PAGE CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

Page Connections create tangible pathways to guide and inspire career and professional development during a Page Scholar's academic journey leading to a brighter and more prosperous future. Page Connections reduces the racial disparities in graduate employment outcomes by matching Page Scholars with professional mentors, expanding professional networks, developing soft skills and leadership skills through workshops and webinars, and sharing information and access to internship and employment opportunities. Similar to how the Service to Children program enables young children to envision themselves as college students and Page Scholars, Page Connections empower Page Scholars to visualize themselves as emerging leaders and emulate professional success.

Page Scholars Seminar

Our annual conference offering valuable sessions led by experienced professionals covering topics in success strategies, career exploration, personal growth, and leadership skills to help Page Scholars excel in both academic and professional pursuits.

College, Coffee and Conversations

Our distinct mentoring program pairs Page Scholars with a variety of professionals for one-hour sessions over coffee, mirroring real-world support networks where professionals benefit from guidance from multiple experts rather than relying on one individual.

Student to Scholar Webinar Series

Our webinar series equips high school students for successful transitions into college. Covering academic preparation, scholarships, and personal growth, participants gain valuable resources to navigate their educational journey confidently.

Scholar to Success Webinar Series

Our webinar series empower Page Scholars to excel academically, pursue meaningful careers, and become future leaders. Topics include career exploration, resume writing, interview prep, networking, financial literacy, and personal development.

ACCELERATE

The Accelerate sub-program of Page Connections offers Page Scholars tailored opportunities to engage with local Minnesota businesses invested in their education. Accelerate fosters a mutually beneficial partnership between the Page Education Foundation, Page Scholars, and the business community. Businesses sponsor scholars pursuing education relevant to their needs, providing workshops, field trips, and mentoring throughout the year. This interaction allows Page Scholars to assess potential post-graduation employment fit, positively impacting employee retention. At the program's end, Accelerate Partners can offer Scholars paid internships, ideally leading to full-time positions upon graduation.

BECOME AN ACCELERATE PARTNER

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PROGRAM HISTORY

In 2010, Page Connections broadened its scope from college campus visits to aiding Page Scholars in accessing employment opportunities and establishing meaningful careers.

Over half of our Page Scholars are first-generation college students, often from minority backgrounds, navigating their families' first foray into white-collar professions. Many lack the soft skills and professional networks crucial for post-graduation career success.

Partnering with an increasing number of Twin Cities businesses and corporate allies, Page Connections facilitates the transition from college to career for Page Scholars. This is achieved through expanded career learning, skill-building opportunities, and concrete pathways to paid internships and employment, all viewed through a lens of social and racial equity.

 

AGES SERVED BY THIS PROGRAM

18 to 35 years

NEEDS ADDRESSED BY THIS PROGRAM

The racial opportunity gap in Minnesota's education system feeds into racial disparities in employment post-college graduation.  A 2019 report published by the Economic Policy Institute found that Black workers with a college degree are more likely to be unemployed than similarly educated white workers (3.5% vs. 2.2%) (Williams and Wilson, 2019).  Comparably, Black and American Indian graduates are systematically more likely to land a part-time or temporary/seasonal job while Whites and Asians are more likely to secure stable, full-time jobs after graduation (MN Employment and Economic Development, 2017). Factors contributing to racial gaps in labor market outcomes go beyond educational characteristics, such as degree type and majors.  Instead, they stem from limited job search options, information gaps, and hiring biases. Programs that increase in-school support to ensure students learn about employer expectations, gain early career experiences especially in industry related fields of studies, and conduct well-targeted job search can help to close this gap as well as increase retention of professionals of color in their fields.

PAGE CONNECTIONS AT A GLANCE

Bachelor's Degree Graduates
Associate's Degree Graduates
Master's Degree Graduates
%
Employed 20+ Hrs During School Year
2023

0

Paid Internships Secured
2023

0

Training Hrs Delivered
2023

0

Accelerate Page Scholars

RESULTS

Each year, nearly 50 volunteers offer Page Scholars professional development through mentorship, workshops, panels, and career exploration sessions. Topics covered include wage negotiation, personal branding, resume writing, academic versus business writing, insurance, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, consulting, leadership for women of color, and job search strategies.

Page Connections fosters career mentoring through networking opportunities at workshops and seminars. This leads to job shadowing, coffee meetings for career advice, and internship and job placements.

Last year, Page Connections facilitated over 100 internship, employment, and volunteer opportunities for Page Scholars.

0%

Graduation Rate

$0

Average Loan Debt

$0

Social Return on Investment of a Page Scholar