The Need

Wallin Education Partners addresses a pressing community and national concern – low college graduation rates, especially for students with financial need, for first-generation college student and for students of color.  MORE

Our Response

Our organization addresses this concern by providing financial aid and comprehensive advising services and through data-informed collaboration with our high school and college partners.  MORE

Our Impact

Since 1992, we have awarded over $32 million in scholarships to 3,000 low- to moderate- income students from partnering Metro Area schools. More than 60% of our scholars and graduates are students of color and the majority are first-generation college students.  Yet our recent retention rates (90%+) and graduation rates (75%+) greatly exceed state and national rates for all populations. 

Among our graduates are doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists, business leaders and artists.  They are giving back to their communities in innumerable ways and creating promising futures for generations to come.  We plan to share some of these stories on our site in the months ahead. 

"Wallin Education Partners is an important source of financial, academic and social support for University of Minnesota students of modest means. The nearly $1 million in scholarships awarded each year [at the University] underscores the shared commitment of the Wallins, their fellow donors, and the University of Minnesota to provide a world-class education to local students from all walks of life."

- Robert Bruininks  |  President of the University of Minnesota