Northside Achievement Zone

09/18/2026

This summer, our Youth Foundations scholars took what they’ve been learning about confidence, courage, resilience, and believing in themselves and brought it to the stage in a production of "The Wiz" at the Capri Theater.

Youth Foundations, a Family Academy class for scholars in grades 3–8, gives young people space to build relationships, strengthen social-emotional skills, and grow their confidence. This summer, they put those skills into action as they learned lines, practiced songs and choreography, created artwork, and worked together to bring a show to life.

And "The Wiz" was about more than putting on a performance. It gave scholars a chance to explore what it means to find your voice, recognize your strengths, work through fear, and support one another. NAZ's own Alicia Smiley, Family Academy Program Manager, owned the creative approach to integrating empowerment that was at the core of the production and its success.

On August 27, they stepped onto the stage in front of their families, NAZ staff, partners, and community members and showed just how much they had grown. For some scholars, simply getting on stage took courage. Together, they showed creativity, teamwork, resilience, and what can happen when young people believe in themselves and each other. The biggest lesson of the summer? The power was in them all along.

We’re so proud of every scholar who took part and grateful to the families, staff, partners, and Capri Theater team who helped make this experience possible.

Photo Credit: Nino Powers

09/15/2026

A new school year is underway!

Last week, we welcomed our scholars back to school, ready for a year of learning, growing, and reaching new goals. And thanks to the generosity of our friends at Greater Twin Cities United Way and Digi International, our families had a little extra support getting ready for the big day.

NAZ received more than 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to share with children and families across our community. The backpacks and supply kits went directly to NAZ families and scholars, and it meant one less expense during an already costly time of year.

For scholars, it meant walking through the doors on that first day with the supplies they needed and feeling ready, confident, and excited to learn.

Because a backpack can be about more than what's inside. It can be a reminder to a family that they have a community behind them, cheering their scholar on every step of the way.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped our scholars start the school year feeling supported and ready for what’s ahead. Here's a great school year, on the Northside and beyond!

09/02/2026

This summer, WWE Superstars Otis and Ivy Nile stopped by Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary as part of SummerSlam’s community outreach via Minnesota Sports and Events, spending time with scholars participating in Freedom School — a summer learning experience rooted in the Civil Rights Movement that helps children build academic skills, confidence, leadership, and a stronger sense of identity.

Scholars had plenty of questions, from their favorite school subjects to how much they can bench press. But the visit was about more than wrestling. It gave scholars a chance to connect with role models and hear a powerful message about facing challenges, believing in yourself, and continuing to move forward. (It also included delicious cookies from our friends Cookie Cart!

All summer long, Freedom School created space for scholars to learn, grow, celebrate their culture, and discover more about who they are and what they can become.

Read the full story about a summer rooted in learning, leadership, and growth.

https://www.northsideachievement.org/news/freedom-school-learning-leading-and-growing-together

07/22/2026

07/20/2026

We're hiring a Scholar Success Coach!

Looking for more than just a job? At NAZ, you'll find purpose, people who believe in you, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in North Minneapolis.

As a Scholar Success Coach, you'll partner with scholars and families to help students succeed in school and beyond. You'll build trusted relationships, celebrate milestones, navigate challenges together, and help create brighter futures—one family at a time.

When you join NAZ, you're joining a workplace that values collaboration, continuous learning, and the belief that every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive. We invest in our staff with competitive benefits, generous paid time off, professional development, retirement benefits, wellness support, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

If you're passionate about empowering families, building community, and creating generational change, we'd love to hear from you. Apply at https://www.northsideachievement.org/careers.

07/01/2026

We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 SOARNORTH Gala, presented by Cargill, returns to the Minneapolis Armory on Saturday, October 24, for a legendary evening.

As NAZ marks our 15th anniversary, we're honored to welcome special musical guest John Legend for an intimate, one-night-only solo performance. An EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, Legend is one of only 23 people in history to achieve EGOT status and is among the most accomplished entertainers of his generation.

Join us as we celebrate the power of community, the promise of possibility, and a future where every child has roots to remind them where they're from and wings to show them what they can become.

🎟 Tickets on sale July 13

📍 Armory (500 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415)

📅 2026 SOARNORTH Gala, Saturday, October 24

06/21/2026

Congratulations to the 224 graduates of NAZ Family Academy who crossed the stage this spring!

This year’s graduation marks 15 years of Family Academy, a program that has empowered more than 1,300 North Minneapolis parents, caregivers, and youth through education, connection, and leadership development.

Family Academy equips families with the tools, knowledge, and support to help scholars succeed academically, socially, and emotionally at every stage of their journey. Just as importantly, it creates a community where families can learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and grow together.

At NAZ, we believe parents and caregivers are their child’s first teacher and strongest advocate. We are proud to celebrate this incredible group of graduates for investing in themselves, their families, and their scholars’ futures.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth marks the day—June 19, 1865—when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had declared their liberation. It is a powerful reminder that freedom delayed is justice denied, and that progress is often incomplete, uneven, and hard fought.

At NAZ, Juneteenth is more than a moment of remembrance. It is a call to reflection and action.
Earlier this year, many families across Minneapolis experienced fear, uncertainty, and disruption as federal enforcement activity affected communities and daily life. For many, it was a reminder that freedom is not only about what is written into law. It is about whether people can live with dignity, feel a sense of belonging, access opportunity, and envision a future for themselves and their children.

That understanding is at the heart of NAZ's work. Every day, we partner with families and community organizations to confront the barriers that continue to limit opportunity for too many Black children. While Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, it also challenges us to acknowledge the inequities that persist today in education, housing, health, and wealth—and to continue working toward a future where every child has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

This Juneteenth, we invite our community, city, and state to do more than reflect on how far we have come. We invite everyone to recommit to equity, belonging, and the shared responsibility of building a future where every child and family can realize their unlimited potential. Liberation is not only something we remember. It is something we continue to build together.

06/17/2026

Congratulations to Helena Wheeler on receiving a full-ride scholarship NAZ’s partnership with Harlem Children's Zone on Wealth Builds. The scholarship recognizes youth for their leadership, academic dedication, and commitment to uplifting her community.

A senior at Southwest High School, Helena is a dedicated student leader, President of the Black Student Union, member of the Youth Leadership Council, and founder of BlackLight, a nonprofit supporting Black youth through mental health, nutrition, and self-care resources. This fall, she will attend Spelman College. Helena’s journey with NAZ began in her early years, where she found academic support, confidence, and community—experiences that continue to shape her leadership and commitment to uplifting others.

We also celebrate fellow scholarship recipients Darrius Hubbard Jr., who will attend the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, and Aa’Vaeh Park, who will attend Florida A&M University. We are incredibly proud of these outstanding scholars and excited to see all they accomplish next!

06/16/2026

We're proud to share that Northside Achievement Zone President & CEO Sondra Samuels has been named one of TIME's inaugural Visionaries.

Selected as one of 14 honorees nationwide, Sondra joins a remarkable group of leaders recognized for driving bold, systemic change to help children reach their full potential. According to TIME, the inaugural list highlights individuals working across education, mental health, economic opportunity, housing, and other critical areas to ensure young people have the support and resources they need to thrive.

For more than 15 years, Sondra has championed a vision rooted in the strengths, aspirations, and potential of North Minneapolis families. Under her leadership, NAZ has grown into a collaborative of more than 40 partner organizations and schools working together to support children and families from cradle to career.

In its profile, highlighted NAZ's innovative Wealth Builds Minneapolis initiative, in partnership with Harlem Children's Zone, which helps families build assets and opportunity through financial education and college savings accounts, as well as the organization's long-term commitment to improving outcomes for North Minneapolis children.

While this recognition bears Sondra's name, it reflects the visionary and collective efforts of countless scholars, families, staff, partners, and community members who have worked together to build a brighter future for North Minneapolis.

As Sondra shared with TIME, "It's about hope. We're here to power purpose and potential on the Northside."

Congratulations, Sondra. We are grateful for your leadership and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

See more here: https://time.com/collection/visionaries/2026/sondra-samuels/