Your support of Wallin Education Partners is essential and one reason that Wallin scholars continue to defy the odds. This year our scholars depend on us more than ever. I want to personally thank you for standing by us as we stand by our scholars. It is my privilege to provide an update on our program and scholars through our latest Annual Report. Simply stated, 2020 has reinforced my belief that there is nothing we cannot achieve if we work together.

Posted on December 15, 2020

Minneapolis, MN (November 9, 2020) --- Black Men Teach (BMT) and Wallin Education Partners announced a new partnership to increase the number of Black men who become teachers in our community. The organizations share a common commitment to expand educational opportunities for underrepresented students. Specifically, this partnership will allow each organization to leverage their expertise to support Black men who pursue a degree in Education and serve as teachers in our community.

BMT creates the environment necessary for Black male teachers to thrive and, through their presence, deliver improved educational success for all students, especially Black male students. BMT brings a network of partners including community-based organizations, teacher training programs, K-12 schools and supporters committed to its mission to recruit, prepare, place and retain Black male teachers in elementary schools. Through the execution of a six-year demonstration project, BMT will achieve a 20 percent threshold of Black male teachers within eight schools.

“Investing in Black male teachers makes a significant impact that extends beyond the classroom into our communities, said Rhoda Mhirpiri-Reed, chair, board of director, Black Men Teach and superintendent, Hopkins Public Schools. “We are grateful for the contributions Wallin Education Partners is making to help put more Black men in the classroom, and we look forward to the windows of opportunity this will open for the students they teach.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Black Men Teach and their innovative program to help identify and assist Black men to become teachers. For years research has indicated the positive benefit of teachers from diverse backgrounds represented in the classroom. Black Men Teach is one of the few organizations that I know of that is singularly committed to this effort,” said Susan Basil King, Executive Director, Wallin Education Partners.

BMT approached Wallin Education Partners to work collaboratively to help them achieve their goal. Both organizations recognize the urgent need in the Twin Cities community for more Black teachers, and both are committed to joining forces as they develop a successful new partnership.

​Wallin Education Partners supports nearly 1,200 low-income Minnesota residents who are enrolled in college in the upper Midwest and at HBCUs across the country. Each scholar receives four years of financial aid, individualized advising, a robust program to increase success and a network of professional and social connections. Wallin scholars, who are recruited through 56 high schools, have a six-year graduation rate over 90 percent.

​From the moment Chloe Collins stepped onto her college campus, she knew she wanted to make a difference for others. Chloe was excited to begin her time at Hamline University and she quickly decided to double-major in Psychology and Spanish.
 
However, as many of us, as she began her college journey, Chloe faced several challenges. These included how to balance different types of responsibilities, navigating complex financial aid systems, and paying for college with a limited family income. She said, “Every year,  my costs would increase and the gap I had to cover became bigger.”
 
Fortunately, being a Wallin scholar meant that she had financial support and a network of people to help her reach her goals. In addition to receiving financial aid every semester, Chloe worked closely with her Wallin advisor who helped address her concerns. “My advisor helped me navigate my financial aid, understand my financial aid package, and resolve any gaps.”

Chloe tells us: “I started college very shy. College allowed me to try new things, get involved, and take on leadership opportunities.” Chloe soon became involved with the Black Student Alliance where she built meaningful connections, and found new opportunities. Chloe shared, “College wasn’t just a time for me to learn; it was also a time to unlearn. There was so much I had not been taught as a Black woman."
 
After completing her degree from Hamline,  Chloe pursued a Masters in Social Work at Columbia University.
 
Today, Chloe helps other students access a college education. She serves as a College Access Manager at the Henry Street Settlement in New York. Chloe knows first-hand the challenges students face when working towards their college degree. She is passionate about helping students remove barriers to accessing college and helping more students reach their dream of completing their college education.
 
When asked what she would tell our Wallin scholars, she shared: “You are more amazing than you think you are. You will surprise yourselves in a year when you do something you didn’t even know you were capable of.”

Thank you Chloe for sharing your story with us and being a part of our Wallin EP community!