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 achieve their dreams.
Unlock Your Future
Our scholarships are designed to do more than just ease the financial burden—they’re here to open doors to new opportunities, knowledge, and success. Whether you’re a student or a certified MBE owner, here’s how you can benefit:
High School Students
• Financial Support: Reduce the cost of tuition, so you can focus on what matters most, your education.
• Education Advancement: Go further with your dreams and be a part of the next generation of bright minds.
• Community Impact: Pass the gift of education on to future TMSDC scholars once you’ve reached your career goals.
MBEs
• Business Growth: Use the certified MBE scholarship to gain the knowledge you need to succeed in your minority-owned business.
• Mentorship: Gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources that help prepare you for a successful career.
• Economic Empowerment: Be part of a movement that strengthens minority businesses and promotes diversity in the marketplace.
Success Story
Empowering Students Through Education
Milayah Bass and Bariangela Segovia’s Sweet Success as Co-owners of Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
A testament to the transformative power of the TSMSDC scholarship and the Education Foundation. Awarded scholarships in 2013, Milayah Bass and Bariangela Segovia reflect on how the financial support gave them the peace of mind they needed to focus fully on their education and take advantage of opportunities they otherwise may have missed. “Having received the scholarship assistance, we felt a sense of relief because of guaranteed funds that would go towards our education,” says Milayah. “The TSMSDC scholarships were tremendously helpful, and gave us a sense of security.”
The foundation’s support set the stage for their academic success and empowered them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Today, as co-owners of Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream, Milayah and Bariangela channel the values they learned through their scholarship journey—resilience, community, and perseverance—into growing a thriving business that brings joy to their community. Their story is one of gratitude, ambition, and the power of education in shaping futures.
About Us
The rising cost of college education places a significant financial burden on students, but through the provision of tuition scholarships, the TMSDC Education Foundation helps to ease these growing expenses for high school students pursuing higher education. Established in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the foundation was created to enhance educational opportunities for at-risk students in the Metropolitan Nashville School District, empowering them to achieve their college dreams. Over the years, the foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million to over 400 students, thanks to the generosity of corporations, small businesses, certified MBEs, and individuals. Beyond supporting students, the foundation also provides scholarships to certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), helping minority business owners access advanced education and executive leadership programs to strengthen their businesses and drive economic growth.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Dr. Martina Swinger (Class of 2002)
"No doubt, the TMSDC Education Foundation fills a void unaddressed by other programs. Its two-fold focus is to provide assistance with education beyond high school, and to help remove barriers of access for higher education. I grew up in the inner-city of Nashville, and always had a genuine and passionate interest in medicine. I wanted a career as a medical doctor, and I am pleased with my journey to live a life of a fulfilled dream. I extend my sincere appreciation to ‘Angel Mike’ for the $4,000 scholarship in helping me to turn my dream into a reality. I am now a physician in Family Medicine & Obstetrics! My sincere gratitude to the Education Foundation for the opportunity to advance my educational career.”
Magalie Normil, M.A. (Class of 2003)
“I am a proud recipient of the Education Foundation which awarded a scholarship in the amount of $5,000 from the Mercedes-Benz U. S. International in 2003. I am employed by HCA Healthcare as a direct result of their involvement with the foundation. Now I represent our company as an annual scholarship judge with the Education Foundation to vet and select the student recipients, and help them with their foundation for success, as I experienced.”
Dr. Eyitemi Femi Owens (Class of 2002)
“The scholarship donated by Nissan North America of $5,000 made a difference in where I am today. I am a practicing urology nurse practitioner based in Nashville, TN. The Education Foundation made a difference and provided what I needed to further my education. I am very grateful.”
Richard Manson
"I am proud to have graduated from three prestigious Business Executive Management Programs – Amos Tuck at Dartmouth School of Business, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These programs are tailored for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their businesses to new heights. Through these intensive programs, I gained invaluable insights into business principles and real-world experiences that have significantly enhanced the infrastructure of my healthcare business. Thanks to the TSMSDC for providing these advanced educational opportunities, as they have truly made a remarkable difference to SourceMark and me."
Van Thawn Luai Thang
"Receiving this scholarship has not only greatly helped to alleviate the stress of paying for college, but it also helped me gain new confidence in myself. Instead of being financially stressed, I can now dedicate more of my time on pursuing my education. Knowing that there are people who believe in me and my future gives me profound confidence."
Hannah Sullenbarger
“The generosity and kindness expressed by the TMSDC Education Foundation, since my initial interview to now in my second year of college, has been an absolute blessing to me and my family. The foundation’s continued support has enabled me to pursue my education without the heavy financial burden that comes with it. I am beyond grateful for the belief in the power of education, and its effort to help people like me.”
Invest in the Future Leaders of America
Your donation goes beyond financial support—it’s an investment in the future. By contributing, you’re empowering driven students and minority business owners to reach their full potential, shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can break barriers, foster innovation, and create lasting change in our communities.
Every dollar helps pave the way for a brighter future.