Breakthrough Twin Cities

“Paul kaufman & patricia hayes kaufman have a family relationship.”

“The organization does not have any committees that have authority to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“The finance committee will review and approve the form 990 and recommend board approval. The board will review the form 990 prior to filing with the irs.”

“A conflict of interest arises when members who are able to influence a decision, whether by official vote, influence, position, or intellectual persuasion, are liable to gain some personal advantage, or advantage to their immediate family or household, from the outcome of the decision in which they are involved; or some advantage for an organization with which the individuals are directly involved as an officer, director, employee or other capacity. If such a conflict arises, the member with the conflict is expected to disclose in writing the existence of the conflict to the board chair as soon as that member is aware of the conflict. The board chair will, in turn, determine the appropriate method for managing the conflict. All proceedings related to conflicts of interest are documented in the meeting minutes.”

“Data consisting of compensation from comparable non-profits of like size is reviewed by the finance committee prior to determining the compensation of officers and key employees. Compensation best practice is to remain within 20% of the operating budget. The finance committee reviews the data and makes a recommendation to the board for approval. The board approves the compensation and documents in the meeting minutes. The most recent compensation review took place on july 14, 2014 for executive director, mikisha nation.”

“Breaktrhough twin cities does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, or financial statements available to the public.”

“The challenge in minnesota, 85% of white students graduate from high school, compared to only 64% of low-income students of color. Nationally, only 38% of students of color start college - and only 11% of that number graduate. Students of color are less likely to: enroll in college prep coursework, score in the high range on state and college entrance exams, or enroll in and graduate from any post-secondary educational institution. The opportunity gaps for educational attainment have a ripple effect, contributing to a widening economic divide and limiting access to financial and social mobility. The current state of teacher recruitment, retention, and diversity is in minnesota is equally challenging - and we face a looming shortage of excellent teachers in the coming years. Data also shows that teachers of color, culturally competent educators, and teachers with a mindset that all students are capable of learning are more effective at teaching students of color. In st. Paul, 77% of students are students of color, yet only 17% are teachers of color. Minneapolis has 67% students of color, compared to 16% teachers of color. Nationally, more than 30% of teachers leave within the first three years. Over 50% leave within five years. Teachers of color are 24% more likely to leave teaching than their white counterparts. In some years, more teachers of color leave than enter the profession. In short, the twin cities and surrounding communities must address both educational disparities that impact student success and teacher pipeline challenges if we are to continue to achieve economic success in the current knowledge-based economy. Program approach and model preparing student for college success btc is a six-year, tuition-free academic enrichment and college preparatory program predominately serving 7th -12th grade low-income students of color. However, it is not without significant investment by the youth and families btc serves. During the 6th grade, btc invites youth and their parents to apply through a competitive written youth/parent application process. Btc youth applicants demonstrate potential, but students face overwhelming odds, tentative circumstances and complicated challenges to getting and staying on the path to college. In order to be eligible for the btc program, students must meet at least two of the following: -race or ethnic group underrepresented in college (96%) -qualify for free or reduced lunch (92%) -will be the first generation in their family to graduate from college (86%) -speak a home language other than english (68%) -single parent home (or similar family stress, i.e., parent is deployed or incarcerated) (38%) -attend a title 1 school to gain acceptance and enroll in btc, students and parents agree to - and each sign a contract committing that they will - actively participate in the intensive summer and school year program activities to ensure student success. Btc seeks applicants who demonstrate they have: -motivation to learn, work hard, and get to college -ability to produce high quality work -respect for peers and adults -consistent attendance in school -appreciation for differences in others -parents (or guardians/close family members) are committed to their success in the program -committed to the six-year program btc students benefit from over 250 hours of rigorous academic instruction in math, science, literature, writing, and elective courses during six-week summer program and school year saturday sessions. Btc programing leverages students' strengths and competencies to ensure that they attain the social and emotional development, growth mindset, 21st century leadership skills, and entrepreneurial thinking needed to be successful in middle school, high school, college, career, and life. Cultivating next generation of educators (students teaching students) btc has a second and equally important strategy to ensure all youth succeed in school - by creating a pipeline of diverse educators. Btc recruit”