Center for Regional Economic Enrichment - CREE

09/09/2026

Workforce development is about more than a job. It’s about having the opportunity to keep moving forward.

For Demetrius Ealy, that journey took 10 years, from an unfinished medical assisting program to earning her certification, advancing her career with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and now beginning the next step toward nursing.

Her story shows what workforce development can make possible: new skills, new opportunities and a path toward the future you’ve been working for.

Read Demetrius’ story for Workforce Development Month. 👇
https://www.memphis.edu/growwth/stories.php

09/08/2026

Inaugural is just another word for being first, right? 😉

We’re pretty proud to see Stephanie Godwin-Chu and Jasmine Lewis among the first cohort of the Rural Workforce Academy, bringing GROWWTH and the University of Memphis to the table.

First cohort. First class. And hopefully, just the beginning.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

We’re happy to recycle this good news: congratulations to Tennessee Delta Alliance! ♻️🎉

Apparently, we’re pretty good at keeping things out of the landfill.

The Tennessee Delta Alliance has been named 2026 Non-Profit Recycler of the Year by the Tennessee Recycling Coalition!

We could say we’re shocked… but we’ve been recycling the same good ideas for years. 😉

Thank you to the Tennessee Recycling Coalition for recognizing our work to prevent litter, protect our waterways, and promote environmental stewardship across the Mississippi River Delta.

We’ll try not to let this go to our compost bin. 🌱

Find all details here: memphis.edu/cree/tndeltaalliance/

09/03/2026

This Workforce Development Month, we're celebrating Jamie's journey from career change to CNA, and the determination, training and support helping her take the next step toward becoming an RN.

Jamie shares what pursuing her career path means to her:
https://www.memphis.edu/growwth/stories.php

09/01/2026

It's 901 Day for all of us who call Memphis home! We can think of well over 901 reasons to let us help you break barriers to your higher education.

Start here: https://www.memphis.edu/cree/

09/01/2026

September is Workforce Development Month.

Throughout the month, the Center for Regional Economic Enrichment (CREE) will highlight successful journeys from across West Tennessee that demonstrate what workforce development can make possible.

Through programs including GROWWTH, PACE, Finish Line and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), CREE works alongside individuals, employers and community partners to help people build skills, overcome barriers, complete their education and connect their experience to meaningful career opportunities.

Our program outcomes are stories of people taking the next step toward greater opportunity, economic stability and a stronger future for themselves, their families and our communities.

This month, we're proud to share their stories.

08/24/2026

The uofm_growwth team has missed you!

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen this glowing face at our offices.

Welcome back Case Manager Jaime Pearson from a long road of recovery!

We’re sure thankful to see you back in action. 🏃🏾‍♀️‍➡️

08/21/2026

Let's protect Tennessee’s water for generations to come.

08/21/2026

🎉 We’re proud to celebrate the TN Delta Alliance as the recipient of the 2026 Non-Profit Recycler of the Year Award from the Tennessee Recycling Coalition!

The award recognizes nonprofit organizations making a significant impact in their communities through recycling leadership, program development, education and waste diversion.

TDA’s work demonstrates the power of bringing people and communities together to make a difference through clean waterways, and we’re excited to see that work recognized.

Congratulations to everyone who has helped make this achievement possible! ♻️💙