IYT Minnesota Executive Briefing: December 2025
- Kevin Akins
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
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
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.
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.
School Spotlight: Park Center High School
Park Center Brothers are wrapping up Trimester 1 with determination, pushing hard to finish strong academically. Many are juggling tough coursework, sports, and active involvement in IYT programming, showing remarkable leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
Key Highlights:
Community Building: We brought more than 60 Brothers and their families to a Minnesota Timberwolves game to strengthen connections beyond school walls.
Mock Interview Champions: PC Brothers—alongside their mentor, Antonio Tate—were recognized for leading the winning team in our mock job interview challenge.
Leadership: A special recognition to Brothers DaShawn McVay and Tony Brown, who represented the region during a Brotherhood Group Interview with an external partner, speaking confidently about how IYT has shaped their goals.
School Spotlight: Hopkins High School
Momentum was high at Hopkins High School this past month as we centered our work around one powerful theme: accountability. During programming, Brothers engaged in meaningful conversations about connecting the concept to setting grade goals, tracking progress, and taking ownership of their academic journey.
All 25 Hopkins Brothers are continuing to grow into what it means to truly buy into the Brotherhood through their actions. They are beginning to recognize that accountability isn’t just a word but a practice—one that shapes their success and character.
School Spotlight: Middle School Momentum
Our middle school cohorts across the region have focused heavily on academic engagement and exposure this month:
Brooklyn STEAM Middle School
24 BMS Brothers were treated to an experience at a Minnesota Timberwolves game—an opportunity for them and their families to relax and deepen trust. Inside the classroom, 1:1 sessions focused on grade checks and goal setting are driving academic ownership.
North View Middle School
Two major highlights powered the month forward: bringing 10 North View families to the Timberwolves game and joining the Fall College Tour to NHCC. Mentors facilitated consistent study halls to reinforce productive work habits.
St. Louis Park Middle School
Brothers dove into programming exploring the definition of brotherhood—showing up for one another and building trust. They carried that energy into friendly 1-on-1 competitions where sportsmanship shone through.
Richfield Middle School
Brothers engaged with the Theatre Club at NHCC, sparking a lively exchange about confidence and storytelling. A special shout-out to Morris Crumble (8th grade), who stepped up to lead Region Hype with outstanding energy.
Leadership Update: Minnesota Board of Advisors
We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Minnesota! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.
Featured Advisor
David Hood
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, MSU Mankato
"I support IYT Minnesota because it allows me to draw on nearly two decades of work expanding college access—and my own lived experiences—to help the next generation of scholars see college as a real and attainable opportunity."
Brother of the Month: Dashawn McVay
10th Grade
Park Center Senior High School
Dashawn proudly calls himself the MN Region “IYT Representative,” and he truly embodies what that means. This month, he showed exceptional leadership and commitment by attending our college tour and confidently representing IYT during a Brother Group Interview. Dashawn spoke openly about how the program has shaped him, demonstrating maturity, pride, and a deep understanding of Brotherhood. Continue shining, Dashawn!
Funder Acknowledgement: Champion Spotlight
We are excited to announce that Improve Your Tomorrow—Minnesota has been awarded a 2025 Annual Grant of $1,300 from the Richfield Foundation. We are truly grateful for their support and for recognizing the impact IYT is making with students and families in the Richfield community.
Thank you for believing in our mission!
Foundations: The Constellation Fund, Richfield Foundation, Graves Foundation, NBA Foundation, Huntington Foundation, Wright Hennepin Cooperative, HB Fuller Foundation, Tickets for Kids.
Corporate Partners: AMPACT, Raising Canes, Chili’s, 4IMPRINT, Associated Bank.
Education Partners: North Hennepin Community College, University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State University Mankato.