100 Futures Funded: Westwood Seniors & Juniors KHF Google Scholarship Day!

What to Expect at the KHF Google CCTE Launch

“Sponsored by Karen Hearts Foundation in partnership with Google.”

Join the Karen Hearts Foundation for an inspiring morning as we officially kick off our fully virtual Online College & Career Readiness program at Westwood Middle & High School.

This launch represents a deeply personal milestone and a monumental step forward for District 9. September 25th marks 16 years since the passing of Karen, the beloved mother of KHF Founder LaQuita Wright. It is a long-standing tradition for LaQuita to give back to the community in a major way on her mother’s repass day. This year, that tribute takes the form of a life-changing CCTE program launch designed to give Seniors and advanced Juniors a definitive way out and a clear path forward after high school.

Google has officially invested in the Karen Hearts Foundation school programs to ensure underserved students across Memphis-Shelby County Schools get direct access to high-demand industry certifications. When it came time to launch this massive investment in digital equity, there was no question about where to begin: we had to start right here at Westwood.

Event Highlights:

• Special Guest Speaker & Civic Honors: We are honored to welcome guest speaker Brian Harris, who will deliver a dedicated address and present high-level honors, including an official Proclamation dedicated to the Karen Hearts Foundation, alongside two prestigious Letters of Merit recognizing educator Tangua Houston of Westwood Middle & High School and Director Patrick Jenkins of the Karen Hearts Foundation for their leadership and impact in the community.
• A Heartfelt Tribute & Major Giveback: We will open the morning by honoring Karen’s legacy. This 100-scholarship initiative is a direct reflection of LaQuita’s dedication to celebrating her mother's life by creating tangible, barrier-breaking opportunities for the next generation.
• Holistic Career & Life Preparation: Beyond technical training, we will discuss how this CCTE program provides comprehensive workforce readiness, personal development, and essential life skills, ensuring students are fully prepared for the real world.
• The Google Partnership Explained: We will discuss exactly what Google’s investment in KHF means for Memphis, and how it directly funds these 100 exclusive scholarships for our Westwood students.
• Platform Walkthrough: Students will get a firsthand look at how KHF's 100% online platform works, learning how to easily complete their coursework on their own schedules, whether at home or at school.
• The 6 Certifications Broken Down: We will explain what each Google credential entails—IT Support, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Project Management, UX Design, and Digital Marketing—and the high-paying tech and business careers they unlock.
• Scholarship Awarding: We will officially distribute the 100 free Grow with Google scholarship access codes to our eligible Seniors and advanced Juniors so they can begin their training immediately.
• The Direct-to-Hire Pathway: KHF will explain how completing these exact credentials bypasses traditional barriers and connects graduates directly to a network of hundreds of ready-to-hire employer partners.

Speech & Honors Presentation: Brian Harris

"Good morning, faculty, honored guests, and scholars of Westwood.

It is an extraordinary privilege to join you today to celebrate milestone progress, dedicated service, and the boundless potential of our youth. Transformational change requires leaders who step into the gap with vision, resources, and unwavering faith in our community.

On this meaningful day of remembrance and reinvestment, it is my distinct honor to present an official Proclamation dedicated to the Karen Hearts Foundation in celebration of their relentless commitment to youth empowerment, workforce equity, and systemic community elevation.

Furthermore, true organizational impact relies on dedicated champions on the ground. Today, we formally award two Letters of Merit:

• To Educator Tangua Houston of Westwood Middle & High School: In deep appreciation of your exceptional devotion to student success, your everyday leadership in the classroom, and your vital role in preparing Westwood scholars for competitive, high-demand futures.
• To Director Patrick Jenkins of the Karen Hearts Foundation: In recognition of your steadfast leadership, strategic direction, and passionate mentorship in building tangible, sustainable career pathways for the next generation.

Thank you for your leadership, your service, and your continued belief in our scholars."

Why You Should Attend: This launch event is the crucial first step for Westwood students to secure their digital and financial independence. By attending, students will understand exactly how to claim their free scholarship, navigate the digital curriculum, and leverage this program for personal growth and a lasting career in today's most high-demand industries.

Who Should Be There: All Westwood Seniors, advanced Juniors, their supporting faculty, and Westwood leaders are encouraged to attend this momentous launch as we bring true Digital Equity & Access to District 9!

This photo is from the information session on December 9, 2025, at Westwood High School.

Info: On behalf of Mayor Paul Young, Brian Harris, Director of the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services, will deliver an empowering keynote address to Westwood scholars, spotlighting high-growth career pathways through Google’s workforce pipeline. Director Harris will also present an official City of Memphis Proclamation dedicated to the Karen Hearts Foundation, along with Letters of Merit honoring Westwood educator Tangua Houston and KHF Director Patrick Jenkins for their leadership and service to Memphis youth.

Event venue & nearby stays

4480 Westmont Rd, 4480 Westmont Road, Memphis, United States

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