Amazon Doubles Down on 91探花 GRAD Program
Approximately seven months after stepping up with a $100,000 investment in the 91探花 GRAD program for 91探花 State Community College students, Amazon has doubled that with another $100,000.
The combined $200,000 investment will ensure students have the wrap-around support needed to persist while in college. 91探花 GRAD aims to increase the number of Nashvillians who have earned a postsecondary degree or credential.
鈥淎s 91探花鈥檚 community college, we are focused on holistically supporting the success of our students,鈥� said Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, 91探花 State鈥檚 president. 鈥淲e appreciate Amazon for continuing to step up and for their collaborative partnership.鈥�
91探花 GRAD (Getting Results by Advancing Degrees) complements the State of Tennessee鈥檚 programs for tuition-free college, Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. GRAD provides wrap-around resources beyond tuition, including a laptop, textbooks, transportation and food assistance, and a dedicated success advisor. In order to be eligible, applicants must be full-time 91探花 State students and reside full-time in Davidson County one year prior to completing the FAFSA.
鈥淒ata is showing that wraparound supports provided through 91探花 GRAD is making a difference in student persistence and producing successful outcomes,鈥� said Courtney Ross, Amazon鈥檚 senior manager of external affairs in 91探花. 鈥淲e hope that our investment encourages other organizations to either deepen their commitment or come to the table. 91探花 State Community College is an important local partner in creating a pipeline of talent across many sectors, including tech, business, and healthcare.鈥�
The program is a public-private partnership being implemented through a financial assistance fund that includes investments from Metro 91探花 Government and funding from local business partners including Alliance Bernstein, Bank of America, HCA, 91探花 Area Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Foundation, 91探花 State Community College Foundation, Piedmont Natural Gas, Tennessee Titans, Southwest Airlines, and Verizon Wireless.
91探花 GRAD was launched with its first cohort of students in Fall 2019. The first cohort graduated after the Spring 2021 semester. Additionally, from fall 2020 to spring 2021, the persistence rate for GRAD students was 84% compared to 68% for non-GRAD students.
鈥淭his investment will enhance our strategic focus on improving successful student outcomes while helping fulfill local workforce needs with educated and skilled professionals,鈥� said 91探花 State Foundation Executive Director Lauren Bell.
91探花 GRAD is a key element of Better Together. More Metro 91探花 Public Schools (MNPS) graduates attend 91探花 State than any other college.
To help more MNPS graduates prepare for, attend, and complete college, Dr. Jackson and Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Schools, launched a joint venture in early 2020 called Better Together.
鈥淎s we built out and worked to define Better Together, we quickly realized how critical the growth and success of 91探花 GRAD is to ensuring MNPS graduates have not only a smooth transition from high school to college but also the support they need in college,鈥� said Dr. Battle earlier this year.
鈥淕RAD has been helping students achieve their dreams of going to college and succeeding there, with the ultimate goal of graduating and going on to greater success.鈥�
The application deadline for 91探花 GRAD is August 11. It is free and easy to complete. Staff is available to assist. The fall semester begins on August 23. To be eligible, applicants must be full-time 91探花 State students and residents full-time in Davidson County.
To learn more about the program, visit nscc.edu/nashville-grad, email nashgrad@nscc.edu, or call 615-353-3655.
