The Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) represents a powerful collaboration between the Nashville Public Library, Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Mayor’s Office, and dozens of dedicated youth development organizations. The core mission of NAZA centers on providing equitable access to transformative out-of-school learning experiences. By providing resources to free afterschool and summer programs, NAZA ensures youth across the city have safe spaces to learn, grow, and discover new passions while parents are working.
This summer, NAZA partners hosted 35 active summer camp programs that served 1,711 youth participants.
This summer, as World Cup excitement energized fans worldwide, NAZA partners brought that same spirit to Nashville youth through dynamic sports programming. Local camps collaborated with professional athletes and national initiatives to spark joy, build skills, and highlight the positive impact of play.
In early June, NAZA-funded partners at AAOC Camps, Aspiring Youth Enrichment Services (AYES), Metro Parks, and the YMCA joined Nashville Soccer Club (NSC) for two IMPACT Soccer events sponsored by Powerade. NSC players led drills, friendly competitions, and skill-building exercises at Coleman Park and Frederick Douglass Park, inspiring more than 100 youth to develop teamwork, strengthen fundamentals, and enjoy the game.
On the week of June 23, NAZA partners participated in the LA28 Day of Sport, a nationwide celebration leading up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. More than 130 Nashville campers took part in activities that connected them to a national movement promoting physical activity and sportsmanship.
Locally, Metro Parks, Rocklife Youth, and Counter Punch Youth Academy offered cheer, track and field, basketball, and boxing programs, giving young people opportunities to try new sports and build healthy habits. Nashville native and Paralympian Michael Murray closed out the celebration by sharing his story, playing games with youth, and encouraging them to pursue their own athletic goals.
The incredible milestones achieved by the Nashville After Zone Alliance rely directly on the generosity of our community. Private support through the Nashville Public Library Foundation provides the crucial resources required to keep these transformative out-of-school programs completely free and accessible for all participating families. Your financial gifts empower local youth to train alongside professional athletes, build lasting confidence, and discover their limitless potential in nurturing environments.