Antioch High School has something to cheer about! The school's Academy of Technology and Communications is now officially partnered with Nissan Americas. Check out the news release issued earlier this week by Pencil Foundation, who helped organize the partnership.

Nissan offers Antioch students real-world experience with new partnership Nashville, Tenn., (August 5, 2011) –Students enrolled in Antioch High School’s Academy of Technology and Communications will be learning from experts in automotive engineering as Nissan Americas has signed on as the school’s newest Academy Partner. Earlier this week, Antioch Executive Principal Brian Mast and teachers were invited to the Nissan Plant in Smyrna, TN to take a tour and discuss ways that Nissan employees will help students explore careers in science and engineering. As an Academy Partner, Nissan will assist in shaping the vision and direction of the academy by providing input into the curriculum, offering job shadowing opportunities and engaging students in discussion about the practical use of science and math, marketing and green technology through classroom presentations. “It is very important to Nissan that we get more kids energized around careers in engineering and science” said Robert Wilson, Director, Diversity and Inclusion. “Efforts like this start in our own local community with schools like Antioch High School. We appreciate the work that PENCIL has done to facilitate this partnership.” PENCIL Partners connects more than 700 businesses and organizations with one or more public schools to provide additional resources. Nissan joins the growing list of PENCIL Partners engaging in Metro high schools to provide supplemental, real-life learning opportunities for students enrolled in the Academies of Nashville, a college and career-readiness initiative entering its 3rd year. There are currently 140 Academy Partnerships.  “This collaborative business partnership with Nissan offers a tremendous opportunity for the students of Antioch High School, said Mast, who will begin his first year as principal at Antioch. “I am extremely excited about the work that has already been completed this summer between the members of Nissan and the teachers of The Academy of Technology and Communications at Antioch.” About PENCIL Foundation Established in 1982, PENCIL Foundation PENCIL Foundation is the premier organization linking community resources of both volunteers and materials with Metro Nashville Public Schools. PENCIL administers educational programs that involve the community as volunteers and mentors, provide academic enrichment opportunities, prepare students for graduation and get school supplies in the hands of children who need them. For more information, visit www.pencilfoundation.org. About Nissan Americas In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.