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Nov 30, 2020
Minds Matter Introduces Its New Mission Statement

Minds Matter Continues its Unprecedented Success with a New Mission Statement

Core of 100% successful program stays the same with new clarity and refinement of purpose

Since its inception in 1991, Minds Matter has been dedicated to transforming the lives of

accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their
dreams and preparing them for college success.

The results of that work are clear: in 29 years of existence, 100% of Minds Matter graduates
nationwide have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

That work has struck a chord and fulfilled a need across the country, and in doing so Minds
Matter has organically spread from a few students in New York City to hundreds
of students across 14 major cities nationwide. With thousands of volunteers
supporting these students, Minds Matter's impact is dramatic and marked. Its
core programming is the key: college access has repeatedly been shown as one of
the most powerful levers to break free of the intergenerational cycle of
poverty.

Along with the nationwide expansion came a desire in Minds Matter leadership to reference and
honor the fundamental motivation of its students, the level of investment that
tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers and supporters have made in those
students, and the life-long benefits that accrue for the students in whom we
invest.

Which is why, after 29 successful years, all 14 Minds Matter chapters and the national office
unanimously decided to update the mission statement to reflect these and other
important elements as the program embarks on its fourth decade of success. The
organization is excited to announce that it has refined its mission statement
to reflect the benefits of the research-based, deeply-impactful Minds Matter
program nationwide.

The revised
mission statement reads:

Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the
people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their
future, and change the world.

Sara Elaqad, Chair of the Minds Matter Chapter Leadership Council, reflects that "This updated
mission maintains the important and persistent focus of our work, while also
bringing to the forefront the innate skills and impact multiple stakeholders
bring together to promote equitable access to higher education and a lifetime
of opportunity for our students nationwide."

Ashish Shah, Co-Chair of the Minds Matter National Board of Directors, shares that "this new
mission showcases the energy and research-based best practices that our 14
chapters share as well as highlighting the dedication of our students. This new
mission statement describes our work—and all that Minds Matter has to offer—in
a more meaningful way."

"The focus on people, preparation, and possibilities showcases the resources we bring to bear
to provide unprecedented successes for our students. In light of the global
Covid-19 pandemic and nationwide conversation around systemic inequity, it's
clear that our mission is critical," says Shah. "At the end of the day, this
new mission statement unifies the work across our 14 chapters. Our community is
strong, and our work continues."

About Minds Matter

Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the
people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their
future, and change the world.

Through a highly selective and rigorous 3-year academic mentoring program, Minds Matter students
accomplish the extraordinary: 100% of Minds Matter program graduates are
accepted into a four-year college and more than 70% of them attend the nation's
selective colleges. Powered by over 2,000 volunteers nationwide, Minds Matter
chapters are located in 14 cities across the country. The national office of
Minds Matter is located in New York City.

For more information about Minds Matter, please contact Minds Matter Detroit's
Chapter President, Patrick W. Martinez, at president@mindsmatterdetroit.org.

Newsletters

Minds Matter Detroit's bi-annual newsletter connects the community with what is currently in the works and shares what we have accomplished in the last 6 months. Learn about our group and students by exploring our latest accomplishments and profiles.

2018 Winter Newsletter

 

Upcoming Events 

Bowling Green State University - President's Leadership Academy Information Session

The Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy (PLA) is a four-year leadership development program that engages scholars in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities. Admitted students are awarded a scholarship for their involvement in the PLA.

Join MMD to hear from current PLA scholars as they give insight into the program, application process and their experience at BGSU. A portion of the session will be an application workshop where scholars will give tips on how to submit an impactful application.

Click here to reserve your seat: https://bgsu-pla-mmd.eventbrite.com

For more information about the President's Leadership Academy, visit their website: https://www.bgsu.edu/dean-of-students/president-leadership-academy.html

MMD BGSU PLA Information Session

 

2019 Detroit Citywide Career Day

Mark your calendars! MMD's Citywide Career Day will take place on Saturday, June 1st!
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: University of Detroit Mercy

 

Career Day is designed to place working professionals in the room with motivated high school students. In a panel format, students will attend three small group discussions with professionals from a variety of industries. Panelist will provide insight into their personal educational and career journeys. Students will gain career advice and expertise in an engaging and interactive format.

 

The event is FREE but registration is required for every attendee. Click here to register: https://mmd-career-day.eventbrite.com
Interested in serving as a panelist? Sign up today by emailing vicepresident@mindsmatterdetroit.org.

 

MMD Career Day Flyer_v3

2019 Student Open House

Rising freshman and sophomore high school students and their families are invited to join us to learn more about how Minds Matter Detroit prepares motivated students to achieve academic success. Come out to meet members of the Executive Team, current students and volunteers to gain insight on our three-year program.

Location: University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Detroit, 48221

Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM

Follow the link to register: https://goo.gl/forms/mRYCPibtnbZQWyn1

MMD 2019 Student Open House Invite 3.9.19

2018/2019 Volunteer Informational Gathering 

Come learn more about Minds Matter Detroit and ask us about volunteering with our organization. We are currently looking for mentors, teachers, and tutors for our new class of students starting in the fall.

This is a casual social event with no pressure to volunteer or join. We will also be providing food and bowling for anyone who wants to come by and meet the team.

 

Feel free to reach out with questions and we hope to see you at Punch Bowl Social.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS

 

RSVP on Facebook at Meet Minds Matter Detroit 

RSVP on Eventbrite at Meet Minds Matter Detroit

Download a pdf of our flyer to share