Memphis one of eight cities selected to host Aspen Institute’s Workforce Leadership Academy

What’s happening: It’s been a few years since the University of Memphis men’s basketball team have made it to the Elite Eight — okay, it’s been a little over a decade since those Tigers teams of the mid- to late- 2000s made it to at least the Elite Eight, a three season run that lasted from 2006 through 2008. But now the city of Memphis has a new “Elite Eight” to celebrate, with the Aspen Institute naming Memphis as one of eight cities to be included as part of their exclusive Workforce Leadership Academy program. The Greater Memphis Chamber has been selected to create the Memphis Workforce Leadership Academy in 2023.

What it is: The international nonprofit Aspen Institute’s Workforce Leadership Academy assembles a cohort of local leaders to advance the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary for advancing workforce development in the selected region. Those enrolled enjoy a series of retreats, workshops, and action-learning projects designed to, as the Aspen Institute puts it, “deepen networks, strengthen systems leadership skills, apply race equity and systems change frameworks to leaders’ work, and deepen understanding of effective strategies and programs.”

[Related: Read “Agape’s new Competitive Edge Youth Training program aims to address generational poverty” on High Ground.]

Apply now: Memphis leaders in the nonprofit sector, business associations, union-based training efforts, public agencies, and community colleges are encouraged to apply for the program, the application window of which is open now through Thursday, Feb. 16. The Greater Memphis Chamber will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 17, for those interested.

Ted Townsend, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber.Visit the Greater Memphis Chamber online to learn more about this unique opportunity.

Why it’s important: “The Memphis Workforce Leadership Academy will help Greater Memphis capitalize on the diversity, ingenuity, and resiliency of our workforce to create more pathways to prosperity in our community,” says Ted Townsend, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “As Greater Memphis sets and breaks new records for jobs, our goal with this program is for every person, regardless of their education level, to have access to quick, affordable skills training that helps them pursue life-changing careers.”