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:

Gregory Bell’s journey from humble beginnings to Division CFO at The Kroger Co. is a testament to the transformative power of the HCA scholarship and the Education Foundation. Awarded the $20,000 scholarship by the Education Foundation in 2004, Gregory reflects, “It gave me peace of mind that collegiate expenses were taken care of, and I could focus all of my energy towards over-achieving in my studies.” This support enabled him to become a first-generation college graduate and further his education with a Master’s degree in 2011. Over nearly 13 years at Kroger, Gregory’s dedication and resilience propelled him from a staff auditor to a top leadership role. He attributes his success to the values instilled by HCA, such as time management, attention to detail, and executing with excellence. Gregory’s story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and the importance of giving back, as he now inspires the next generation to strive for greatness.

success story

Empowering Students Through Education:

Gabriel Hutchinson’s educational and professional journey is a shining example of the impact of the TMSDC Education Foundation. Awarded a $10,000 scholarship from Bridgestone Americas in 2018, Gabriel reflects, “I am so appreciative for the TMSDC Education Foundation being the liaison between my high school education and my college career. I was given the opportunity to attend the school of my choice without the financial stressors that can often come with making such a choice.” This support allowed him to graduate from Fisk University in 2022 and embark on a promising career at Bart Durham Personal Injury Law Firm. Now preparing to take the LSAT, Gabriel aims to gain admission to Belmont University Law School. His journey, marked by gratitude and ambition, underscores the vital role of the TMSDC Education Foundation in helping students achieve their dreams and build successful futures.