Standing with Scholars 2020 Annual Report A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Leveling the playing field, one degree at a time. Nationally, it is estimated that only 21 percent of low-income, first-generation students who enter a four-year college will complete their degree. Since 1992, Wallin Education Partners has changed these odds for Minnesota students by upholding a simple but powerful truth—when you invest in education, you invest in society. This year, we are reminded of the challenges we face as a community and society. Our education system has significant gaps, high costs and persistent disparities for low-income students, especially students of color. We can change the patterns that hold so many young people back and provide them the support needed to help them succeed. Our model of financial aid and 21% 91% comprehensive individual advising accelerates economic mobility and fundamentally increases the odds of graduation and employment for underrepresented students. of low-income, of Wallin EP scholars 2 first-generation students graduate college With access to education, so much can change. For nearly 30 years we have partnered with high schools, donors, community 1 graduate college organizations and civic leaders to support and send more than 5,000 students on their college journeys. I believe the accomplishments of Wallin scholars speak for themselves; but don’t take my word for it, read on to see for yourself... Susan Basil King, EdD Executive Director 1 2 Both percentages are six-year graduation rates 1The Pell Institute for the Study of 2 Wallin EP internal for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Opportunity in Higher Education (2019) scholar data (2020) 2020 KEY OUTCOMES 6-Year Comparative Graduation Rates 100% 91% Sustaining our impact in an 90% 91% unprecedented year 80% 70% 65% 2020 is a year unlike any other. With your help, we are proud to be Percentage 60% supporting more scholars in more ways than ever before. 62% 50% 40% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Matriculation Year All Wallin Education Partners Scholars All Wallin Education Partners Scholars of Color 1,187 5,000+ 54 291 All students attending college in MN All students attending college in U.S. Total Scholars Individual Meetings New 2-Year New 4-Year Enrolled with Scholars in 2020 Scholars Scholars 82% 91% 95% Students of Six-year Employment Color Graduation Rate Rate1 3 4 1Employed or entered graduate school within six months of Sources: Wallin Education Partners internal data; US Dept. of Education College Scorecard; MN Private Colleges graduation. 2019 data used, 2020 data being finalized. Council; MN Office of Higher Education. National and state data is typically two years behind Wallin EP data. THE WALLIN MODEL A uniquely student-centric Surrounded by So much “is hard with the pandemic, but knowing scholarship support I have the support of my Wallin is so much more than a scholarship, advisor and the Wallin The Wallin Education Partner’s model is effective it is a holistic support system. network, it would be a dis- because it delivers comprehensive wraparound support in addition to financial aid. It includes a ial Aid | Indi service to give up now. anc vidu Fin al research-based curriculum, data-based decisions, ize | d A and continuous improvement. s d e v v i - Faith Ogega ti s a in i g it In | r e S e c r h a o C l a - r o - t t - o e - D g e o Financial Individualized Effective l l n o o Aid Advising Partnerships r C C o | n n e s c p i t i h o s n r s e n | t r S a c P h e o v l i a t r College-to-Career Scholar-to-Donor Scholar & Alumni c & e f f A E l Initiatives Connections Community u | m n y i t i C n o u m m All Wallin scholars engage in a 1-on-1 advising relationship lasting the entire duration Faith Ogega of their time in college. Our professional advisors have advanced degrees and years of experience supporting scholars in matters spanning academics, professional growth, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities • Finance • Class of 2021 financial acumen, personal development, and more. 5 6 RESILIENT & RESOURCEFUL Navigating college in the 5000+ Virtual scholar time of COVID-19 meetings in 2020 This year has demanded the best of our educational institutions, community organizations, and business leaders. Regardless of what comes next, Wallin will continue to move forward together with our partners to empower students most in need of support. Adapting Our Program Managing Uncertainty Finding Hope 100 percent of advisor meetings now COVID-19 has created a lack of clarity Persistence and retention of our schol- occur online. This has improved advisor on many issues: impacts on the cost of ars remains very high. Scholars are Career Fair Event • September 2020 availability and decreased response college, disruptions to natural social finding new ways to get involved on times for meeting student requests, integration, and modified academic campus, celebrate good news and without sacrificing 1-to-1 interactions. calendars as examples. achievements, and plan for the future. 19 41 50+ New virtual 1-on-1 Wallin Education Partners is built for this challenge. Virtual career and Virtual large events networking events for scholars and mentoring relationships with employers and alumni all across the through the Wallin career coaches country Wisdom Project 7 8 Estimated Return on Investment DATA-DRIVEN WALLIN’S SOCIAL IMPACT Leveraging decades of data In July 2020, Ecotone Analytics completed a social ROI study combining evidence-based research analysis and monetization of impact Who Benefits? to deliver life-changing results outcomes. Download the full analysis at wallinpartners.org/socialimpact At Wallin, data is critical. We consistently collect and monitor data from staff, scholars, and partners. We engage experts in sound statistical analysis to inform decisions and share findings. Wallin seeks to leverage multiple decades of data to quantify outcomes, broadly share results and best practices, and be a player in driving systemic change. Average Cost Per Scholar $311 million $1 $7.79 57% graduation lift Total projected social returns for all For every $1 invested in Wallin Increase in likelihood of graduating scholars who started college between Education Partners, the social return in six years for Wallin Scholars versus 2010-2019. on investment is approximately $7.79. other college-going students with similar characteristics. 9 10 STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY Equity through education 1 Each day we become more and more aware of the injustice and racism that continues to exist in our country. At Wallin Education Partners, we believe Black lives matter. Period. Educational equity is at the center of our work and is realized through our unwavering commitment to scholars and their success in college. By helping scholars reach their full potential despite the systemic challenges they face, we believe we can help create a more equitable society. 1Race and Ethnicity graph and statistics are for Class of 2020 2 Wallin EP 4-Year Scholars We recognize our responsibility to better understand the 2Additional Ethnicities include scholars who selected challenges of injustice and inequality. Wallin Education “Native American or Alaskan Native” or “Prefer Not to Answer” Partners commits to do our part to help eliminate systemic racism through organized reflection, open discussion, and continual program improvement. Progress through partnership For years, research has indicated the positive benefit of teachers from diverse backgrounds represented in the classroom. Building on a common commitment to expand educational opportunities for underrepresented students, Wallin Education Partners and Black Men Teach announced a new partnership to support Black men who plan to pursue a degree in education and serve as teachers in our community. Learn more at wallinpartners.org/blackmenteach 11 12 EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS Alumni Donors Our incredible alumni Our generous donors leverage community supports scholars their resources to support A growing network of support during and after college. 5,000 scholars through college. Alumni For over 28 years, Wallin has assembled and expanded a system of partnerships that start in high school and follow students through college matriculation, graduation, and into the workforce. 48 23 Photos were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. Midwest colleges Community-based & universities organizations 1 87 56 UNSTOPPABLE Named scholarship High schools donor partners, all time across Minnesota COMMUNITY 15 27 Historically Black Corporate Colleges & Universities partners High Schools 10 Fortune 500 Companies and Colleges companies Our educational partners help Our corporate partners mentor us recruit new scholars and and hire students, and provide coordinate supports on campus. many 4-and-2-year scholarships. 13 14 SCHOLAR VOICES students were in the process. I flashed back to myself being nervous when applying for jobs. Even so, many people freely gave of their time and talent to assist me and it felt great to be able to give back, even in a small In her own words: An interview with way, toward the amazing efforts of the Wallin team. Wallin alumna Jasmine Omorogbe What advice would you give to current Wallin scholars? From North Minneapolis to Harvard and back, Jasmine is now paying it forward to future generations. Say “yes” to new opportunities. Sometimes, you may be unsure if you are worthy. You are worthy! Know that it’s not all about the Jasmine, thank you for joining us. Let’s talk incredible network. The entire experience destination, the journey is the fun part. a little bit about college and how Wallin was was undoubtedly transformative. Without trying new things, you never know able to help you.