December 2022
Dear Friends and Alumni of MinneapolisNEXT,
The 24th annual MinneapolisNEXT update reminds us that the hopes and dreams of youth give us all a sense of purpose. The rhythms of the Twin Cities, from the caffeinated urban pace to the tranquil loon, give us pause that the future of civilization requires that we never give up on the youthful dreamers. They see tomorrow as a day when the sun will come out again. God bless every hopeful child in our community. Hope dies last.
Developing Our NEXT Leaders
The 2021-22 school year brought another strong class of 45 MinneapolisNEXT scholars in our flagship high school scholarship program. In addition, we continue NEXT’s long-time financial support of the Phelps Activities Council (Phelps Park) in South Minneapolis, a neighborhood anchor whose leaders have been steadfast in their perseverance and support of local youth.
NEXT has now touched the lives of hundreds of deserving scholars in the urban core, including more than 270 graduates from our NEXT high school scholarship program since 2001. Our scholarship program remains focused on DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis and St. Agnes High School in Saint Paul. NEXT is a simple recipe – providing essential ingredients to create opportunities for our deserving youth of the Twin Cities.
Profile of a NEXT Scholar
Jordan K. (DeLaSalle ’23) is a NEXT scholar who carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Jordan is a leader of the Islander soccer team that recently won the school’s first state soccer championship. Jordan is from a single-parent home in an inner-ring suburb. He sought a purposeful high school education in the heart of the city. Good for Jordan! The historic DeLaSalle campus and its picturesque soccer pitch are nestled within the looming towers of downtown and gritty neighborhoods.
Jordan does not look in the rearview mirror but is dreaming to soar to the heights of the downtown skyline. He dreams big and knows that the sun will come out tomorrow.
We salute Jordan and all of the MinneapolisNEXT scholars who have benefitted from your generosity. We also salute you, our supporters, and thank you for providing the firm foundation upon which we have grown the organization. With your assistance, we will take another step forward.
Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated. We hope we can count on your support. By investing in youth today, we can ensure a return on your investment for many tomorrows. Our volunteer Board of Directors continues to pay all of the organization’s modest administrative expenses. As such, a full 100 percent of your donations benefit determined and deserving youth.
Here is to 24 more years of changing lives and strengthening communities…one child at a time.
We wish you all the best this holiday season and for a new year of joy, abundance, and good health.
Rexford Holland
Co-Founder and President, MinneapolisNEXT
