Your Gift...
At Summit Academy OIC, opportunity is not reserved for those who can afford it.
We remove one of the most significant barriers to education and career advancement so that individuals can access real opportunity, not just aspire to it. But no cost to students does not mean no cost to deliver. To sustain this model, Summit must close a $3,000 funding gap for every student we serve.
Across Minnesota, access to opportunity is not equal.
In the Twin Cities, the median household income is approximately $98,000. Summit students report a median household income of just $29,129. This gap reflects deeper disparities—white households earn nearly twice as much as Black households, and the poverty rate for Black residents is nearly four times higher.
Even for those who pursue postsecondary education, financial barriers remain overwhelming. Nearly 40% of Minnesota college students experience basic needs insecurity , including challenges with housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
At the same time, Minnesota faces a growing workforce shortage. Only about 60% of Minnesotans hold a postsecondary credential , while industries like construction, healthcare, IT, and financial services continue to expand and struggle to find qualified talent.
Summit Academy OIC exists to expand access to economic opportunity through industry-aligned, no cost Career and Technical Education (CTE) trainings and a GED program. As workforce needs continue to grow and evolve across Minnesota, Summit is scaling our impact to meet employer demand and community need.
As we look ahead, Summit’s strategic goals are to:
• Grow to serve 2,000 students annually
• Strengthen our position as a workforce solution in the Twin Cities
• Continue to move individuals from poverty to prosperity through access to family-sustaining careers
Support from donors and partners is critical to maintaining Summit’s no-cost training model and ensuring continued access for students who would otherwise be unable to pursue postsecondary education.
Contributions to Summit directly close the $3,000 tuition gap per student, enabling us to deliver comprehensive training and wraparound support without placing a financial burden on our students. This investment ensures students can enroll, complete their training, and enter the workforce with the skills and credentials employers need.
Fund-A-Need Chart Levels and Impact
$100,000: supports thirty-three students
Transforms futures for an entire group of students entering career pathways
$50,000: supports sixteen students
Helps build Minnesota’s future workforce
$25,000: eight students
Opens doors to opportunity and economic mobility
$10,000: supports three students
Launches careers and supports workforce entry
$5,000: supports 1-2 students
Provides meaningful support for student success
$3,000: supports 1 student
Fully closes the tuition gap for one CTE student
$1,000: partial support
Invests in a student’s path to opportunity
Every contribution helps advance Summit Academy's mission, and we are deeply grateful for your support!
