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External Relations

What is a Certified Community Partner?

The term “partner” is complex - there is not a simple definition. MPS defines Certified Community Partners as external organizations/individuals that provide programs or services directly to MPS students in collaboration with the District.  If the following items apply to you, you are likely a Certified Community Partner. Working with Certified Community Partners allows MPS to fill gaps in service, leverage resources, and further our efforts to ensure that every student is career or college ready.  

  • Programs take place during the school day or during out-of-school time
  • Programs are provided in collaboration with the District (not a lease holder)
  • Programs take place on MPS property
  • Partners may be paid by MPS or provide free services - families are never charged
  • Partnerships are ongoing (not one-time events) 
  • Partners serve multiple students (not an individual service provider)
  • Partnerships are mutually beneficial and strategically aligned with district priorities and/or needs of individual schools  

What types of services do Certified Community Partners provide?

  • Literacy/tutoring
  • Enrichment (STEM, foreign language, physical fitness)
  • Arts (dance, music, theater)
  • Leadership/mentorship
  • Attendance support
  • Career and College Readiness
  • Health (dental/eye care) and mental health
  • Social and emotional learning

Please visit our Prospective Partner page to learn more about the process for becoming a community partner.

Contact

Tyrize Cox
Executive Director, Partnerships & External Relations
tyrize.cox@mpls.k12.mn.us

Lilian Sand
Program Manager
lilian.sand@mpls.k12.mn.us

Penny Jones
Project Manager
pennye.jones@mpls.k12.mn.us

More Information

Building Access

Badges to access MPS buildings are only available for the following groups of community partners: Beacons site coordinators, school-based mental health therapists, school-based health clinic staff, Achieve Minneapolis College & Career Center staff, certain contractors, and MPRB staff. 

A badge request form for head coaches and TRIA athletic trainers is forthcoming.

Student teachers, interns, volunteers, Reading and Math Corps members, and permit holders will not receive badges.

Steps to receive an RFID badge/photo ID

  1. Apply for a non-MPS account.
  2. Once you have received your non-MPS account information, complete the Community Partner Photo ID Request. 
  3. You will be notified when your photo ID is ready. The ID will be sent to your primary MPS site.

Please contact photo.id@mpls.k12.mn.us with questions.