AchieveMpls—the nonprofit support arm that advances post-graduation readiness in the Minneapolis Public Schools, means businesses.
AchieveMpls CEO Danielle Grant recently thanked Accenture, Best Buy and U.S. Bank for their "extraordinary commitment" over several years, including financial support for in-school programs, internships, job opportunities and consulting with school leaders.
More than 50 businesses in all were cited for their assistance in 2017.
The beleaguered, deficit-burdened school district struggles with declining enrollment as private and charter schools take promising students. It manages an increasingly low-income student population that needs high levels of remedial work, social services and special education.
CEO Danielle Grant of AchieveMpls said: "Strong community partnerships lead to increased student achievement, enhanced social capital and a greater likelihood of graduation and career success. It's inspiring to collaborate with community partners…so committed to offering time, talent and treasure for the benefit of our entire community."
The foundation of Minnetonka-based Cargill long has been the single-largest business donor to AchieveMpls. Grant also thanked the Otto Bremer Foundation, Pohlad Foundation, General Mills, Wells Fargo and other multi-year supporters. Engaged employers also note that the our worker-hungry economy needs high school graduates ready for college or job training.
Achieve ran its in-school college-and-career readiness centers, StepUp internship program that employs hundreds of teens every summer and other programs last year on a budget of about $3.5 million generated from contributions and program services.
