Nashville State Celebrates Fourth Grow Your Own Cohort

Twenty-two students from Nashville State Community College’s School of Business and Professional Studies will graduate on May 12, as the fourth cohort of the Grow Your Own program, representing Cheatham, Dickson, and Hickman counties.

The college hosted a celebration on April 29, at the Dickson Center of Higher Education to honor the students’ achievements.

The students balanced full-time work as teacher assistants, college, and family responsibilities.

After earning an Associate of Science in Teaching degree in K-5 education, graduates will pursue bachelor’s degrees at Austin Peay State University.

The Grow Your Own program is a collaborative effort among the Tennessee Department of Education, Austin Peay State University, Nashville State, and the Cheatham, Dickson, and Hickman County school districts.

“Nashville State is so proud of these students for their commitment to their communities and their desire to inspire and educate,” said Telaina Wrigley, director of Nashville State’s Dickson and Humphreys County campuses. “As the fourth cohort completes the program, we are gratified to see this coordinated partnership produce successful outcomes and help address critical community needs.”

The initiative addresses Tennessee’s teacher shortage and empowers individuals to uplift their communities.