Leading Through Service 

Serving others is a defining part of the MBA experience—one that challenges boys to grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders. Service offers students a meaningful way to connect with their communities, broaden their perspectives, and develop a deeper sense of purpose.

Through hands-on projects, travel opportunities, and partnerships with local and global organizations, our students experience the real-world impact of giving back—and discover their capacity to make a difference.
 

“By connecting with others, students learn more about themselves and their places in the world around them.  As the boys play games with new friends at Room in the Inn they experience our shared humanity.  As they seek the blessing of the village chief before working in a community in Ghana, they learn humility and perspective.  These are beautiful moments in an educational journey.”

- Annie B. Williams, Director of Civic and Global Education

How We Serve

There are many ways for students to get involved and give back through our wide range of service opportunities. Below are just a few of the many ways our boys engage with our neighbors throughout the year.

By the Numbers

• 16,000+ total hours of service contributed in the past 4 years 
• 200+ students who participate in service opportunities annually
• At least 4 service trips offered each year
• 20+ local partner organizations supported annually 
• 1 Big Brother(12th graders)/Little Brother(7th graders) day of service each fall  

The MBA Service Club

The MBA Service Club is a student-led organization that extends our mission beyond the walls of the school. Through projects designed to support the greater Nashville community, students learn to bridge lines of race, ethnicity, and economic status while discovering the power of collective action. Members take part in a wide range of initiatives—from Best Buddies and Mending Hearts, to working with Room in the Inn and Second Harvest. These opportunities help students develop empathy, humility, and a sense of shared purpose—skills that shape them as compassionate leaders in every area of life.

Service Trips

MBA service trips take boys across the globe to support communities in need while deepening their understanding of the world and themselves. These transformative experiences cultivate problem-solving, patience, and cultural awareness while strengthening students’ sense of responsibility to others.

In 2025–26, MBA students will travel to:

• Panama (9th–10th grade): Partnering with a rural school.
• Greece (11th–12th grade): Supporting young refugees and exploring Athens and surrounding areas.
• Guatemala (rising 8th–9th grade): Assisting school children in local communities.
• Ghana: A new high school summer trip focused on service and cultural exchange.

These journeys challenge boys to expand their comfort zones, offering them a broader perspective and a deeper sense of empathy and agency.

Sliva Service Leadership Internship

The Sliva Service Leadership Internship is a summer program for rising juniors to work with local nonprofits while earning a stipend. Interns gain firsthand experience with Nashville’s community partners, learning about the needs of underserved populations and how organizations address those challenges. This experience fosters leadership, understanding, and meaningful relationships across lines of difference. Participants also play an important role in strengthening MBA’s partnerships with these agencies throughout the school year. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who make this impactful program possible.

Intern Testimonial
 

“Interning at the Pet Community Center opened my eyes to the complexity of nonprofit work and the diversity of our city. I gained confidence, learned how to collaborate with people from all walks of life, and saw firsthand the impact that compassion and teamwork can make.”

- William Smithwick '27