Bridge to Completion

Bridge to Completion has led to significant college access advancements in Nashville.

The report was foundational in the formation of the Nashville GRAD Scholarship. Nashville GRAD, which stems from the Mayor’s Office, will provide financial assistance (beyond tuition) for full-time students pursuing higher education in Davidson County.

For eligible students, Nashville GRAD will offer financial assistance in purchasing textbooks, transportation, industry certification fees, and emergency needs (Nashville State Community College students) or in paying for industry certification fees and tools/equipment (TN College of Applied Technology Nashville). Students will also receive wraparound services including academic and career counseling.

The city now boasts a College Success Collaborative (co-convened by TCASN, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Nashville Public Education Foundation) comprised of representatives from the diverse organizations that work in and serve MNPS students pursuing postsecondary opportunities. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase Nashville’s college completion rate to meet or exceed the national average by 2025, a recommendation from Bridge to Completion.

Additionally, Bridge to Completion has created a narrowed focus on postsecondary advising at Metro Nashville’s zoned public high schools, galvanized district support for a successful application for a GEAR UP Partnership grant that will bring $13.3 million to the district over seven years to support college access services, and has provided the opportunity for Nashville State Community College leadership to concentrate on reducing barriers to college completion.