Grants

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

Project Title

For project support to Nashville Public Library to expand reach and services through their English as a Second Language program

Date

Jun. 05, 2025

Duration

24 months

Description

The Education program has selected eleven public libraries from nine states for their impactful programs and broad reach as part of its Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative, a two-year, $5 million grant program launched in December 2024. These libraries were chosen through a highly competitive process from over 1,400 expressions of interest, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding English language proficiency programs for adults and enhancing college readiness and access for teens. With this support, the selected libraries will scale their impact, strengthen community partnerships, and create new opportunities for students. The Nashville Public Library (NPL) is among the selected libraries. With Corporation support, they will enroll adult learners in leveled ESL classes (eighteen week and sixteen-week, respectively) to meet diverse proficiency needs. By addressing Davidson County’s 1,800-person ESL waitlist, NPL will