The University of Memphis has formed a partnership with the City of Memphis that allows city employees to earn a degree in a timely, cost-effect manner while being supported by a team dedicated to student success. 

Called COMPETE (City of Memphis Prepares Employees to Excel), the collaboration is between the City of Memphis, U of M Global and the University of Memphis. COMPETE participants may choose any major offered on-ground or online at the university, which offers a variety of options to match career goals, including U of M Global’s flexible, fully-online degrees. 

“The success of the City of Memphis and the University of Memphis are inextricably linked,” U of M President M. David Rudd said in a release. “We are so excited about the new COMPETE initiative. It’s a tremendous opportunity that will open the door for city employees to pursue a degree at the University of Memphis, reaffirming our mission of removing barriers to post-secondary education and providing a quality education for all.”

Employees are encouraged to consider one of the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) programs as they allow students to utilize the most transfer credits and experiential learning credits. BPS concentrations are available in organizational leadership, health services and emergency management, as well as other areas. 

“We are excited to expand the educational opportunities for city employees with this new partnership with the University of Memphis,” said Alex Smith, chief human resources officer for the City of Memphis. “We see this as a great opportunity for growth, enhancement and encouraging all of us to be lifelong learners.” 

COMPETE is the university’s newest partnership and follows similar programs with FedEx and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

Students will receive assistance from a program-specific admissions specialist, a designated academic adviser and access to 24/7 virtual tutoring.

For those who are new to college, new to online learning or have been out of school for a while, the COMPETE Prep Academy offers a place to start. The academy provides self-paced online coursework and help with academic success, career planning and development, and personal and career success. 

Any full-time city employee is eligible to participate in the COMPETE program and utilize the City of Memphis’ tuition benefit.

As long as an employee is in good academic standing and has a satisfactory evaluation, their eligible tuition expenses (up to the maximum annual benefit authorized by the city) will be direct-billed to the City of Memphis.

Transfer credits are accepted from regionally accredited institutions. 

For more information on COMPETE or to apply, visit compete.memphis.edu.