Film by Passenger Productions
Northside Achievement Zone is uncompromising in the way it uplifts north Minneapolis families. It uses education supports and job training services to close student achievement gaps, and wants to end the multi-generational poverty that is persistent in the “Zone.” This 13- by-18-block area of the city is federally-designated as a “Racially Concentrated Area of Poverty.”
Every aspect of the organization’s work engages parents and children. Staff serve as the backbone for collaboration through Family Achievement Coaches, Academic Specialists and wraparound-support specialists. They use their strong community ties to create integrated support networks for each family that adjust to evolving goals, needs and aspirations. In this model, parents gain the support and skills they need to lead themselves and their children out of poverty.
Strategies, advocates and relationships — not fixed programs — are the key to the Northside Achievement Zone’s success. The organization excels at promoting a culture of persistence and accountability to reach long-term, ambitious goals for children and their families.
