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Students ask Metro to create youth makerspaces, market access and mentorship for student entrepreneurs
Summary
Students from MLK High School and others asked council members Thursday for dedicated youth spaces, mentorship, grants and student market opportunities to support entrepreneurship and arts programming in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Students from Martin Luther King High School and other schools told Metro Nashville officials Thursday they lack accessible spaces, mentorship and practical supports to start businesses and develop artistic careers while in school.
Presenters described barriers ranging from high vendor fees at local markets to a lack of classes or school connections that teach entrepreneurship, marketing and event production. They proposed grants to cover booth fees, student‑only markets, mentorship connections with local entrepreneurs and makerspaces in libraries or community centers that offer low‑cost classes in jewelry making, silversmithing and similar trades.
"We don't really know where to get business cards. We don't know how to advertise, how to promote," MLK student Anna said. The students said programs already exist in the city — for example, some libraries have makerspaces — but access is uneven and information about opportunities is poorly advertised to schools.
Students suggested partnerships between Metro Nashville Public Schools and local institutions such as the Center for Entrepreneurship and Belmont University to provide internships, mentorship and market access. Council members in the room applauded the proposal: Council member Vaux offered free booth space at a forthcoming Asian Pacific Islander heritage market, and a council member who works closely with schools said city staff would convene follow‑up meetings to coordinate resources and district leaders.
Presenters asked for direct coordination so students’ ideas do not “go out into the stratosphere,” as an organizer put it; the mayor’s office and council representatives said the Youth in Local Government program is designed to create follow‑up cohorts and meetings with relevant departments. Several council members and school‑board representatives encouraged the students to remain engaged and offered to help coordinate internships and small‑incubator spaces in districts.
No formal funding decisions or motions were made during the session; students were told there would be follow‑up meetings and opportunities to bring their ideas to school‑district staff and council liaisons.
