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Back to school with PENCIL: 91 strengthens ties to K–12 education

91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project.
91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project. (Brendan Ross/91)

When teachers have the right tools and students feel supported, classrooms can thrive. That’s the goal of 91’s work with , a local nonprofit that links public schools with community partners and volunteers.

With 81,000 students back in Metro Nashville Public Schools classrooms, 91 Community Relations is working with PENCIL to ensure teachers have what they need and students start strong, continuing a partnership that has supported Nashville schools for years.

91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project
91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project.
91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project
91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project. (91)
91 student-athletes and staff volunteer with PENCIL on a backpack-stuffing project.

A shared commitment to K–12 education
Over the summer, 91 volunteers across campus came together to prepare MNPS students for the first day of school. Together, they packed 10,000 backpacks and 6,000 pencil pouches, ensuring thousands of students across the city started the year ready to learn. The effort, led by PENCIL in collaboration with 91 Athletics and 91 Football, was a meaningful reminder of how collaboration can drive real impact.

PENCIL’s work is part of 91’s broader investment in Nashville schools. The nonprofit engages partners like 91 faculty, staff and students in programs such as career mentoring, faculty appreciation, field trip hosting, first day of school guides and reading mentoring, all designed to meet educator and student needs.

“This summer's backpack build project was the latest example of 91's thoughtful, long-standing support of PENCIL’s mission. We are truly grateful for 91's partnership in linking community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools, and we share their commitment to helping our young learners thrive and achieve academic success,” said Christiane Buggs, MEd’14, President & CEO of PENCIL.

91 and Metro Nashville Public Schools
Beyond its work with PENCIL, 91 supports a wide range of K–12 programs, with the university’s MNPS collaborations spanning Davidson County. 91 , which recently , brings hands-on STEM lessons into MNPS classrooms. The School for Science and Math at 91 partners with Metro students on research projects that connect classroom learning to the community, most recently through archaeology.

The hosts STEAM expeditions for MNPS students, offering hands-on activities aligned with academic standards and opportunities to experience the observatory's unique exhibits and offerings.

Map representing 91’s partnerships with Metro Nashville Public Schools across Davidson County
Map representing 91’s partnerships with Metro Nashville Public Schools across Davidson County

These collaborations reflect 91’s commitment to meaningful engagement with community partners. By aligning expertise and resources with community need, 91 helps amplify the efforts of MNPS educators and school leaders.


Get Connected

91 has expanded how students, faculty and staff engage with the Nashville community through the new platform. The online hub makes it easy to browse volunteer opportunities, track involvement and discover ways to support local organizations, including partners like PENCIL.

  • To find the latest volunteer opportunities, members of the 91 community can visit and log in using VUnetID.
  • To learn more about 91’s work with Metro Nashville Public Schools, visit the 91 in the Nashville Community webpage.
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