EDUCATION
Creating strategies for a secure future.
Urban League Twin Cities works to advocate for an educational experience that best prepares students and the families that support them, to become ready for success as capable and inspired persons. Direct programming, policy analysis, advocacy, and collaboration with others characterize our work on behalf of our constituency to the benefit of all.
Education
Urban League Twin Cities works to advocate for an educational experience that best prepares students and the families that support them, to become ready for success as capable and inspired persons.
Direct programming, policy analysis, advocacy, and collaboration with others characterize our work on behalf of our constituency to the benefit of all.
Minnesota Equity in Action Framework
A publication that promotes equitable power relationships for education excellence.
It is our hope that stronger bonds between schools and communities will be built through shared power and partnerships that promote healthy and dynamic outcomes for our children.
It is our hope that stronger bonds between schools and communities will be built through shared power and partnerships that promote healthy and dynamic outcomes for our children.
This project is supported by a joint initiative between the National Urban League, the Council of Great City Schools, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and funded by The Wallace Foundation.
BLACK GEMS Description & Philosophy
Black Gems College & Career is a culturally affirming readiness program for Black high school students in the Twin Cities. Serving 20-25 scholars annually, the program blends arts, STEM career exploration, collegiate exploration, SEL development, workplace readiness, and guided HBCU tours. Outcomes include academic progression, aiming for 100% GPA improvement and 100% high school graduation. Students will meet 1-2 times per week for two-hour sessions where they will receive college preparation and application guidance; workforce training through resume writing and interview prep; have internship opportunities; hands on career exploration through roundtables and occupation practice modules; and can join BG alumni networks. Students leave academically stronger, socially equipped, and professionally prepared as they move toward college, career, and community leadership.
Black Gems Meet:
- In MINNEAPOLIS, THURSDAYS 5pm-7pm – Beginning Thursday, October 15, 2026 thru May 6, 2027 – Urban League Twin Cities – 2100 Plymouth Avenue North, Mpls. MN 55411 * Food Provided
Black Gems Plans:
- Students will work with the Hennepin County Sherriff’s department on studying forensics, DNA analysis, fingerprint scanning, crime lab analysis, and crime scene investigation.
- Students will collaborate with professional artists to use improv, spoken word, creative writing, and stage performance to put on a live show made by them at the Guthrie Theatre
- Students will learn about filmmaking, filmography, and digital editing and photography to develop skills in content creation and short filmmaking, including an optional participation in a documentary
- Sessions on exploring Colleges and Universities that fit their evolving interests and going through the application process and college essay writing.
- Local State College Tours and Historic and Cultural site vistits in the Twin Cities.
- Financial literacy and Money Management
- HBCU and Civil Rights Tour
When: Thursdays, from 5:00-7:00 pm (Beginning October 15, 2026 thru May 6, 2027)
Where: Urban League Twin Cities, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North – Minneapolis, MN 55411
Enrollment Open Now: Enroll in Black Gems
For additional information, contact Black Gems Program Manager, John Stephens at 612-302-3114 or jstephens@ultcmn.org
EDUCATION
Urban League Twin Cities advocate for an education experience that best prepares students, and the families that support them to become ready for success.