Minority Student
Advocacy
Every student deserves a champion. One City walks alongside minority students in the Twin Cities — opening doors to careers, mentorship, and a future that reflects their full potential.
Closing the Gap, One Student at a Time
The opportunity gap facing minority students in Minnesota is real — and it's not because of a lack of talent or drive. It's a lack of access. One City's Minority Student Advocacy pillar exists to bridge that gap through intentional programming, mentorship, and community connection.
We believe every student in the Twin Cities deserves a pathway to a career that reflects who they are and what they're capable of. From the basketball court to the boardroom, One City is here to walk alongside them every step of the way.
Career Development
Tracks
From resume workshops to professional mentorships, our Career Development Tracks open doors for minority students in Saint Paul and Minneapolis — building pathways to careers that reflect the full potential of our community.
Event Operations & Management
Hands-on training and direct employment pathways in event management and operations — a growing industry with real opportunity in the Twin Cities.
Real Estate Career Pathways
Guided support for students pursuing careers in real estate — from licensing to placement — building long-term wealth and stability for the next generation.
Career Development Mentorship
One-on-one mentorship pairing students with experienced professionals who provide guidance, accountability, and career coaching tailored to each student.
One City Marketplace
Back 2 School Giveaway
No student should walk into the first day of school unprepared. The One City Marketplace Back 2 School Giveaway is on a mission to supply 500 students across Saint Paul and Minneapolis with everything they need to start the school year strong.
From backpacks and notebooks to pencils, folders, and more — we're making sure every child in our community has the tools to succeed from day one.
What Students Receive
The Mission in Numbers
Students Served
Our goal is to put a fully stocked backpack in the hands of 500 students across Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Cities
Serving students in both Saint Paul and Minneapolis — reaching the communities that need it most.
Cost to Families
Every supply kit is completely free to students and families. No strings attached.
MN Students in Poverty
Nearly 1 in 5 Minnesota students lives in poverty — making back-to-school supplies a real barrier to learning.
Want to Help Make This Happen?
Donate supplies, sponsor a student's kit, or volunteer at the giveaway event. Every contribution gets us closer to 500.
One City Hoops Circuit
2026–2027 Season · Twin Cities, MN
The One City Hoops Circuit was built to close the gap. Too many talented kids in Minneapolis and St. Paul never get access to the level of competition they deserve. We're changing that — one session at a time.
A competitive circuit for 3rd–8th grade boys and girls. 8 sessions. One championship. One All-Star Weekend. Earn your spot.
8
Sessions + Championship
3rd–8th
Grade Boys & Girls
Mpls & St. Paul
Twin Cities Location
2026–2027 Circuit Schedule
Session I
Nov 7–8, 2026
Session II
Nov 14–15, 2026
Session III
Dec 5–6, 2026
Session IV
Dec 12–13, 2026
Session V
Jan 9–10, 2027
Session VI
Jan 16–17, 2027
Session VII
Jan 30–31, 2027
Championship
Feb 13–14, 2027
Entry Fees
Individual Session
$300
per session
- · Single weekend event
- · Boys & girls divisions
- · 3rd–8th grade
Full Circuit
$1,200
entire season
- · All 8 sessions + Championship
- · All-Star Weekend eligibility
- · Payment plans available
One City
All-Star Weekend
February 21, 2027 · Twin Cities, MN
The best players from across the circuit. 20 athletes selected per age group. This is the stage you've been grinding for all season.
20
Athletes per age group
3+
Circuit events required
Feb 21
All-Star Game date
One City Hoops Teams
One City Hoops Teams are built for athletes who are ready to take their game seriously. We field competitive boys and girls teams from 3rd through 8th grade, giving Twin Cities youth a structured, high-level environment to develop and compete.
Our teams compete in the One City Hoops Circuit and other premier tournaments throughout the region. Coaches are dedicated to developing the whole athlete — on and off the court.
3rd–8th
Grades
Boys & Girls
Divisions
Sep 27
Tryout Date
$600
Per Athlete
Tryout Information
Sunday, September 27
Como Park High School · St. Paul, MN
Tryout fee: $10 at the door. A parent or guardian must be present. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Team Registration
$600 / athlete · full season
- · Uniform included
- · Circuit & tournament entry
- · Coaching & development
- · All-Star Weekend eligibility
- · No athlete turned away for financial need
2026–2027 Rosters — Coming After Tryouts
3rd Grade
Boys & Girls
Roster coming soon
4th Grade
Boys & Girls
Roster coming soon
5th Grade
Boys & Girls
Roster coming soon
6th Grade
Boys & Girls
Roster coming soon
7th Grade
Boys & Girls
Roster coming soon
8th Grade
Boys & Girls
Roster coming soon
Sports & Academic Outcomes
Student athletes are 4 times more likely to graduate high school than non-athletes in low-income communities.
Youth who participate in organized sports are 40% less likely to drop out of school.
Studies show athletes in urban programs maintain higher GPAs on average than non-participating peers.
Low-income youth in sports programs are twice as likely to attend college.
Sports & Community Impact
Youth in structured sports programs are 25% less likely to engage in juvenile crime or gang activity.
78% of low-income youth say sports gave them their first positive adult mentor outside of family.
Urban youth in team sports are 3 times more likely to report a strong sense of belonging and community.
Participation in youth sports reduces rates of depression and anxiety by up to 60% in underserved communities.
The Data Is Clear.
Sports aren't just games — they're one of the most powerful tools we have for breaking cycles of poverty, building community, and creating pathways to success for youth in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
One City Hoops exists because we believe every kid in the Twin Cities deserves access to that opportunity.
How to Support
There are many ways to invest in the next generation of Twin Cities leaders. Find the one that fits you.
Become a Mentor
Share your professional experience with a student who needs guidance. One hour a month can change a life.
Sponsor a Student
Cover program fees, supplies, or career track costs for a student who can't afford them on their own.
Support Hoops
Donate equipment, sponsor a league, or volunteer at a game. Every contribution keeps kids on the court.
Corporate Partnership
Partner with One City to provide internships, job shadows, or career day opportunities for our students.
Invest in a Student's Future
Your donation directly funds career tracks, mentorship programs, and Hoops leagues for minority students across the Twin Cities.