We Are
Minds Matter Twin Cities

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.

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What Minds Matter Does

Minds Matter is a three-year program that begins in students' sophomore year of high school. Minds Matter offers its students a combination of individualized mentor support and academic instruction that provides students with the resources, information, and guidance they need to gain admission to, enroll in, and graduate from four-year colleges.

400 Hours

More than 400 hours of in-class instruction in math and writing skills and ACT/SAT preparation

Two Mentors

Weekly mentoring with two dedicated mentors from sophomore year of high school to graduation

Two Summer Programs

Attendance at rigorous, pre-college summer programs on college campuses across the country; all travel, program costs, and accommodations are covered by Minds Matter Twin Cities

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Students have been accepted into a four-year college

We strive to equip high school students with the tools to gain acceptance to a four-year university and navigate the financial aid process. Through these efforts, we help our students develop as individuals. We introduce them to a world of opportunity outside their neighborhoods and comfort zones. Minds Matter works with motivated students because we believe that no student dedicated to earning a college education should be limited by socioeconomic status.

What People Are Saying

"During the school year, my Minds Matter mentors were a constant source of support, especially when I was overwhelmed and stressed about college applications. To know that I have people outside of my family that supports me and want to see me succeed has given me the motivation to keep pushing myself. I want to make them – and myself – proud.”

– Nancy, Minds Matter Alum and Wheaton College Class of 2019

"It didn’t take long for me to notice the many constants between chapters of Minds Matter: extremely dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic and intellectually curious mentees, and an incredible leadership network in the board of directors."

– Jonathan, Minds Matter Washington, D.C. President

"I grew up believing I had to do everything for myself. Slowly, but surely, I learned how to ask for help…it was a huge lesson to realize that I sometimes can’t do it all. If anything, I need community."

– Zhi, Minds Matter Alum and Hamilton College Class of 2019

Get Involved For The 2025-26 Academic Year!

Apply Now

Questions? Contact Us At: twincities@mindsmatter.org