When I was growing up, some of the most meaningful lessons I learned didn't come from a textbook. They came from experiences — field trips that opened my eyes to new possibilities, conversations with mentors who saw my potential, and moments that made me believe I could do something bigger than what my neighborhood told me was possible.
But here's the truth: not every student gets those experiences. For too many middle school students in Memphis, the gap between potential and opportunity is wide. Title I schools are under-resourced. Families are stretched thin. And the kind of enrichment programs that build confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills are often out of reach — either too expensive, too far away, or simply not designed with our communities in mind.
That's why I created Rich Off Education.
A Vision Rooted in Purpose
Rich Off Education started as a question: What if we could give every rising 6th grader in Memphis the kind of experiences that change how they see themselves and the world? What if we could take students to museums, colleges, and cultural landmarks — not as a luxury, but as a fundamental part of their education?
I didn't want to build just another after-school program. I wanted to build something that felt different — something that combined real-world learning with leadership development, cultural pride, and genuine community support. Something that would meet students where they are and show them where they could go.
In February 2026, that vision became real. We officially launched Rich Off Education as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the response from our community was overwhelming. Parents, educators, community leaders, and local organizations showed up — not just to support us, but to say, "This is exactly what Memphis needs."
More Than a Program
Rich Off Education is built on three pillars:
R.O.E. Academy is our signature program — a free Saturday enrichment experience for rising 6th graders that runs from September through March. Students attend two Saturdays per month, participate in weekly virtual check-ins, and engage in Learning Lab Days (STEM, AI, leadership) and Exploration Days (field trips to museums, colleges, and career sites). It's designed to build the whole student — academically, socially, and culturally.
Community Programming includes events like our Back to School Bash, Easter Egg Hunt, Melodies & Masterpieces Resource Fair, and our monthly Marquette Park Community Clean-Up. These events are free, open to the public, and designed to strengthen the bond between families, students, and the neighborhoods we serve.
Rich Off Education Enterprises is our business arm — offering educational consulting, curriculum development, publishing, and creative services. Revenue from Enterprises directly funds our nonprofit programs, creating a sustainable model that doesn't rely solely on grants and donations.
Why "Rich Off Education"?
The name is intentional. In a world that often measures wealth in dollars, we measure it in knowledge, exposure, and opportunity. Being "rich off education" means understanding that the most valuable investment you can make is in what you know, where you've been, and who you're becoming.
We want every student who walks through our doors to feel that richness — to know that their education is their greatest asset, and that the experiences we provide are building something that no one can take away.
Where We Are Today
In just our first two years, Rich Off Education has:
- Reached more than 70 students through direct programming
- Hosted 7 community events serving hundreds of families
- Built partnerships with local organizations and schools
- Developed the ROOTS Curriculum — a culturally responsive educational framework
- Launched monthly community clean-ups at Marquette Park
- Been recognized by Memphis Metropolitan District 7 for our community impact
But we're just getting started. The Fall 2026 cohort of R.O.E. Academy is now accepting applications, and we have big plans for expanding our reach, deepening our programs, and continuing to show Memphis what's possible when you invest in young people.
Join Us
This story isn't just mine — it belongs to every parent who trusted us with their child, every volunteer who showed up on a Saturday morning, every donor who believed in our mission, and every student who walked into our program and walked out a little taller.
If you're reading this and you feel something — a spark of recognition, a desire to help, a belief that our students deserve more — then you're already part of this story. And we'd love to have you.
Apply to R.O.E. Academy, volunteer at our next event, or simply share our mission with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we're building something that lasts.
