- Program Overview
- For Prospective Team Leaders
- Contact Sarah Knoblauch at sjk@umn.edu for more information about the program
Program Overview
What is TEAM-UP?
TEAM-UP is a unique and exciting partnership between the Minneapolis Public Schools and the University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts, College of Biological Sciences, and Institute of Technology. TEAM-UP is unique because, unlike traditional college outreach programs that target high school students, we work with students in their formative fifth grade year.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to inspiring students in the Minneapolis Public Schools to pursue academic excellence and higher education through early awareness programs which foster the belief that college is beneficial and possible by introducing them firsthand to an open, exciting, and diverse University community.
Our Goals
By inspiring students to pursue higher education, we hope to:
- Motivate students to improve their academic performance
- Spark students to begin thinking seriously about higher education
- Build students' familiarity with the University of Minnesota
- Lower dropout rates in middle- and high school years
- Increase college matriculation rates, especially to the U of M, among targeted students
Our Model
As our name implies, we work in teams. Each fifth grade class we work with is divided into groups of two to three students, each led by a University of Minnesota undergraduate Team Leader. Our Team Leaders work with their teams by making in-class visits, as well as accompanying their teams (along with teachers) on two campus immersion tours.
Campus immersion tours, the most exciting part of the program, are full day visits to the University, complete with mini-classes taught by U of M faculty, as well as exposure to the excitement of life on campus.
For Prospective Team Leaders
Our Team Leaders
Undergraduate Team Leaders are perhaps the most important part of TEAM-UP, serving as guides and answering questions about the University and college life.
More importantly, though, they are mentors, role models, and friends to their team members.
Team Leaders are ambassadors of the University. They are the ones who make the University an appealing place, something to look forward to and work hard for.
Accordingly, Team Leaders are selected based on three important criteria:
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Character
- A keen awareness of issues of diversity
Why be a Team Leader?
We know that you have an enormous variety of volunteer opportunities. We also know how important it is that you find one that is both rewarding and flexible. We think TEAM-UP is the perfect volunteer opportunity for University students. Why?
- You'll meet other motivated undergrads from all parts of the University.
- You'll see the results of your dedication. Many of the students we work with might never be introduced to higher education. You will be amazed to see how excited students become at the prospect of going to college, and you will see the difference you are making with each passing week.
- It's an officially sponsored University of Minnesota program. If you have a course conflict on a volunteer day, we'll help you to work through it.
The Commitment
Team Leaders are responsible for four in-class visits to North Star Community School over the course of the semester, leading their teams on two day-long campus immersion tours and attending the TEAM-UP Celebration Ceremony during spring semester. The time commitment varies from 2-10 hours per month.
Campus immersion tours --
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 (St. Paul campus) - 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 12, 2007 (Minneapolis campus) - 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
TEAM-UP Celebration Ceremony --
Friday, April 27, 2007 (North Star Community School) - 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Visits to North Star Community School will be conducted in groups led by Team Leader Coordinators. Coordinators are students who have served as Team Leaders in the past and have returned to the program with additional leadership responsibilities. North Star Community School is located at 2410 Girard Avenue N. in Minneapolis. There are two 5th grade teachers and approximately 40 students.