Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and Kroger Partner to Invest $500,000 for Scholarship Program Benefiting Local High School Students Attending Memphis’ Only HBCU

The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) announces the Next Generation Scholarship Program in partnership with Kroger Delta Division, Kroger Co. Foundation and LeMoyne-Owen College with a $500,000 investment to promote access to higher education for students at Booker T. Washington High School.

The program will award scholarships to BTW graduating seniors who are academically

motivated and aspire to attend LeMoyne-Owen College in the fall semester. Both schools reside in zip code 38126, the poorest area in the city of Memphis. WFGM’s previous strategic plan was to reduce poverty by five percent in 38126. Over five years, WFGM invested $7.1 million in programs providing residents in 38126 with case management, employment training, early childhood education, youth development and financial literacy.

The Next Generation Scholarship Program aligns with the five goals of WFGM’s Vision 2025 Strategic Plan to increase investment and reduce poverty in five Memphis neighborhoods including 38126, by 2025.

“The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is proud to partner with The Kroger Co. Foundation in creating the Next Generation Scholarship Program,” said Ruby Bright, President and CEO, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. “This program will connect students at Booker T. Washington to LeMoyne-Owen College. The Next Generation Scholarship Program will create a pathway and highlight the importance of LeMoyne-Owen College and we believe this partnership will provide a greater opportunity for our scholarship recipients to achieve their education and career goals.”

Kroger’s commitment to support local HBCUs is part of the company’s Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan designed to uplift associates, customers and communities.

“Kroger’s Framework for Action features actionable goals we want to implement to achieve success in five focus areas in the workplace and the communities we serve,” said Victor Smith, president, Kroger Delta Division. “Partnering with local HBCUs is one of those goals and I am so proud to team up with the only HBCU in Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College, and the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. Both are dedicated to uplifting the 38126 zip code, one of the poorest zip codes in Tennessee, which ultimately uplifts Memphis.”

LeMoyne-Owen College opened its doors to the community in 1862. The four-year liberal arts college has a rich cultural heritage residing in the heart of the Soulsville District and prepares students for all future professional endeavors.

“Thank you to Kroger Delta Division and The Kroger Co. Foundation for their investment in the residents of 38126 and Memphis’ only HBCU, LeMoyne-Owen College,” said Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs, President, LeMoyne-Owen College. “We are proud to partner with Kroger and the Women’s Foundation to recruit, retain, empower, uplift and graduate Magicians hailing from the 38126 zip code. I especially appreciate Kroger’s intentionality of developing and cultivating the type of workforce they’re seeking. This scholarship and career readiness and mentorship commitment identifies resources and support systems that impact a student’s holistic wellbeing.  A focus on the student’s wellness inside and outside of the classroom is a proud trademark of the HBCU and the reason our campuses are a community, a family. Thank you, Kroger, for committing to nourish our students on multiple levels.”

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ABOUT THE WOMEN’S FOUNDATION FOR A GREATER MEMPHIS

For 26 years, The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) has played a major role as a backbone organization aligning people, resources, and coordinating community-based services through the two-generation approach to reduce poverty. The mission of WFGM is to help women break the cycle of poverty through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration.