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

Youth Enrollment for 2026 Summer Programs is Now Open! Register Today!

View listings of open positions in out-of-school-time (OST) programs at local youth development organizations.

Browse NAZA's OST Job Board Browse

See the highlights, photos, and more from the 2026 LED Conference!

Relive the 4th Annual Learn, Engage, Develop! Conference Learn More 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

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Recent Updates

Empowering Youth Development: Highlights from 4th Annual LED Conference

March 10, 2026

2026 LED Conference: Empower Youth & Elevate Your Impact!

January 23, 2026

NAZA Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Nashville Youth!

December 17, 2025

NAZA 15th Anniversary

November 21, 2025

NAZA on Instagram

Our Supporters

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  • Metro Nashville
  • Metro Nashville Public Schools

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

NAZA
2018-09-24T13:15:18-05:00

Tocarra C., Site Director, John Overton High School

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!
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

NAZA
2018-09-24T13:15:48-05:00

Jordan F., Teacher, Glencliff 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.
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
2022-10-13T15:13:18-05:00

Fran B., Parent

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!
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
2018-09-24T13:16:06-05:00

Brandon S., Near Peer Coach, John Overton High School

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.
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
2018-09-24T13:16:30-05:00

Natalie B., Teacher, Hunters Lane 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.
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

NAZA
2018-09-24T13:16:54-05:00

Galen F., Teacher, John Overton 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.
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