The Cargill Foundation Education Initiatives
The Cargill Foundation is committed to helping the next generation succeed in school, work and life. Through two primary focus areas and unique education partnerships, the Foundation supports organizations and programs that foster academic success and develop necessary life skills that enable socio-economically disadvantaged young people to thrive in their lives and careers.
The Cargill Foundation has committed US $5 million over five years to Cargill Scholars®, an educational development and enrichment program designed for 50 students who have the potential for academic excellence. The goal of the program is that each participant will graduate from high school and enroll in a post-secondary institution.
Cargill works in partnership with the Neighborhood Involvement Program to support the individual needs of each student and provide a strong emphasis on writing, music, mathematics and science. Cargill employees serve as mentors to the youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. The youth will participate in the program from grade four to grade eight. The program was started in June 2001, and the Scholars are currently in seventh grade. Upon completion of eighth grade, the Scholars will transition into Destination 2010, a college incentive program sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation.
Read more about Cargill Scholars®, including monthly newsletters for students and parents, annual evaluations of program progress, and the logic model illustrating links between program components and desired outcomes.
Cargill Core Knowledge Connection
The Cargill Core Knowledge Connection, a collaborative with the Minnesota Core Knowledge Center of the Minnesota Humanities Commission started in May 2002, aims to improve student achievement in the basic academic areas in nine pre-K-8 schools. The Foundation’s grant of US $870,000 assists selected schools in integrating the Core Knowledge Sequence—a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, and the fine arts--into the school’s curriculum.
Nine schools were selected to participate in the program: Dowling Environmental Elementary School, Elim Nursery School, Excell Academy for Higher Learning, Fresh Start Academy Elementary and Pre-School, Longfellow Community Elementary and Pre-School, Twin Cities International Elementary School and the Carter G. Woodson Institute for Student Excellence. Elementary schools are eligible to receive US $40,000 in incremental funds over three years. Pre-schools are eligible to receive US $15,000 over three years. Schools participate in two workshops per year that are designed so participants may learn from other Core Knowledge schools, to provide networking opportunities and to foster a Core Knowledge leadership group among the participating schools.
Read the most recent Core Knowledge Progress Report.
Washburn High School American Studies Academy
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History promotes the study of American history through writings, lectures and teaching clinics. The Institute has established history high schools throughout the New York area to place an emphasis on the people, events and ideas that shaped the nation. In October 2002, the Cargill Foundation partnered with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and Minneapolis Public Schools to create a small learning community within Washburn High School for students who enjoy history. An intensive four-year American history curriculum covers the United States from its origins through the twentieth century, promoting academic excellence among young people including those with average academic performance and modest means.
For More Information
Stacey Smida
Grants Administrator
(952) 742-4311