Partnership Announcement: Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust + Backrs
McDonnell Scholars are now getting access to Backrs so they succeed in high school, college, and the transition into their careers.
By Courtney Kelly
We’re excited to announce a new partnership between Backrs and Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust (MOST) to support McDonnell Scholars as they navigate high school, college, and the transition into their careers.
For nearly three decades, MOST has worked to give Memphis-area families greater access to educational opportunities by providing need-based scholarships that help students attend schools that best meet their individual needs. They’ve awarded more than $28 million in scholarships for more than 4,000 students to date.
We’re honored to be able to build on the investment MOST has made in Memphis by expanding the guidance, resources, and relationships available to McDonnell Scholars.
“We are excited to partner with Backrs because it allows us to provide our McDonnell Scholars with support that goes beyond their MOST scholarship,” said Finy Shirley, Executive Director of MOST. “Backrs will give our students access to SAT and ACT support, college scholarship opportunities, internships and jobs, resume building, college and career guidance, and connections with professionals who can help them along the way.”
The partnership also gives MOST greater visibility into Scholars’ experiences and needs as they progress from high school into postsecondary education.
“Backrs [will] help us stay connected to our students, track their progress, and make sure they have the support and resources they need to be successful in high school, college, and beyond,” Shirley said.
For both organizations, the partnership is ultimately about helping more young people translate educational opportunity into lasting economic opportunity—with sustained, personal investment along the way.
That commitment was evident from the partnership’s start, when Backrs Co-Founder and Co-CEO Andy Bobowski traveled to Memphis to onboard McDonnell Scholars in person. Shirley described his visit as the kind of “extra effort and personal commitment” that makes Backrs special.
MOST has spent decades opening doors for Memphis students, and we’re thrilled to join them in helping McDonnell Scholars succeed in high school, college, their careers, and beyond.
Curious about how we could help your school, district, or organization achieve your postsecondary and career advising goals too? Visit our Backrs for partners page to learn more.