Standing with Our Students After Operation Metro Surge
As we welcome the first signs of spring, our community is still reckoning with the effects of this winter’s Operation Metro Surge. Increased activity by federal ICE agents brought fear, disruption and uncertainty to the Twin Cities, impacts that continue today. Although the operation has ended, many are still experiencing the trauma it caused.
At times, this moment can feel reminiscent of the aftermath of the COVID‑19 pandemic and the learning losses that followed. But unlike COVID‑19, the long‑term effects of this winter’s violence and fear are not felt evenly. They fall hardest on students and families from immigrant and refugee communities and communities of color—those far more likely to have been directly impacted by ICE enforcement, including incidents on or near their school campuses.
Our Commitment to Students: Now More Than Ever
To better support students during Metro Surge, we pivoted to offer virtual career and college readiness services alongside our in‑person work in 26 Minneapolis and Saint Paul public high schools. This work continues, strengthened by ongoing collaboration with our school partners to address the urgent concerns of the students and families most impacted.
Schools, too, are still navigating significant challenges. Many are experiencing continued enrollment declines, while staff carry the added weight of supporting students who remain at home, have fallen behind in classwork or postsecondary planning, or are facing economic instability due to disruptions in family employment and housing.
Now, as we look ahead to June graduations and the busy summer months, our team is focused on helping seniors finalize their post‑graduation plans, supporting students as they prepare for Step Up and other summer internships, and providing additional guidance for those pursuing other opportunities.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every student has equitable access to the personalized guidance and resources they need to prepare for careers, college and life—especially in these challenging times.
Moving Forward Together
Our community’s response to Metro Surge revealed extraordinary resilience, courage and care for our neighbors, giving us great hope for what lies ahead. But recovery will take time. Students, families and schools need sustained support as they move forward. Today, we ask you to join us in continuing to stand in solidarity with them.
Here are some important ways you can help:
- Hire a Step Up Pro intern and provide vital on-the-job paid experience, professional connections and mentoring to a Minneapolis youth this summer.
- Participate in our April Career Fairs at Southwest High School and Como Park High School to inspire and introduce students to new career pathways and opportunities.
- Make a financial gift to Achieve to ensure that all students receive the additional career and college planning support they need in these challenging times.
- Support your local schools as they move from crisis response to long-term recovery by offering financial support, volunteer service and advocacy.
Especially in these weeks and months ahead, we invite you to join us in making a lasting difference for young people and our entire community as we work toward a more just and equitable future.
With hope and gratitude,
Danielle Grant
President & CEO