The Trent Tucker Non Profit Organization empowers youth by developing the skills they need to make positive choices, increase self-respect, and develop a vision for their future. Throughout the past 10 years, the organization has focused on after-school learning activities at corporate facilities for youth in grades 6 through 8. The organization is now working with the University of Minnesota Office of Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration, CLA Connections (College of Liberal Arts K-12 Outreach Program) and W.I.S.E Charter School to establish the Trent Tucker University Scholars program.

The Trent Tucker University Scholars Program Goals:

• Promote early college awareness.
• Offer academic assistance.
• Enhance the knowledge of core subject areas (meeting the Minnesota Department of Education state standards) by exposing youth to the University of Minnesota campus and to University staff, faculty, and students who offer mentoring and academic counsel.

The unique qualities of the Trent Tucker University Scholars Program

• Students in the program are able to experience a variety of University of Minnesota departments, professors and staff.
• University of Minnesota students tutor participating students with homework assignments.

The Future

The Trent Tucker Non Profit Organization is now focused on establishing a charter school that will carry on the philosophies of providing unique educational opportunities for at-risk youth. At-risk youth are not only in the inner city but in the suburbs, as well. Youth growing up in communities that do not provide opportunities to develop a vision for their future are extremely vulnerable. For these reasons, many youth are failing in school, becoming involved in negative activities, and, if not given opportunities to succeed, are giving up hope for the future.

The Trent Tucker Non Profit believes that the whole community must work in partnership to improve the lives of our youth. It is essential that these youth establish a network of people that will act as a support system and expose them to different career fields and opportunities. Our hope is that with the support of corporations and other supporting organizations, these youth will not only dream of a future that includes post-secondary education, but they will also develop the skills to make it a reality. Support of the Trent Tucker Non-Profit Organization will help make the dreams of these at-risk youth a reality.