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.
Minnesota Equity in Action Framework
A publication that promotes equitable power relationships for education excellence.

Minnesota Equity in Action Framework
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.
Educating our children is shared work. This framework outlines ways to forge equal partnerships.
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 -College & Career Readiness: Preparing a New Generation For Success


Are you a high school student interested in building skills for success in high school, college, career and beyond? If so, BLACK GEMS is for you. This program helps prepare 9-12 grade students for the college experience. We integrate academic skill building with life-skill development and college culture awareness. Seniors may be paired with a mentor who will help them through their freshman year of college.
Black Gems offers students:
- Opportunity to engage Black students from a variety of schools
- Life skills training
- Financial literacy
- Support to increase reading comprehension
- Social and emotional learning covering topics such as peer pressure, developing a support system and coping through transitions
- Help with the college application essays, admission process and scholarship tips
- Springtime tour of HBCUs and civil rights sites
When: Thursdays, from 4:00-6:00 pm beginning September 29, 2022 thru April 27th, 2023. Saturday computer classes currently in development.
Where: Urban League Twin Cities, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North – Minneapolis, MN 55411 (Fully vaccinated students can meet in person.)
The annual fee-based tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will be based on the status of the pandemic.
For additional information, contact Marquita Stephens, VP, Strategic Initiatives at 612-302-3114 or smoses@ultcmn.org.
Recommended Reading
Click the PDF icon below to check out some of the books we recommend for your reading.