In a city that thrives on creativity and connection, few organizations embody the Nashville spirit quite like PENCIL. For more than four decades, this nonprofit has linked community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), ensuring that every student has access to the tools, mentors and opportunities they need to thrive.
Founded in 1982, PENCIL—short for Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership—has grown into one of the nation’s most dynamic education support networks. With more than 800 active partnerships and nearly 30,000 volunteer hours logged annually, its mission is simple yet powerful: to prepare young people for life by connecting them with the strength of their community.
“They’re open to ideas and motivated to make an impact,” says a PENCIL representative. “That allows us to understand what a school needs, understand what a partner can offer, and then make a match that brings joy and tangible results.”
Those results are visible across the city—from career pathways for high school students to free classroom supplies for teachers. Through the Academies of Nashville program, PENCIL connects students to professionals in some of the city’s top industries, including healthcare, automotive technology and hospitality. These partnerships provide students with unparalleled exposure to career possibilities, including earning certifications, learning from industry leaders and even securing internships before graduation.
For teachers and younger learners, the DG PENCIL Box is another lifeline. This free supply store, supported by community donors and volunteers, distributed nearly $3 million in school and classroom materials last year alone. “When I see one of our children in the hall with a ripped and stained backpack, it makes a difference when I can easily offer them a replacement,” shared one MNPS teacher. “The dignity of being able to have normal school supplies means a lot to our families and to us as teachers.”
As Nashville continues to grow, PENCIL is evolving right alongside it. The organization collaborates closely with MNPS to anticipate and address emerging educational needs. When recent state legislation introduced computer science requirements for K–12 students, PENCIL helped the district launch a STEAM Lending Library, ensuring that every student—no matter their zip code—has access to essential technology.
The results of these efforts are undeniable. MNPS recently achieved its fourth consecutive Level 5 growth score, the highest possible ranking from the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, and the district’s graduation rate is now the highest it has been since tracking began in 2002. These milestones, PENCIL leaders say, are a testament to what’s possible when a community invests in its schools.
“Our city needs a growing, skilled workforce,” PENCIL notes. “Student interest in fields like construction, architecture, and engineering keeps rising, and we’re recruiting partners to help provide hands-on experience and a strong entrance to these careers.”
And while Nashville’s business community plays a significant role in this progress, volunteers remain at the heart of PENCIL’s success. Many are motivated by personal connections, such as teachers who once shaped their lives, family members in the education field, or a deep-seated belief in the power of giving back. Others join through corporate volunteer programs or word-of-mouth recommendations that spread quickly through the city’s tightly woven networks.
This holiday season, PENCIL offers a variety of ways to get involved. Locals can volunteer in the DG PENCIL Box, participate in school reading days, help students with holiday shopping, or host teacher appreciation events. For an easy way to explore opportunities, PENCIL Connect, an online platform, lists one-time and ongoing projects across the district.
To learn more or sign up to serve, visit pencilforschools.org. In a city known for collaboration and creativity, PENCIL reminds us that the greatest impact often begins right in our own backyard—with a single connection that can change a child’s future.