Statements
Mission
Alignment Nashville brings schools and community partners together to take action, solve problems, and align resources to support MNPS students, educators, and families.
Background
Alignment Nashville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to aligning community resources to support and enhance public education in Nashville, Tennessee. Its origins trace back to the early 2000s when a group of civic leaders recognized the need for a more cohesive approach to addressing the challenges faced by Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).
In 2004, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with local educators, business leaders, and community organizations, established Alignment Nashville. This initiative was born out of the belief that a collective impact model, which brings together various sectors of the community, could more effectively address the complex issues affecting public education by breaking down silos and fostering collaboration among the numerous organizations working towards similar goals.
One of the significant early successes of Alignment Nashville was its work to establish the Academies of Nashville. This initiative, launched in 2006, restructured Nashville's public high schools into smaller learning communities focused on specific career themes such as health sciences, engineering, and information technology. This transformation was a collaborative effort involving MNPS, local businesses, and community organizations, and it has significantly improved student engagement and academic achievement.
Throughout its history, Alignment Nashville has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. In 2010, the organization expanded its focus to include the entire cradle-to-career continuum, recognizing that supporting students from early childhood through postsecondary education was essential for long-term success. This led to the creation of new A-Teams focused on areas like early childhood education and postsecondary success.
Today, Alignment Nashville continues to be a vital force in the Nashville community, fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed. The organization's commitment to collective impact and continuous improvement remains at the core of its work, as it strives to create a brighter future for Nashville's children and families.
Impact
Since its establishment in 2004, Alignment Nashville has played a pivotal role in transforming education and community support systems in Nashville, Tennessee. Through its innovative collective impact model, Alignment Nashville has harnessed the power of collaboration among various sectors, significantly contributing to the improvement of educational outcomes and the overall well-being of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).
One of the most notable contributions of Alignment Nashville has been towards the increase in the high school graduation rate in Nashville. When the organization was founded in 2004, the graduation rate for MNPS was approximately 58%. Thanks in part to the concerted efforts of Alignment Nashville and its partners, this rate has seen a substantial rise. By 2014, the graduation rate had increased to 78.7%, and by 2020, it reached approximately 81.6%.
The increase in graduation rates can be correlated to several key programs and initiatives spearheaded by Alignment Nashville. One of the cornerstone programs is the Academies of Nashville, launched in 2006. This initiative transformed high schools into smaller learning communities focused on specific career themes such as health sciences, engineering, and information technology. By providing students with relevant, hands-on learning experiences and strong connections to local industries, the Academies of Nashville have significantly improved student engagement and academic performance, contributing to higher graduation rates.
Alignment Nashville's emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL) has also been a crucial factor in the increase in graduation rates. By supporting the integration of SEL into the curriculum, AN and its partners have helped students develop essential skills such as resilience, self-management, and interpersonal communication, which are vital for academic and personal success. These programs have not only improved student behavior and engagement but have also created a more supportive and inclusive school environment, contributing to higher retention and graduation rates.
Alignment Nashville's focus on early childhood education has also yielded significant results. By supporting initiatives that ensure children are ready to learn when they enter kindergarten, the organization has helped lay a strong foundation for long-term academic success, contributing to higher achievement levels throughout students' academic careers.
Moreover, the impact of Alignment Nashville extends beyond academic metrics. The organization has fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the community. By bringing together diverse stakeholders to address complex challenges, Alignment Nashville has created a more cohesive and supportive environment for students and families.
Today, Alignment Nashville continues to drive positive change, ensuring that every student in Nashville has the opportunity to succeed. The organization's unwavering dedication to collective impact and its innovative approach to community collaboration remain central to its mission.
Needs
Alignment Nashville seeks funding to support its collaborative initiatives that unite schools, businesses, and community organizations to improve educational outcomes and overall well-being for Nashville's youth. Our programs address critical issues such as academic achievement, mental health, and career readiness, with a focus on equitable access for all students.
Financial support will enable us to scale successful pilot projects, enhance community engagement, and implement innovative solutions that ensure every child in Nashville has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. Your investment will directly impact the future of our community by fostering a well-educated, healthy, and resilient generation.
CEO Statement
As President and CEO of Alignment Nashville, I am honored to reflect on the profound impact our organization has had in fostering connectivity among the myriad of organizations dedicated to supporting public education in Nashville. Since our inception in 2004, Alignment Nashville has been committed to the principle that by working together, we can achieve far more than any single entity could on its own. This belief has guided our efforts to create a collaborative, cohesive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities within Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).
The success of Alignment Nashville is built on our unique collective impact model. This model brings together educators, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and the faith community, creating a structured framework for collaboration. By aligning our resources, strategies, and efforts, we have been able to tackle complex issues that no one organization could address in isolation. Our collective work has resulted in significant improvements in educational outcomes and the overall well-being of our students.
Today, Alignment Nashville continues to drive positive change, ensuring that every student in Nashville has the opportunity to succeed. Our unwavering dedication to collective impact and our innovative approach to community collaboration remain central to our mission. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering connectivity among organizations and creating a brighter future for Nashville's children and families.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all our partners and supporters. Your commitment to collaboration and shared vision has been the cornerstone of our success. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of our students and the future of our community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
Melissa Jaggers
President & CEO
Alignment Nashville
Board Chair Statement
Alignment Nashville is a unifying force that brings together diverse stakeholders, from educators and businesses to nonprofits and parents. Our organization's unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and alignment ensures that we are collectively working towards a brighter future for all our citizens, particularly our youth. Through shared goals and innovative strategies, Alignment Nashville empowers our community to tackle its most pressing challenges and create lasting positive change.
KENT OLIVER, CHAIR - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Management & Technical Assistance |
| Secondary Category: | Youth Development - Management & Technical Assistance |
| Tertiary Category: | Education - Educational Services |
Areas Served
Alignment Nashville serves Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County.
| TN - Davidson |
