Mission Statement
To enable college and career success for Minnesota students with financial need through scholarships, comprehensive advising support, and collaboration with our educational, business, and philanthropic partners.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
Wallin Education Partners supported 1255 students who attended four year institutions and 94 students who pursued a two-year, career-ready degree. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree graduated at a rate of 91%.
342 new students were welcomed into the program, each student received financial aid and wrap around college-completion support.
Over 5,000 meetings with individual students were held.
100 connections were made between professional mentors and students.
41 virtual career and networking events were held for scholars and alumni.
Administered scholarships for 87 individual, corporate and foundation donor partners supporting over 1,200 students.
In addition to graduating at a rate of over 90%, 95% of Wallin Scholars are employed within six months of graduation, and 80% stay in the Twin Cities area, contributing to our local economy. Recent research indicates that for every dollar invested in Wallin, $7.79 in economic and social benefits are generated for our community (Ecotone, 2020). Additionally, a 2020 survey of Wallin’s 5,000+ alumni indicates that Wallin graduates are out of poverty, with a 98% employment rate and median individual income of $50-75K. Wallin Alumni are also three times more likely to have obtained an advanced degree than the average Minnesotan.
Current Goals
Wallin works to increase racial and social equity in higher education by equipping students from low-income households and communities of color to graduate from college and build careers. We do this through a holistic support system of financial aid, professional advising, community sponsors, and peer cohorts. Specific goals for FY22 include:
Support 1,320 students in the four-year program.
Maintain a six-year graduation rate of 90% or higher for students in the four-year program.
Welcome 300 students into the program who are pursuing a four-year degree.
Support 160 students pursing a two year degree.
Hold 20 professional development meetings including career fairs and alumni networking events.
Hold one career event in collaboration with other community organization benefiting students from low-income backgrounds.
Connect as many students as possible to internship and employment opportunities.
Community or Constituency Served
Wallin Education Partners supports Minnesota students who come from low-income backgrounds. We are currently supporting over 1,200 students who are attending four-year and two-year institutions. 83% of our scholars are students of color and 71% are first in their family to attend college. Students are welcomed into the program as seniors in high school and are supported until college graduation and beyond.
Geographic Area Served
Wallin Education Partners scholars come from 69 partner high schools in the Twin Cities metro area, Austin MN and Granite Falls, MN.
