Spring 2024 Newsletter

May 10, 2024
carpentry student

Moving Students Forward

A flat tire. An eviction notice. Lack of gas money. All of these situations and more can become insurmountable hurdles for a Summit Academy OIC student struggling to make it financially. Just a little help can help keep a student on the path to graduation so they can pursue their dreams. The Student Support Fund provides financial intervention for needs such as groceries, childcare, laptops, transportation, and more. Read on to find out about the Fund and how, through it, you’re helping students succeed.

Meeting Students’ Financial Needs

For years, Summit Academy has supported students’ financial needs and employment readiness to aid student success. COVID Relief Fund monies added to this generosity by providing student stipends. Seeing the great demand for short-term financial assistance, Summit established the Student Support Fund through the Scaling Up for Greater Impact campaign to assist students facing financial need and help them stay on track to graduation.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Marilyn Kyi, Summit Carpentry graduate

Marilyn Kyi '23 desperately wanted a better life, and Summit's Carpentry training was the perfect option for her. But as a single person, how would she cover her bills if she wasn't working full time?

She arrived at school by 8:30 a.m. and attended class until almost 3 p.m. After an hour's break, she went to her part-time job as a homeless shelter advocate until midnight. Then she would go home, do her homework, and get up in time for school the next day. 

Even with her part-time job, Marilyn struggled to keep up with bills and the increasing price of gas. Then she heard that gas cards were available through the Student Support Fund.

"The gas cards helped me so I could commute to and from Summit," Marilyn says. "If I didn't get that help, I would not have made it through school."

Thanks to you, Marilyn graduated and now works full time as a carpenter for Premier Construction Services. "The skills gained at Summit will help me advance in my career," she says.

"For someone living on the edge financially, it doesn't take much to throw them off track," says Summit's Director of Enrollment & Student Services. "The Student Support Fund is a lifesaver, helping students like Marilyn overcome barriers to getting to class and graduating. With the Fund, a little goes a long way to help our students reach their professional goals."

At Summit, stories like Marilyn's happen every day. YOUR gifts make this possible. 

Photo of Wendy Wells, donor to Summit Academy

Donor Spotlight: Wendy Wells

Many of our donors have supported Summit Academy for many years. For donor Wendy Wells, supporting Summit was a way to give back to the community. When Wendy heard about the Student Support Fund, she immediately wanted to help. With her gift from the Wells Family Fund administered by the Minneapolis Foundation, she helps keep students on track to graduation and a better life. "I thought it was a great idea to provide wraparound support services for students to alleviate external pressures and obstacles that might hinder a successful education," Wendy says. "When students' basic needs are met, they can better concentrate on their studies. I appreciate Summit's direction in supporting that."

Scaling Up Campaign

 

Scaling Up for Greater Impact

$8.5 Million | PRIORITY: Grow Training Opportunities to Reach More Students
$2.5 Million | PRIORITY: Provide Short-Term Help to Keep Students on Track to Graduation
$2 Million | PRIORITY: Expand STEM Career Pathways for Minneapolis Youth

graphic of thermometer showing $12,216,326 funds raised

We are close to reaching our $13 million goal for the Scaling Up for Greater Impact campaign—in fact, we just surpassed the $12 million mark!

We're excited about all the possibilities these extra funds will create for our students, their families, and our community. Your gift will help create pathways out of poverty and help by providing our latest training in Financial Services that will open doors to entry-level careers starting at an average hourly wage of $20. Last month, 20 students began their journey toward a career in financial services. Your gifts made this possible!

The campaign has also provided emergency funds for 94 students this year so they can complete their training and move into new, well-paying jobs with top companies. Your campaign gifts are also developing vital STEM career pathways for youth to inspire the workforce of the future.

Your generosity will help move more students into good jobs that sustain themselves and their families.

Join Us in Expanding Opportunity

You can help create life-changing opportunities for students and families:

  • Give. Your donation provides tuition-free career training.
  • Hire. Partner with Summit graduates for meaningful careers.
  • Volunteer. Share your experience through mentorship, mock interviews, or classroom visits.

Every act of support helps build a thriving community where everyone has the chance to succeed.