Nashville State Foundation Serves Students
The Nashville State Community College Foundation is serving the needs of students beyond the traditional avenues of financial aid.
They are a committed team of staff, volunteers, and community donors dedicated to helping solve the issues faced by today’s students.
Recognizing that student success is often linked to overall personal success the Foundation has set out to address the needs of students.
This support ranges from increased scholarship opportunities to their “Beyond Financial Aid” program which includes textbook assistance, transportation assistance, food and personal care support through the Falcon Market, and, in some cases, childcare assistance and housing support.
Led by Executive Director Ryan Parker, the team at the Foundation put their full focus on meeting student’s needs, helping them succeed in the classroom and beyond.
“Our main purpose is to support students and eliminate financial barriers as they’re on their journey at Nashville State,” Parker said. “All the programs we offer help students.”
No need goes unseen for the Foundation, as students face economic pressure and responsibilities outside school. The Foundation works to alleviate some of those burdens.
“We can’t do student support without the support of the community.”
With that community support the Foundation was able to provide over $450,000 in assistance during the ’23-’24 academic year.
Those dollars went directly to programs helping students:
- More than $23,000 for childcare
- $125,000 in textbook assistance
- More than14,000 rides through bus passes and other transportation assistance
- More than $100,000 in scholarship money.
- More than 480 student interactions with the Falcon Market (Campus Cupboard) for food and personal item assistance.
All told, the Foundation provided help to more than 1,000 of Nashville State’s students. Every dollar counts and is being put to work to make life easier for Nashville State Falcons.
“We can show the impact of these donations. $10 will help a student get to class for one week. $25 will help a student get groceries for a week. We can make those real connections to where these donations are going,” Parker said.
As students and staff begin the ’24-’25 academic year, Parker said he is excited to continue working with his team to “think outside of the box and serve students how they need to be served.”
One of the best moments Parker says, is at the end of the year during Commencement when he can hear the name of a graduate the Foundation has been able to help.
“It is a great feeling to know they made it. It’s exciting to hear those names called.”
To celebrate the success and hard work of all those involved in the Foundation, they will host the Second Annual Falcon Awards on October 1st.
For those wanting to get involved with the Foundation, donate, or for students in need of assistance they can visit the Foundation website HERE.
