YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Celebrates 26 Adult Learners at 2026 Family Learning Center Graduation
Families gather to celebrate their loved ones at the 2026 YWCA Family Learning Center Graduation.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 12, 2026) – Twenty-six adult learners proudly celebrated a major educational milestone Saturday, July 11, during the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Family Learning Center Graduation Ceremony. The graduates, ranging in age from 19 to 60, accepted their High School Equivalency diplomas in caps and gowns surrounded by family, friends, instructors and supporters who gathered to celebrate their perseverance, determination and success.
Each graduate also received a signed certificate from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell recognizing their accomplishment and honoring their commitment to achieving their educational goals.
The Family Learning Center provides free adult education, helping students prepare for the HiSET exam while building the skills, confidence and support systems needed to pursue higher education, workforce training and career advancement. The program is supported in part by a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which helps expand access to adult literacy and education opportunities throughout the community.
“Earning a high school equivalency diploma represents far more than completing an academic requirement—it represents determination, resilience and the belief that it is never too late to pursue your goals,” said Vanessa Helbig Johnson, Senior Vice President of Community Programs at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and grateful for the supporters, educators, and families who helped make this achievement possible.”
For graduate Rozhan Ali, reaching graduation required balancing multiple responsibilities while staying committed to a long-term goal.
“Balancing family responsibilities, work, and school was difficult,” said 32-year-old graduate Rozhan Ali. “But the staff believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. I stayed determined and kept trying until I finally reached my goal.”
The graduation ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement but also the strength and perseverance of each student’s individual journey. Family Learning Center graduates leave the program prepared to continue their education, pursue career opportunities and create new possibilities for themselves and their families.
The YWCA Family Learning Center removes barriers that often prevent adults from completing their education by providing individualized instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through partnerships and community investment, by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the United Way of Greater Nashville, the program continues to help adult learners achieve their goals and strengthen the Nashville community.
For more information about the Family Learning Center or to support adult education programs at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, visit www.ywcanashville.com.
About YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
For more than 125 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has been dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The organization serves thousands of individuals each year through domestic violence services, workforce development, youth development, adult education, social justice initiatives and advocacy programs that create safer, stronger communities.
