Bringing Hands-On Tech Programs to K-12 Students at No Cost to Them

Zanewood Community STEAM School - Spring 2022

234

Students Served in 2019-2020

525

Students Served in 2020-2021

2119

Students Served in 2021-2022

2779

Students Served in 2022-2023

The Problem

The following four roles are held by a significant number of Minnesota talent, have high forecasted replacement and new demand needs that are unlikely to be met by local talent supply without changes to the training, education, and recruitment landscape.

Focused needs are:

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer User Support Specialist

Information Security Analyst

Software Developer

Our Mission

We are dedicated to preparing students in communities with few opportunities for rewarding careers, by removing barriers and providing accessible STEM learning programs at no cost to the students or families.

Our Solution

We partner with like-minded community organizations to bring quality, hands-on STEM learning to Twin Cities youth—especially students with fewer STEM opportunities in order to bridge skills and gaps, and help more students succeed in higher education and today’s job market.

The value of createMPLS is that it delivers hands on technology and engineering programming to schools that wouldn’t otherwise have access. The best part is that the programming takes place on site at my children’s school! As parents, we don’t have to drive our children to the programs, it comes to us!

RaechelleParent

CreateMPLS helps to expose students to technology and careers that they may not know exist. This really holds true to those underserved populations which may not be aware of the extremely rewarding and life sustaining careers that have a high demand for qualified workers with a 2-year affordable degree. The careers students are being prepared for have high income potential which will allow the individual to make enough income to sustain their future and allow them to have the time and ability to positively impact their community.

Jeff ThorstadFaculty of Automated Robotics at Hennepin Tech

Coding has been great for the students. We tried this type of program in the past without success, but I feel what createMPLS provides is a great fit and has helped the students feel successful. You have already shown how replicable your programs can be. Thanks for sharing your energy and passion!

NicholeUrban Ventures

I had the honor of presenting on Xcel Energy technology careers to createMPLS interns and was absolutely stunned by the work they are doing! The interns I met were sharp and focused critical thinkers who, through this program, are able to expand on their affinity for technology and STEM related activities, putting them ahead of their peers. Kudos to createMPLS for building such an incredible program and supporting future generations of technologists as they explore their passion in STEM.

Bonnie ToppinXcel Energy

createMPLS is 100% correct! They have created an environment that doesn’t just promote learning, it promotes building relationships and expanding horizons not just for the kids involved but also the guests. I was blown away by the scope of their program and the genuine interest and engagement that the kids show each day. Keep-up the great work!

Matt LasiutaRelay Networks

How Can You Get Involved?

As a small non-profit who provides free programming, we need a community with a variety of resources, experience, relationships, abilities, and availability

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createMPLS was chosen as a 2022 MN Cup semifinalist in the top 10 organizations for the ‘Impact Ventures’ category! We are looking forward to continuing in this journey with MN Cup to further our mission of preparing students for the future of work through hands-on, accessible STEM programs.

createMPLS was chosen for the 2023 Building Our Tech Future Tekne Award: “This distinguished award recognizes the impactful programming and initiatives undertaken by solution providers, agencies, and non-profit organizations, aimed at inspiring youth to consider careers in technology and equipping students with the skills and experiences needed for success in this field. These finalist organizations are driving positive change by investing in the future of Minnesota’s tech workforce and ultimately contributing to the economic and technological advancement of our state as well as the financial future of our talented workforce.”