support
Building A Brighter Future
The Education Foundation exists to assist at-risk high school students, as well as minority business owners in furthering their education on a personal and professional level; and to encourage scholarship philanthropy. In so doing, the TMSDC Education Foundation provides a pathway for eligible scholarship recipients to improve their economic future.
The Education Foundation Impact
The financial burden of a college education has increased dramatically and with the provision of tuition scholarships to high school students, we can help to offset the ever increasing educational expenses for students at colleges and universities. Through our scholarship programs and philanthropic initiatives, we aim to create a pathway for eligible recipients to improve their economic future.
The Education Foundation was established in 1994 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization to enhance educational opportunities for at-risk students in the Metropolitan Nashville School District, who otherwise would be unable to pursue a college education.
The foundation has awarded in excess of $2.5 million to 414 students since its inception in 1994. Over the years, the donations from concerned corporations and individuals have helped in creating significant support through scholarships. Gifts from donors have allowed the foundation to enrich educational opportunities for students in the Metropolitan Nashville School District.
Go Further
Explore the Scholarship Application Process
Each year, the TSMSDC Education Foundation awards scholarships in excess of over $100,000 yearly to students in its cooperative service area. The scholarships help students who plan to attend two-or-four-year accredited colleges or trade schools.
The evaluation process consists of a point system that includes financial need, an assessment of the students’ grade point average. community involvement, leadership and college entrance test scores.
For more information on eligibility criteria and application packets, please reach out.
January
Applications Open
The application season begins in January when contact is made with representatives of identified feeder organizations, and/or area high school guidance counselors. Application packets are made available directly to the feeder schools and/or organizations.
early march
Applications Due
The complete scholarship packet must include the following:
⦁ Scholarship Application
⦁ Scholarship Agreement
⦁ Answers to (12) questions
⦁ Camera ready headshots
⦁ Autobiography
⦁ Recommendations from Guidance Counselor and Academic Teacher
⦁ High School Transcript
⦁ ACT or SAT test score
⦁ Parental income information
Mid March
Student Interviews
In-person interviews are held mid-March, and are conducted by a panel of volunteer judges from organizations/corporations.
april
Selection Process
Students are selected on the basis of financial need, presentation/content of the application packet, and impressions during the interview.
If chosen to receive a scholarship, funds are sent directly to the college or university, and applied to the student’s account. (Tuition scholarships do not cover books, housing, etc.) The recipient must maintain a 2.5 grade point average to remain eligible to receive funds from the foundation.
April
Awards distribution date
Scholarship recipients are presented during the annual Impact Awards Gala, hosted annually in April by the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC). The Foundation must receive verification of enrollment and a copy of the student’s class schedule before funds are released directly to the college/university.
enlighten
Continued Education & Advancements For MBEs
The Education Foundation fills a void unaddressed by other programs. Its unique structure includes education and training of providers and employers, as alliance partners. Their involvement and active participation ensures that scholarship recipients receive education, training, and development to prepare them for the opportunities provided by area employers.
The executive management programs enrich the preparation and skillsets of the business owners through negotiation skills, marketing, financial analysis, operations, leadership and management, brand development, and self-assessment processes. MBEs can advance their education through the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and Kellogg Advanced Management Executive Program at Northwestern University and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Eligibility
Candidates must be a certified MBE to apply. Eligibility differs for each program. You can find further information on each program by clicking the buttons below.
Application
An MBE may contact the TSMSDC Council to express an interest in executive business management program opportunities. If they meet the criteria, and are supported by a corporate member, in turn, they may complete the respective application processes for consideration.
success story
Empowering Students Through Education:
success story
Empowering Students Through Education:
Invest In The Education Foundation Today!
The Education Foundation exists to assist at-risk high school students and minority business owners in furthering their education on a personal and professional level. By donating to our foundation, you can help provide scholarships and support programs that will empower these individuals to improve their economic future. Join us in making a difference today!
Support Levels
Chancellor: $10,000 and up
Vice Chancellor: $5,000 – $9,999
Department Chair: $1,000 – $4,999
Professor: $500 – $999
Patron: $250 – $499
Friend: Up to $249
I am proud to have graduated from three prestigious Business Executive Management Programs – Amos Tuck at Dartmouth School of Business, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These programs are tailored for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their businesses to new heights. Through these intensive programs, I gained invaluable insights into business principles and real-world experiences that have significantly enhanced the infrastructure of my healthcare business. Thanks to the TSMSDC for providing these advanced educational opportunities, as they have truly made a remarkable difference to SourceMark and me.
Richard Manson
President & General Counsel
SourceMark
“No doubt, the TMSDC Education Foundation fills a void unaddressed by other programs. Its two-fold focus is to provide assistance with education beyond high school, and to help remove barriers of access for higher education. I grew up in the inner-city of Nashville, and always had a genuine and passionate interest in medicine. I wanted a career as a medical doctor, and I am pleased with my journey to live a life of a fulfilled dream. I extend my sincere appreciation to ‘Angel Mike’ for the $4,000 scholarship in helping me to turn my dream into a reality. I am now a physician in Family Medicine & Obstetrics! My sincere gratitude to the Education Foundation for the opportunity to advance my educational career.”
Martina Swinger, DO (Class of 2002)
Physician
Medicos Medical Center in Memphis, TN and will be relocating to Reeves Regional Health in Pecos, TX
