The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. Together with our partner organizations, we are walking side by side with low-income families as they put their children on a path to college.

NAZ has a game-changing approach that is closing the achievement gap. NAZ’s wraparound framework effectively supports low-income children of color so that they will graduate from high school prepared for college.

Our approach is working. NAZ-enrolled families are making remarkable strides. Our children are not only showing improved academic outcomes at key kindergarten and third grade benchmarks, but families are stabilizing their housing, employment, and health. These early successes are already driving a culture change in North Minneapolis.

Return on investment. A study by Wilder Research demonstrates that each dollar invested in NAZ provides more than a $6 societal return.

Education

Humanitarian

Social Impact

Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)

Sondra Samuels

Danielle V. Andrews

Rachel W.

Jillian Kahn Burch

Karen Kelley-Ariwoola

Paige Buchanan Mpa

Andre Dukes

Natalie Wilson Obee

Karen Casanova

Kalin Lebrun

The Family Support Team at Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) works directly with low-income families in North Minneapolis to provide a holistic and comprehensive framework of support. This team engages families through recruitment and continuous coaching, helping to stabilize key areas such as housing, employment, and health. By facilitating empowerment courses and connecting families with crucial resources, the Family Support Team ensures that parents and children are equipped to meet educational milestones, ultimately setting children on a path to college and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Family Support Team

Leadership Team

Marketing and Communications

Family Support Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)

Leadership Team

Marketing and Communications