Greetings
Twin Cities community, Through the pursuit of the Metropolitan Minority
Outreach (MMO) board's goals and objectives, I am thrilled to play a part
in the exciting process of assisting students of color achieve their academic
and professional goals. The MMO organization was created in 1986 by a
group of Human Resources managers in Information Technology, over the
last 14-years, success has been expanding beyond expectations. Once again,
our all-volunteer organization has helped students of color navigate their
way through high school and enter college - as they work to obtain the
skills and education that is critical for success in the new millennium.
The MMO board is proud to continue our partnerships with both
the St. Paul Public Schools -Multicultural Excellence Program (MEP) and Minneapolis
Public Schools - the College Encouragement Program (CEP) in Minneapolis. I
am very proud of the MMO board members who give freely of their time, talents,
and energy - all in the interest of the students, the community and our futures.
I have mentored with the MEP for the past ten years, and this
year I am mentoring with CEP seventh grade students at Broadway Middle School
in Minneapolis. During my experience, I am reminded how important it is to
have positive role models during these stages of life. These young students
are going through very impressionable and difficult times as young teenagers,
and every year I see firsthand, the impact a mentor can have with these students.
Each mentor has the opportunity to creatively share their experiences with
students. Through this positive experience, students are exposed to new perspectives,
learn they have an exciting future full of new opportunities and receive the
skills/coaching that will enable them to acquire the ability to develop and
meet new goals in their life.
The MMO board mission remains the same, a nonprofit volunteer
organization dedicated to providing students of color with encouragement and
support to finish high school and pursue post secondary education. We know
that if we are diligent in our efforts, successful in our programs, and positive
in our influences - the students, the community, and our state will prosper
and we can all benefit significantly.
The Multicultural Excellence Program (MEP) has continued to
grow. This year St. Paul student participation is at an all time high of over
1500 students. The College Encouragement Program (CEP) began last year with
3 Minneapolis schools and 150 students and in just one year added 1 school
and 200 additional students. One of the measures of success is the effectiveness
of these students to gain employment. The new board initiative to establish
an effective e-mail mentoring process through the MMO Board web site will
strengthen our ability to support and mentor students during the difficult
decisions while seeking a college degree and employment.
The flexibility and adaptability of these programs and processes
to the ever-changing educational and business needs, makes it essential to
thank the volunteers who mentor, the businesses that support us, and especially
the schools, teachers, administrators, and parents who all work to help our
children. It is through the efforts of this diverse group of unselfish people
that our community has made so much progress in the past fourteen years. I
encourage everyone to continue to work towards the goal of making the Twin
Cities a community of opportunity, and to build a stronger foundation for
solving the problems that we are certain to face in the future. The Twin Cities
currently has a brighter future because of the foresight of so many people
who were generous with their time, talent, and financial resources. I believe
the Twin Cities can serve as a model for other communities, and I have been
delighted to be a part of these rewarding programs. Please join me in thanking
everyone, and please continue to offer our volunteers your support as they
strive to continue this valuable work!
