Apply for the TMSDC Education Foundation Scholarship
Each year, the TMSDC Education Foundation is proud to award scholarships to 10-15 deserving high school students, providing over $100,000 in essential tuition assistance. These scholarships are specifically designed to support at-risk students who demonstrate both financial need and academic potential. When selected, scholarship funds are sent directly to the student’s college or university, applied towards their tuition costs. This vital support empowers students to pursue their higher education goals, laying the foundation for a brighter future.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a TMSDC Education Foundation scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Show leadership and community involvement
- Provide an ACT score of 19 or above
- Complete the scholarship application and submit all required documents by the first week of March
Explore the Scholarship Application Process
Each year, the TSMSDC Education Foundation awards scholarships in excess of over $100,000 yearly to students in its cooperative service area. The scholarships help with tuition for students who plan to attend two-or-four-year accredited colleges or trade schools.
The evaluation process consists of a point system that includes financial need, and an assessment of the students’ grade point average. community involvement, leadership and test scores.
For more information on eligibility criteria and application packets, please reach out.
Applications Open
The application season begins in January when contact is made with representatives of identified feeder organizations, and/or area high school counselors. Application packets are made available directly to the feeder schools and/or organizations.
Applications Due
The complete scholarship packet must include the following:
⦁ Scholarship Application
⦁ Scholarship Agreement
⦁ Answers to the (12) questions
⦁ Camera ready Headshot
⦁ Autobiography
⦁ Recommendations from School Counselor and Academic Teacher
⦁ High School Transcript
⦁ ACT or SAT test score
⦁ Parental income information
*Students must submit 10 copies of their application (one for each judge) in person during regular business hours Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm at the TSMSDC office.
Student Interviews
Scheduled interviews are held mid-March, and are conducted by a panel of volunteer judges from organizations/corporations.
Selection Process
Students are selected on the basis of financial need, presentation/content of the application packet, and impressions during the interview.
If chosen to receive a scholarship, funds are sent directly to the college or university, and applied to the student’s account. (Tuition scholarships do not cover books, housing, etc.) The recipient must maintain a 2.5 grade point average to remain eligible to receive funds from the foundation.
Awards distribution date
Scholarship recipients are presented during the annual Impact Awards Gala, hosted annually in April by the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council.
The Foundation must receive verification of enrollment and a copy of the student’s class schedule before funds are released directly to the college/university.
Success Story
Gabriel Hutchinson’s educational and professional journey
Gabriel Hutchinson’s educational and professional journey is a shining example of the impact of the TMSDC Education Foundation. Awarded a $10,000 scholarship from Bridgestone Americas in 2018, Gabriel reflects, “I am so appreciative for the TMSDC Education Foundation being the liaison between my high school education and my college career. I was given the opportunity to attend the school of my choice without the financial stressors that can often come with making such a choice.” This support allowed him to graduate from Fisk University in 2022 and embark on a promising career at Bart Durham Personal Injury Law Firm. Now preparing to take the LSAT, Gabriel aims to gain admission to Belmont University Law School. His journey, marked by gratitude and ambition, underscores the vital role of the TMSDC Education Foundation in helping students achieve their dreams and build successful futures.
Invest In The Education Foundation Today!
The Education Foundation exists to assist at-risk high school students and minority business owners in furthering their education on a personal and professional level. By donating to our foundation, you can help provide scholarships and support programs that will empower these individuals to improve their economic future. Join us in making a difference today!
Your gift to the TMSDC Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization, is tax deductible to the full extent provided by law.
Support Levels
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$10,000+
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$5,000 - $9,999
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$1,000 - $4,999
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$500 - $999
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$250 - $499
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Up to $249
Frequently Asked Questions
How can students apply for a scholarship?
Students can apply by downloading the application on this page, completing the required documents, and delivering their packet (10) copies in person during regular business hours Monday- Friday 8am- 5pm. at the TSMSDC office: Metro Center, Plaza 1 Building 220 Athens Way Suite 105 Nashville, TN 37228.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted no later than the first week of March.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Students are interviewed by a panel of judges in mid March and selected in April on the basis of financial need, presentation/content of the application packet, and impressions during the interview.
How much funding can a student receive?
Scholarships vary each year based on total donations made and the amount of students awarded. On average, each student receives between $2,500-$10,000 towards their tuition.
How is the scholarship awarded?
If chosen to receive a scholarship, funds are sent directly to the college or university, and applied to the student’s account. (Tuition scholarships do not cover books, housing, etc.) The recipient must maintain a 2.5 grade point average to remain eligible to receive funds from the foundation.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Martina Swinger, DO (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.”
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the scholarship application process, eligibility criteria, or anything else related to the TMSDC Education Foundation, we’re here to assist you! Please feel free to reach out to us via phone.