Hiawatha Through College

In Minnesota, educational outcomes for students of color and low income students are the worst in the nation, making a college education unattainable for many. Compounding this problem is the fact that these students often leave high school without the preparation necessary to enter college. That means a more than 20 percent gap between the high school graduation rates of white students and students of color, with proficiency levels lagging behind even further. Add to that the fact that only 25% of low income students graduate college by age 24, compared with 60% for their more affluent peers, and you have a monumental opportunity gap. 

Hiawatha Academies is actively working toward a solution to this crisis with our bold program Hiawatha Through College. 

Hiawatha Academies is a network of high-performing public charter schools working to close the opportunity gap in Minneapolis. Their vision is to permanently disrupt educational inequity by ensuring a great school for every child.

At Hiawatha Academies, a college degree is an expectation for all scholars, and preparation begins well before the scholars are seniors. There is a college-bound culture at Hiawatha Academies that is a part of the DNA of every grade level. 

Hiawatha Through College (HTC) is a required program for all Hiawatha Collegiate High School scholars, beginning in their freshman year and following them through four years of college. During the four years of high school, HTC prepares scholars for the realities of college, requiring regular college visits, conversations with college representatives, and providing a summer program during which they can earn college credit. For seniors, the program becomes even more practical, implementing requirements to complete college and scholarship applications. The program continues post-graduation as these scholars, now Hiawatha alumni, enter college. With the help of Alumni Advisors, Hiawatha alumni are provided mentorship, accountability, guidance, and practical support throughout their collegiate career. 

You can help by giving a gift that supports scholars like Bianey, Juan, Diego & Nayeli. 

• $25: Helps cover the cost of a college application fee
• $50: Helps cover the cost of hosting FAFSA Nights 
• $100: Helps cover the cost of one college entrance exam (ACT / SAT)  
• $250: Helps cover the cost of travel for Hiawatha K-8 scholars to attend Senior Signing Day
• $500: Helps cover the cost of an overnight college visit experience for a Hiawatha scholar 
• $1,000: Helps cover the cost of a month of travel for on-campus meetings between Hiawatha Alumni Coordinator and Hiawatha alumni enrolled in local colleges  

While we are using Give to the Max Day to highlight the importance of Hiawatha Through College, all gifts made will be unrestricted to Hiawatha Academies.