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Join NAZA partners to celebrate the importance of afterschool at free community events across Nashville

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool 2026! Events Near You

NAZA-Funded programs are always offered free of charge to youth.

Youth Enrollment for 2026-2027 Afterschool Programs is Now Open! Register Today!

The report includes system-wide highlights from afterschool, summer, & mentorship programming, youth impact, Youth In Action!, professional development, NAZA history, and more.

2025-2026 Annual Report Now Available! View the Report

All trainings are open to the public and offered free of charge .

NAZA Professional Development Calendar Now Available! View Now

Browse the database of afterschool programs located throughout the Greater Nashville area.

Citywide Out-of-School Program Locator is Here! Explore
Nashville's Vision for Holistic Youth Development

Learn how you can help youth develop skills for lifelong success with activities, videos, downloadable resources, and more

New Interactive Website! Explore
 

NAZA's Mission




NAZA’s mission is to increase youths’ equitable access to out-of-school time learning experiences that help youth thrive and develop to their full potential. Launched in 2009 by Mayor Karl Dean, the Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) is a partnership between the Nashville Public Library, Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Mayor’s Office, and over 30 youth development organizations all working collaboratively to improve the learning experiences of youth. Learn more.

 

The need for NAZA is demonstrated by the following statistics:


NAZA on Facebook

4 days ago

Nashville After Zone Alliance
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It’s on! We're gearing up for #LightsOnAfterschool 2026!! We're proud to join communities across the country in celebrating the largest showcase of afterschool programs on October 22. Visit one of our partner events near you to celebrate the importance of afterschool programs: naza.nashville.gov/news-and-events/To learn more about Lights On Afterschool and see events nationwide, visit: afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm ...
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Our Supporters

TESTIMONIALS


NAZA keeps youth engaged by allowing them to learn, create, and have fun! Youth learned relationship-building and team building.  They also learned conflict resolution and matured as they started to handle conflict on their own.  The program allowed them to think outside the box. I was so impressed by what they were able to accomplish!

Tocarra C., Site Director, John Overton High School

I believe NAZA is important for our youth the help them discover new talents, career choices, and develop a sense of responsibility. NAZA allows youth to make mistakes in a safe atmosphere, allowing room for growth and healthy criticism of their work.

Jordan F., Teacher, Glencliff High School
The NAZA Program was such a blessing for my daughter and nephew (and of course many other teens). NAZA-funded programs and the adults that work with the teens really empower them for future success. I know that it makes a difference in many families including mine. Thank you so much!
Fran B., Parent

NAZA prepares youth for real life through project-based learning. They pick up communication, organization, teamwork and time management skills that may not otherwise be addressed. While some parents teach these skills, the program explicitly outlines them to create an equal opportunity to youth.

Brandon S., Near Peer Coach, John Overton High School
NAZA helps youth understand responsibility and being with people who are different from them.  They get to know each other and to talk about themselves. They develop empathy while learning to collaborate with others. They get to be creative while problem solving.
Natalie B., Teacher, Hunters Lane High School
NAZA teaches youth interpersonal skills, appreciation of art, empathy, and understanding of different cultures. It encourages them to follow their dreams, but with solid real world experience to chase down those dreams.
Galen F., Teacher, John Overton High School