Northside Achievement Zone leads innovative efforts to close the academic achievement gap for low-income children of color in Minneapolis, MN.

NAZ supports parents, teachers, and students to achieve academic success through:

• Classes to equip parents with the skills they need to support the academic success of their children
• Scholarships to highly-rated early childhood centers
• After-school and summer programs focusing on accelerated math and reading outcomes
• Educator training for building social-emotional development in students

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2: Young Starz of NOLA

Young Starz of Nola is an alternative performing arts organization with a priority and commitment to create an inclusive environment that develops young artists within New Orleans.

• Young Starz provides a comprehensive art curriculum to inner-city youth
• Young people of diverse backgrounds can express themselves without limitations through programs including Voice, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Journalism
• They educate young artists on financial literacy, brand development, and marketing strategies
   

3: Urban Growers Collective

Urban Growers Collective supports health, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture.

UGC operates 8 urban farms in Chicago that enrich their communities by providing fresh, nutrient-dense produce as well as job training and education. Their programs include:

• A program for teens to learn business management skills through the farms
• An incubator for beginner BIPOC farmers
• A head-start Preschool Farm that helps students connect to food and nature
• Increasing food access through mobile markets, farm stands, and emergency food relief

4: TRUE Skool

TRUE Skool is on a mission to engage, educate, and empower youth and communities through the creative arts and hip-hop culture.

• TRUE Skool provides free after-school programming including workshops, events, lectures, and classes with a focus on social justice and community service
• Their students participate in real-world, entrepreneurial projects through partnerships with local businesses and organizations
• Students have the opportunity to perform their art – whether through live performances and gigs, murals, or exhibitions

We're grateful to have the opportunity to work with and learn from all of these amazing organizations. THANK YOU to their staff and volunteers for the important work you do.