Persist is a nonprofit organization that provides personal, social, and financial support to MNPS students as they navigate their college journey. Go to the Persist Explained page to learn more!

Nothing! Our work is funded by the district and private donors, which means participating in our program is 100% free for all students.

Students can join Persist at any point in their college journey, but we encourage students to begin engaging with us as early as spring of your senior year of high school so we can help you prepare for the transition to college.

Go to the Sign Up page and complete the form that matches your high school graduation year. We will reach out shortly after receiving your survey to let you know your next steps.

As a Persist student, you will be assigned a coach who will communicate with you via text, answer any questions you have about college life, and help you navigate any obstacles you come up against. See the Find My Coach page to find out who is assigned to your campus and how you can get in touch.

We are still here for you! Any MNPS student who signs up for Persist will be matched with a coach and will have access to the Persist Fund, no matter where in the world they are attending college.

Yes! Persist does not use AI or bots to communicate with students. If you receive a text message from us, rest assured it is coming from a real life person who crafted that message and is excited to receive a response.

Our coaches are all college graduates who have extensive experience working with students and helping them complete their degrees. You can ask your coach about any obstacle or challenge you’re facing, from a difficult class to a tough roommate situation, or simply check in to let them know how you’re doing and keep yourself accountable towards your goals.

While most communication with your coach will happen via text message, coaches frequently make visits to their assigned campuses and would love to check in with you in person! Just text your coach to ask when they will be in the area and let them know you’d like to meet up.

Students who sign up for and engage with Persist have access to a $200 emergency fund that they can access each year they are enrolled to cover some of their college costs. You will learn more about Persist Fund from your coach after you sign up.

The Persist Fund can be used to cover any expenses that will help make your college journey easier. This could mean covering part of your tuition payment, buying a textbook, or even stocking your dorm with important school supplies.

Once you sign up for Persist, your coach will send you more information on how to request your Persist Fund dollars.

First and foremost, head to our Sign Up page to complete your onboarding survey and get matched with your coach. You can also check out our Events page to find out what fun things we are hosting on your campus or around town. If you would like to apply to be a Persist Campus Lead or Intern, send an email to scott@persistnashville.org.