Fast Forward Program Partners with Nashville State, Vol State

Programs aim to boost college readiness, career exploration for recent high school graduates

Belmont University, Nashville State Community College and Vol State Community College are continuing to build educational and career pathways for Tennesseans, including the creation of two new programs for recent high school graduates who are beginning their degrees at Nashville State and Vol State. These new pathways are created in partnership with Belmont’s Fast Forward program, which collaborates with and supports postsecondary education and workforce development through innovative programs with other educational partners, nonprofit agencies and employers.

“We believe that intentional programming, exposure to career pathways and other wraparound supports can positively impact students in their journeys to complete their education and work toward their desired careers,” said Bridget Golden, director of Belmont’s Fast Forward program. “This program empowers our students to boost their earning potential and thrive as they work toward accomplishing their goals.”

Nashville State Community College

A free, two-week Fast Forward course will be offered at Nashville State’s North Davidson and Southeast campuses the weeks of July 8 and July 15 from 9 a.m.- noon. Course instruction will be from 9 -11 a.m., followed by a lunch and learn from 11 a.m.- noon.

Beyond course instruction, students will be provided with career exploration opportunities, connections to potential employers, out of the classroom trips and special guest speakers. 

“Through this new partnership, our goal is to increase college preparedness so Tennesseans can be confident and find success during their higher education journey. Ultimately, we are working to set students up for post-completion success,” said Nashville State’s associate vice president of academic affairs for extended campuses Kim Silverman.

Nashville State’s Southeast campus is at 5248 Hickory Hollow Parkway in Antioch. For interest or questions, email jamica.hines@nscc.edu. Nashville State’s North Davidson campus, its newest campus that opened in spring 2022, is at 1520 Gallatin Pike North in Madison. For interest or questions, email kimberly.malone-haddox@nscc.edu.

Volunteer State Community College

A ten-week Fast Forward program will be offered at Vol State’s Gallatin campus beginning May 28 and finishing August 2. In partnership with Volunteer State Community College and Sumner County Schools, Belmont is boosting access to summer college courses for recent high school graduates. The program will provide funding and support for up to $60,000 in tuition and books for students to enroll in up to three career and technical courses.

“The Fast Forward program aims to bridge the opportunity gap for underserved youth by providing recent high school graduates from low-income families the chance to jumpstart their education and careers. We look forward to partnering with Belmont to increase credential obtainment and prepare participants for future academic and professional success,” said Dr. Terri Day, Vol State’s vice president for academic affairs.

The courses offered through the Fast Forward program align with the Tennessee Department of Education career clusters as well as embedded technical certificates and associate degrees and include computer applications, introduction to business and introduction to logistics management.

Vol State’s Gallatin campus is at 1480 Nashville Pike. For interest or questions, email duane.berry@volstate.edu.