We all do better when...every child receives the high-quality education needed for individual success and regional prosperity. We’re focused on closing the achievement gap and preparing our students to compete globally by:

• promoting early childhood learning - preparing students to succeed from day one, when it’s easiest and most cost-effective
• supporting effective teaching - recruiting, rewarding, and retaining highly-effective teachers so every child makes academic progress every year
• increasing parent and community involvement - creating close partnerships between schools, families, and the community so each partner contributes to our children’s education
• closing the opportunity gap - ensuring every child receives the rigorous, well-rounded education needed for school success

Facts about education in Minnesota

• Minnesota has a 45% disparity in the graduation rates between white and black students, the worst such gap in the country.
  

• Minnesota has the 2nd largest gap in the nation between African-American and white students on the 4th grade reading school. 90% of African-American 4th grade students in Minnesota test below grade level on reading.
  
  
• If the drop-out rate were cut in half, the metro would see a $100 billion boost in economic activity when these young people move into middle age.
  
  
• Evidence shows that one of the most effective ways to reduce the drop-out rate is to begin working with children and their families during the prekindergarten years.
  
  
• In 2010, about 7 out of 10 students in 8th grade in Minneapolis Public Schools said most of their teachers teach in ways that makes them want to learn, up from about 6 out of 10 the year before.
   

For the fact sources please email us or call (612) 672-3853. For more facts about our community visit OneMinneapolis, MN Compass, or Wilder Foundation.

Please note that not all activities and issues featured are eligible for funding through our Community Grantmaking program. For more information visit our grant guidelines.