MNPS celebrated its Class of 2025 graduates who have earned full-ride academic scholarships to Nashville colleges and universities at the annual University MNPS Signing Day on Saturday – and added a new university partner to the mix.
Trevecca Nazarene University will join Belmont, Fisk, Lipscomb, Tennessee State, and Vanderbilt universities, as well as Nashville State Community College, in University MNPS, which makes exclusive scholarships and on-campus supports available to district graduates who meet admissions and financial aid requirements.
“This makes me so happy to be able to expand our University MNPS portfolio,” Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle said during the event at The Parthenon. “Trevecca is going to be another tremendous partner, offering 25 full-tuition scholarships.”
Trevecca Vice President of Enrollment Melinda Miller said this year’s MNPS graduates can qualify for the new scholarships, which will ensure there is no cost to attend for a student living off campus after university, state, and federal financial aid are applied. Students who live on campus will only need to cover housing and meal plan costs. 
Students must have a 3.0 unweighted GPA or a 21 composite score on the ACT at a zoned MNPS high school and need to have completed the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to qualify for the Trevecca Scholars program.
Signings and Stoles
Nearly 100 soon-to-be graduates attended Signing Day with their families, MNPS staff, and partner school representatives. Overall, about 140 seniors received University MNPS scholarships this year.
“Students, today is about you, the great work you’ve done throughout your high school careers, and the full-ride scholarships and amazing opportunities you’ve earned at our local colleges and universities,” Dr. Battle said. 
“When we talk about making every student known, it’s not just about supporting you while you’re still one of our students. We’re not just helping you get to the finish line of graduation; our commitment goes beyond the moment when you cross that stage. Through our University MNPS partnerships, we also want to support you beyond graduation through the incredibly generous and exclusive scholarships and on-campus supports that our college and university partners have made possible for you.”
Mayor Freddie O’Connell also congratulated the scholars, and Westmeade Elementary School students sang the MNPS anthem, “Every Student Known,” and other songs in front of The Parthenon’s towering Athena statue.
Students who have earned scholarships signed a banner representing the district’s college and university partners and received University MNPS stoles to wear at graduation. Partner schools hosted tables with branded items and answered questions.
There was also a drawing for 20 items to help students start college life, such as computers and mini fridges, donated by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and its New Skills Ready initiative as well as Stribling Farms and Amazon.
Learn More about University MNPS
For a full list of current college and university partners, and the scholarship offerings, visit University MNPS.
