FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tennessee Pride Chamber Awards Third Annual Pride in Education Scholarship to University of Tennessee Student

$1,500 scholarship investment supports LGBTQ+ student success while strengthening Tennessee’s future workforce and diverse talent pipeline

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Pride Chamber is proud to announce Alexandria Edmunds as the recipient of its third annual Pride in Education Scholarship, awarding Edmunds a $1,500 scholarship as she continues her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, pursuing studies in veterinary medicine.

The Pride in Education Scholarship was created to address barriers that too often prevent LGBTQ+ students from pursuing education beyond high school. In Tennessee, only 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ identifying students continue their education after high school, underscoring the need for financial support, encouragement, mentorship, and access to professional networks that help students see a path forward.

For the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the scholarship represents more than an investment in a single student. It is part of the Chamber's broader commitment to strengthening Tennessee's future workforce by ensuring talented students from every background have the opportunity to learn, grow, build careers, and contribute to the state's economy.

“When we empower a student to continue their education, we are investing not only in their future, but in Tennessee's future,” said Keillian Carpenter, Executive Director of the Tennessee Pride Chamber. “Alexandria represents exactly why this scholarship exists. We want LGBTQ+ students across our state to know that there is a community invested in their success and ready to help connect their education to a meaningful career. Building that pipeline of talented, diverse professionals is essential to attracting major employers, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring Tennessee remains competitive for generations to come.”

Through its education and professional development initiatives, the Tennessee Pride Chamber works to connect students and emerging professionals with resources, businesses, mentors, and opportunities that can help turn educational achievement into long-term professional success.

The Pride in Education Scholarship also recognizes that financial barriers can compound the challenges LGBTQ+ students may already face when pursuing higher education. By reducing those barriers, the Chamber seeks to create greater access to education and ultimately expand the pool of skilled professionals prepared to lead within Tennessee's businesses, institutions, and communities.

“Throughout my career in education, I have seen firsthand how access to education can fundamentally change the trajectory of a person's life,” said Dr. Bryson McGuire, Vice President of the Tennessee Pride Chamber Board of Directors. “For LGBTQ+ students, that journey can include additional financial, social, and personal barriers that make continuing their education feel out of reach. Scholarships like Pride in Education help remove one of those barriers while sending an equally important message: your potential is seen, your goals matter, and there are people and organizations committed to helping you succeed.”

Edmunds will receive the $1,500 award as she attends the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and pursues her path toward a career in veterinary medicine.

The Tennessee Pride Chamber believes investments in education are investments in economic development. As Tennessee continues to compete nationally for employers, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, cultivating a workforce that reflects the full diversity and potential of the state will remain critical to sustained economic growth.

The Pride in Education Scholarship is supported through the Tennessee Pride Chamber Foundation and the generosity of corporate partners, members, donors, and community supporters who invest in expanding educational and professional opportunities for LGBTQ+ Tennesseans.