IYT Minnesota: State of the Region
State of the Region
As we close 2025, IYT Minnesota is entering a phase of accelerated growth and strategic maturity. We are currently serving 290 young men of color across grades 6–11, delivering consistent mentorship and college access programming. This month was defined by high-impact exposure, with nearly 100 Brothers and family members attending community building events with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 88 Brothers visiting North Hennepin Community College to visualize their post-secondary futures.
Strategic Highlight: Major Funding Announcement
We are thrilled to announce a transformative partnership with The Constellation Fund, which has awarded IYT Minnesota a $150,000 unrestricted grant. This investment, paired with pro-bono consulting services, validates our impact model and provides the fuel needed to deepen our operations across the Twin Cities.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the new year, our focus turns to our End-Year College and Career Pathways Campaign, ensuring we have the resources to sustain this momentum into the spring semester.
Strategic Growth: $150,000 Investment from The Constellation Fund
We are thrilled to announce that The Constellation Fund has awarded Improve Your Tomorrow—Minnesota a $150,000 unrestricted grant to fuel our mission and deepen our impact across the Twin Cities. This generous investment is a powerful affirmation of Constellation’s belief in the life-changing potential of mentorship, academic support, and expanded opportunity for our Brothers.
This partnership goes far beyond funding. Through Constellation’s Beyond Dollars program, IYT-MN will gain access to expert, pro bono consulting designed to strengthen our operations, sharpen our strategy, and accelerate growth. In addition, Constellation provided a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of our programming, offering valuable insights that will inform planning and elevate our effectiveness.
To The Constellation Fund: thank you for your continued partnership and your unwavering commitment to brighter futures.
Regional Impact: 88 Brothers Tour North Hennepin Community College
Brothers sat and listened to a student panel at NHCC.
On November 4–5, 88 Brothers from IYT Minnesota hit the road for an exciting college tour of North Hennepin Community College (NHCC). During the visit, Brothers participated in an interactive campus scavenger hunt, connected with the Brother 2 Brother program, listened to an inspiring student panel, and explored academic pathways through a dynamic presentation covering majors, financial aid, and PSEO opportunities.
Q&A about Academic Pathways
Our Brothers showed up with curiosity and confidence—asking thoughtful questions and walking away with enrollment materials and swag to keep their college-going momentum strong. A heartfelt thank you to NHCC and their incredible staff for welcoming us with such intention and enthusiasm.