Our Story

For over three decades, Way to Grow has been a leading model for early education, touching the lives of more than 66,000 parents and children. This year, we celebrate our 35th anniversary by honoring our collective progress while we actively create and respond to the ever-changing education needs around us.

Our mission continues as we work closely with parents and communities, ensuring children are born healthy, stay healthy, and are prepared for school. Meeting families in their homes or online, our holistic home visiting model strengthens families through resource referrals, parent education, health and wellness education, early childhood and elementary education, and teen parenting support.

Research shows high-quality early education is a proven indicator for an entire lifetime of academic success. In 2023, 89% of our pre-k learners entered kindergarten on-track!

Why We Do What We Do

Minnesota is often viewed as a leader in education, but when measuring by race and socioeconomic status, the numbers tell a different story. Minnesota students of color and students at an economic disadvantage are more likely to leave high school without a diploma than their peers in almost every other state.

The opportunity gap is a serious issue. Our children are beginning school unprepared and left behind. For 35 years, Way to Grow has worked to bridge this gap and help generations of Twin Cities families thrive.

Working Together

Our work cannot be done alone; our network of supporters makes the work we do possible— and we'd love for you to join us!

Our biggest fundraiser, the Shine Celebration Gala, is taking place on Friday, October 4th, 2024. To continue to provide early childhood education and support to families around the Twin Cities, we are asking for items from local businesses to build a fun and engaging silent auction for our annual gala. Funds raised from our silent auction will directly impact over 750 families this year, encompassing more than 1,200 children from birth to third grade and 900 parents in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.

Shine Celebration Gala 

The Shine Celebration Gala will celebrate 35 years of Way to Grow, and we're looking to make this a dynamic, celebratory event. The event begins at 5:30 pm. Auction and reception continues until 7:30 pm. The program will start at 7:45 pm. Way to Grow stories, impact, and a keynote speaker will be featured. The program includes a live auction segment and entertainment by local artist(s). The audience will consist of local corporations in the banking, financial, real estate, airlines, health/medical, education, and non-profit sectors. We typically host approximately 330 - 400 guests at the event from diverse backgrounds in our community.