The Academies of Nashville (AoN) have transformed high school education across Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), connecting students to real-world learning experiences and future career pathways. But did you know that this nationally recognized model was built on the foundation of three visionary partners—Alignment Nashville, PENCIL, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce—who continue to play vital roles today?
Since the beginning, Alignment Nashville has served as the backbone organization for the Academies of Nashville, bringing together educators, business leaders, and community partners to align resources and strategies that support student success. Through facilitated collaborative teams and cross-sector partnerships, Alignment Nashville helps keep the Academies moving forward with strong community alignment.
For more than 40 years, PENCIL has been the essential bridge between Metro Nashville Public Schools and the business community. Within the Academies of Nashville, PENCIL serves as the partner coordinator, matching every academy with industry and community partners who bring learning to life. From guest speakers and industry tours to mentorships and internships, PENCIL’s partnerships give students hands-on experiences and help teachers integrate real-world relevance into their classrooms.
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in linking education to economic opportunity. As one of the original champions of the Academies model, the Chamber continues to support MNPS and its partners by engaging the business community, advocating for workforce-aligned education policies, and highlighting the Academies as a national example of how education and industry can collaborate for mutual success. The Chamber’s leadership ensures that the Academies remain responsive to Nashville’s evolving workforce needs.
Together, these three founding partners—Alignment Nashville, PENCIL, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce—have helped shape a model that is now studied and replicated across the nation. Their collaboration reflects a shared belief: that when schools, businesses, and the community work together, students thrive—and so does Nashville.