Twin Cities
About Us
Minnesota is a top 10 state in a variety of livability measures (according to U.S. News): healthcare, employment, and education. We rank seventh in the country for PreK through 12th grade education. That said, student achievement results indicate massive disparities in educational outcomes by race and class. While these rates have improved slightly over the past few years, Minnesota ranks in the bottom four states for four-year high school graduation for Black, Latino, and Indigenous students. Only 60 percent of Minnesota's students of color graduate—and of that group, only one-third go on to enroll in post-secondary institutions. Thirty percent of low-income background students and students of color enrolled in college have to take remedial coursework. These are the challenges that face our community.
Teach For America is a network of leaders transforming the education landscape in the Twin Cities Metro Area in order to ensure that one day all students have access to an excellent education. We recruit and develop promising young leaders to teach in low-income schools for at least two years, then support their impact throughout their careers, both within and outside of the education system. The majority of our alumni continue to live out their dedication to the Teach For America mission in schools, policy, business, law, healthcare, and nonprofits across the Twin Cities.
More than
320
corps members since 2009.
Approximately
16K
students impacted across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
More than
900
alumni, including 46% working in education and 81% working on issues that impact low-income populations.
More About the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis are incredibly rich and diverse cities with dramatic skylines, exciting pro sports, award-winning theaters, renowned restaurants, and a booming craft beer scene. Whether you are a music lover, avid biker, or love hiking—there is something for everyone. Minnesota is home to 66 state parks, 10,000 lakes, and historic music venues famous for their live music. We enjoy all four seasons, and while you have likely heard of our snowy winters, we also enjoy beautiful summers and vibrant falls.
Our region is situated on Dakota land, and indigenous people continue to demonstrate their talents and gifts here. The land of 10,000 lakes is home to a number of vibrant communities. We have the second-largest Hmong population in the U.S., as well as the largest Somali population in the world outside of Somalia. Minnesota also has the largest population of urban Native students in the country and the largest urban settlement of Indigenous or American Indian communities.
Our Network
Our region is comprised of an expansive network of corps members and alumni. Nineteen percent of our corps and 16 percent of alums identify as people of color, and more than one-fifth come from low-income backgrounds. Our alums span across all sectors in the Twin Cities’ community, from teachers to policy and advocacy leaders.
Mikisha Nation
Executive Director
Teach For America Twin Cities
Mikisha brings 15 years of experience in corporate, government, and nonprofit leadership to her role as Executive Director of Teach For America's Twin Cities region. Mikisha shares lived experience with many of the students we serve and is deeply committed to expanding excellent educational opportunities for all children.
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