I was a pre-apprentice carpentry student at Summit Academy from February 2008 until June 2008. My life and the life of my family changed greatly after my graduation. I became a union laborer, initially being hired by Northland Concrete and Masonry. I have since worked at M.A. Mortenson and wrapped up 2009 working again with NCM. I now have a purpose and a future. I feel VITAL and I'm SO grateful! I would never have been given this opportunity without the help of Summit Academy. They gave me the confidence and training I needed to take into the field and the needed referral to enter the building trades. I was prepared and ready for the job I was applying for. The instructors were so encouraging and helpful and so devoted to seeing their students succeed. I live in North Minneapolis and I think we are so lucky to have SAOIC in our community. Going from getting Medical Assistance and food stamps to having medical insurance (including dental and vision)for me and my entire family paid by my employer and union AND to look forward to having a pension now instead of retiring on minimum social security...my future is SO different from when I walked through their doors during orientation.
Look at the stats... They enroll 452 students and graduate 136. This retention is attrocious! They place 82% of the graduates on less than living wage jobs and these jobs aren't sustained in their field. Plus, where is the aid money going from the 316 students that don't graduate? Question the leadership and the board and see it for what it is.
Summit is a fantastic organization that changes lives daily. Everytime I walk through the halls and see students, I literally feel the energy of people who are changing their lives, their families and their communities.
I have had a close up and personal first hand look into Summit. A very rewarding experience. "The best social service program, in the world, is a job." It is so gratifying to have had a small role in changing people's lives for the better. The right organization, doing the right thing, at just the right time we need them. Thank you Summit for the opportunity to be of service.