Education & Talent Development

The Chamber’s talent development team drives workforce readiness by connecting education, training, and employers. Through stronger K-12 career pathways, dual-enrollment programs, adult learner support, apprenticeships, and veteran engagement, we help members and partners build credentials, experience, and networks that expand and prepare Nashville’s talent pipeline.

Highlights

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Leadership Public Education graduates from the 6th LPE cohort
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Participants across 4 Talent Solutions Forums
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Business Leaders attend 3 Leadership Visits to Fort Campbell
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Participants in Expanding Apprenticeship Programming ‘ALL IN at the Chamber’
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Individuals Graduated with an Associate’s Degree through Nashville Reconnect program
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Employers Recognized for Veteran Ready Status
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Service Members Supported in Transition Preparation
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Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Grants launched

Most Notable Events

Co-released “Let’s Get To Work” policy brief with ThinkTN detailing adjustments to state financial aid offerings that will boost both educational attainment and access to middle wage jobs.
Concluded the 5th year of New Skills Ready programming: The New Skills Ready grant is a five-year, $7 million JPMorgan Chase investment to help underrepresented MNPS students transition to Nashville State Community College, earn credentials or degrees, and enter high-wage, high-demand careers. The initiative builds high-quality career pathways and tackles systemic barriers to postsecondary access, persistence, and success.
In August, the Chamber hosted the Talent Solutions Forum presented by the Austin Peay State University College of Business on bridging education and industry, showcasing employer-education partnerships. The newly formed Talent Solutions Council now leads efforts to increase educational attainment, labor force participation, and population growth.
32nd Annual Chamber Education Report: The Education Report presented by Stantec focused on strengthening Career & Technical Education (CTE) within Metro Nashville Public Schools by expanding licensure flexibility for prospective teachers, improving recruitment and retention of CTE educators, conducting a district-wide needs assessment, and increasing employer engagement and business partnership pathways.
NELAS: The Chamber and YP Nashville honored 17 young professionals at the 2024 NELAS presented by the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University on July 23 at Woolworth Theatre, recognizing career achievement and community impact, and introducing new categories for Entrepreneurship, Wellness, and Business Services.
Pictured: 32nd Annual Chamber Education Report

Member Spotlight Feature

The Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University

As Jack C. Massey once said, “Go home and go to work” — a simple yet powerful charge that encapsulates his belief in action, integrity and putting knowledge to meaningful use. We aim to graduate leaders who “accomplish more to do more for [our] fellow man.”

Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business joined the Chamber to stay embedded in the business community, as its namesake Jack Massey envisioned more than 50 years ago. The Chamber’s connectivity aligns with our college’s mission to serve students, faculty, and Middle Tennessee’s business ecosystem. Located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing economic hubs, our college prepares future leaders by aligning its programs with the region’s needs. More than a business school, we partner in advancing regional growth, tailoring undergraduate and graduate programs to meet industry demands. 

Through initiatives like YP Nashville and Partnership 2030, the Chamber connects our college with leaders shaping the region’s future. These connections create internships, consulting projects, guest lectures, and long-term hiring partnerships that benefit businesses and students. A Chamber member for over 20 years, we value the organization’s culture of collaboration and lasting relationships.  

Sponsorship of YP Nashville and involvement in Partnership 2030 support our goal of preparing students for lifelong career success. The Chamber amplifies visibility by extending education beyond the classroom and engaging lifelong learners, reinforcing Belmont’s identity as “Nashville’s university.” A highlight was recently awarding $10,000 scholarships to the 2025 NELAS winners to pursue graduate study, recognizing achievement and supporting growth. We proudly sponsor YP Nashville and are deeply involved with Partnership 2030. Over the years, we have also joined Leadership Study Missions, and supported other community-based initiatives. We stay active because these roles keep us connected to the region’s needs and opportunities. Simply put, joining the Chamber is one of the best decisions a business can make to build relationships, increase visibility, and engage with Nashville’s network of leaders.