About Us
African Community School is nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis this organization established in 2008 by a number of concerned parents and educators from the African community in the State of Minnesota to respond to the special needs of African immigrant students and their families. The main objective of African Community School is to establish and operate an African community education center and offer after school assistance for middle and high school students, college readiness classes, English language learning courses, career counseling sessions, and connect African immigrants to educational institutions and employment resources. In addition, this center will create opportunities for African professionals in the State in order to contribute their times, experiences, and talents to assist parents and youth in the community.The number of African immigrants in Minnesota has significantly increased in recent years. The number of Africans in Minnesota is estimated to be more than 150,000. For instance, Minnesota has the largest Somali community in the United States.
African immigrants experience numerous educational, cultural, health, and employment challenges and barriers to be fully integrated into the hosting society. In addition, there is a growing achievement gap between the mainstream students and African immigrant students. Parents are struggling to educate and raise children due to lack of resources and understanding of the complex education system in the State. Immigrants in these communities need resources, advice, and empowerment to overcome these challenges. This education center is created to offer African immigrant youth and their parents the educational skills, information, connections, and advice they need to improve their academic and employment achievements. The ultimate goal is to help African immigrants to integrate into the new society. We believe that advancing the academic achievement and job readiness of African immigrants is the key to achieve this goal.
Executive Director
The Executive Director of African Community School functions as the Chief Executive Officer of the organization. In this capacity the Director is responsible for implementation of policies set by the Board of Directors as well as annual goals and objectives, and financial, program, and administrative management of the organization. Guidance and direction is provided by the President of the Board, by the Board and by the Executive Committee or the Board.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of African Community School is responsible for overall policy and direction of the organization and delegates responsibilities of day-to-day operations to the staff and committees. Following are key areas of responsibly of the Board of Directors.