Metro Nashville Public Schools are preparing Nashville students for jobs of the future
The Academies of Nashville were created to help turn around a struggling school district with a 58% graduation rate.
More than a decade later, the Academies are working to ensure students are prepared for the jobs of the future and the talent needs of businesses in our region.
The Academies of Nashville are an innovative approach to public high school education. By partnering with businesses in our community, MNPS has created more than 39 different academies in 12 different schools so students can be exposed to a multitude of career options. These academies are in five industry areas: arts, media and communications; business, marketing, IT; engineering, manufacturing, industrial technology; health and public services; and hospitality and tourism.
Furthermore, many of these academies offer industry certifications that are nationally-recognized and locally valued as qualifications for employment right after graduation.
The main goal of the Academies of Nashville is to get student thinking about life after high school. Whether students are considering post-secondary education or entering a career path right after graduation, each pathway opens possibilities for students’ futures.
Research shows, time and again, that people who pursue post-secondary education have better economic outcomes. In fact, the median lifetime earnings of those with bachelor’s degrees are more than twice those who only have high school diplomas. The Academies of Nashville are helping prepare students to pursue post-secondary education.
One of the most in-demand sectors in Nashville right now is IT. In fact, Jobs4TN.gov projects the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector will grow by almost 38% from 2016 to 2026, an addition of nearly 50,000 jobs.
In the Spring of 2018, MNPS announced an Early College High School Program beginning in the 2018-19 school year. This program allows students to pursue their high school diploma and an associate degree in several degree programs at the same time, at no cost to students or their families. The degrees that students can pursue are:
- Business Administration A.S.*
- Computer Science A.S.*
- General Studies A.A.
- Health Sciences A.S.
- Information Systems A.S.*
- Mechanical Engineering A.S.*
- Music A.F.A.
As our Economic Development team continues to attract more businesses, our need for a talented IT workforce will increase. The Chamber appreciates the efforts of MNPS and Nashville State Community College to address the need for more IT workers, and others, with these programs.
To get involved with the Academies of Nashville, or other education initiatives, contact our Manager of Education and Workforce Partnerships, Scott Meltzer, at smeltzer@nashvillechamber.com.