Students experiencing homelessness often face the steepest barriers to accessing and completing postsecondary education. Beyond Graduation ensures that MNPS HERO students have the guidance, resources, and financial support they need as they prepare for and transition into any postsecondary path, from a traditional four‑year college or community college to a technical school or other training or certification program.
Beyond Graduation coordinates support between the MNPS Homeless Education Resource Office (HERO), school‑based college and career counseling teams, Nashville Community Connections and other community partners. The program helps students navigate key milestones, cover unexpected costs, and access the essentials required to confidently pursue their next steps.
The initiative also includes a flexible Beyond Graduation Fund, providing students with the items and resources they need – whether they’re moving into a dorm, commuting to a community college, or entering a technical program that requires specialized equipment.
Program in action
We work with HERO qualified students and their families after housing has been secured to identify if there are specific, critical housewares or available furniture we can match with the family. We then deliver these items to the family’s new residence. During this exchange we have the opportunity to share additional referral services to support the family as they continue to settle into their new home.
How We Support Students
Junior Year – beginning the 2026/27 school year
- Early outreach from HERO staff and school counselors to identify needs and begin planning.
- Resources tailored to McKinney‑Vento students, including scholarship information and financial‑aid guidance.
- Support for ACT fees, dual‑enrollment books, college and program visits, and other early readiness steps.
Senior Year & Application Season
- Connection to school‑based college and career counseling teams for application guidance and planning.
- FAFSA support and verification assistance specific to students experiencing homelessness.
- Help with senior‑year costs that create barriers, such as senior year event fees, application fees or technology needed for applications.
Transition to Postsecondary Programs
- Flexible funding for dorm basics, tools or uniforms for technical programs, transportation, and first‑week essentials.
- Support for students entering community colleges, four‑year institutions, technical schools, or certification programs.
- Coordination with HERO staff to ensure students have stable housing plans through breaks and summer months.
First-Year Persistence
- Warm handoff at the right point in this process to partners at Persist, where coaches support students’ social-emotional needs, help them connect to campus resources and prompt them around campus-specific deadlines.
- Access to emergency funds for unexpected needs that arise during the first year.
- Ongoing support from NCC for textbooks, replacement items, and academic essentials.
- Team HERO Care Packages delivered once per semester, created with support from community volunteers.
Impact for Students
For students experiencing homelessness, the path to college or career training is often filled with hidden costs and uncertainty. Beyond Graduation removes barriers, builds stability, and surrounds students with a community committed to their long‑term success no matter which postsecondary path they choose.
How You Can Help
Reach out to us at [email protected] if you’d like to be a part of a student’s support system by donating funds to the work, organizing care packages once per semester, or have another idea.