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Step-Up Mentorship

The Step-Up Mentorship Program teaches young men to learn what it takes to succeed during high school, their post secondary career, and beyond for continued opportunities the rest of their lives.


With support from school staff across the Northwest Suburban Integration School District collaborative, we will work together for the purpose of sharing knowledge, experiences, and to raise expectations.  We will show that it takes a village to propel students forward in life.

Step-Up Mentorship starts with a week long Summer Summit kick-off in June after the 8th grade year.  This is held at the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis Campus.


Once students transition into high school, we meet twice monthly, during the school year, at the students school, to work on academic portfolios with these concepts in mind:

  • Grade 9: Increase Expectations
  • Grade 10: Define Aspirations
  • Grade 11: Seize Opportunities
  • Grade 12: Commit to Achievement


Students will also participate in two out-of-school educational experiences during the school year with other students from across the collaborative.  Field trip experiences include:

  • Service learning - giving back to our community
  • Best Buy - career planning including resume writing, application, and interviewing skill building
  • Base Camp - leadership skill building 


Student selection process and requirements

NWSISD staff along with school staff will identify potential participants.

  • Students must have completed grade 8, and 
  • Attend a member high school in the NWSISD collaborative in order for the mentorship program to continue past the Summer Summit.


If you have any questions about the Step-Up Mentorship Program, please contact Alphonse Wiggins  at 763-450-1304 or at awiggins@nws.k12.mn.us.