by great teachers, mentored by community leaders, and poured into by donors who believed this city's future was worth investing in. And this summer, we have students who are ready to work.

Right now, we are actively looking for internship opportunities for Choose901 Alumni this summer. Real experience. Real work. Real investment in the next generation of Memphis talent. 

If you have a business, an organization, or even just a project that could use a motivated young Memphian, this is your moment to step up.

Here's How You Can Be Part of This

We're building a talent pipeline for Choose901 Alumni, and we need Memphians to help us make it real. Here's what that looks like:

• Offer an internship — give a young Memphian their first real shot this summer

• Hire strategically — when you have an opening, think alumni first

• Mentor — an hour a month can change someone's entire trajectory

• Recruit — share this with someone in your network who should be involved

• Give — become a monthly donor to Give901 and fund the whole pipeline

Not sure which one fits you? That's okay. We made it easy. 

Fill out the Talent Pipeline Intake Form Below ↓

Tell us where you're at, what you can offer, and how you'd like to get involved. We'll take it from there.

This Is What It Means to Choose901

We've done the hard part. We found the talent, we grew the talent, and we believe in the talent.

Now let's put that talent to work for Memphis.