New grant will support programs and services in MPS and SPPS

In an effort to reduce opportunity gaps in Minnesota, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), Achieve Twin Cities and The Cargill Foundation announced the launch of a $3.925 million grant on Thursday, June 15. 

This grant will be invested in MPS’ Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE) programs. It will also further the development of MPS’ STEM for All curriculum and Achieve Twin Cities career and college readiness centers in 28 MPS and Saint Paul Public School high schools.

This grant is expected to provide support for MPS and Achieve Twin Cities programs through 2026. 

MPS’ GEMS and GISE programs offer opportunities and access to STEM programming for students in grades K-8. MPS’ STEM for All program is an initiative to increase access to STEM programming for students in grades K-8 by increasing the engagement of students and their families.

Achieve Twin Cities provides career and college readiness services in MPS and SPPS high schools. 18,000 students use these services each year, with 95 percent of them graduating with a postsecondary career pathway plan.

“We are honored to facilitate this collaboration and will use this generous support to ensure that each and every student has the guidance and resources they need to access high-demand, living-wage careers,” said Danielle Grant, Achieve Twin Cities president and CEO. “Our partnership is absolutely critical in addressing our community’s wide opportunity gaps and is integral not only to the lives and long-term financial independence of our students, but also the health and vitality of our entire region.”

The Cargill Foundation is Achieve Twin Cities’ largest funder, receiving over $26.8 million in grants alongside MPS since 2000. Nearly 80 percent of the Cargill Foundation’s annual $14 million contribution supported low-income children and families of color in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in 2022.

“At Cargill, we strive to advance racial equity, and we believe in preparing and inspiring children for postsecondary education, careers and beyond,” Michelle Grogg, vice president for Global Corporate Responsibility at Cargill and executive director of The Cargill Foundation, said. “Through partnerships with organizations like Achieve Twin Cities, The Cargill Foundation is dedicated to connecting low-income youth of color in our Twin Cities headquarters community to a strong educational foundation.”