Twin Cities R!SE

What Twin Cities R!SE does

Twin Cities R!SE (TCR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization founded in 1993 in Minneapolis by former General Mills executive Steve Rothschild. The organization's mission is to transform the lives of individuals impacted by racial or socioeconomic barriers—primarily people of color, formerly incarcerated individuals, and adults facing long-term unemployment, housing instability, or limited education credentials—through Personal Empowerment training combined with career skills development. Programs are delivered in hybrid 8–10 week formats across two physical sites in Minneapolis (North Minneapolis headquarters at 1301 Bryant Ave N) and St. Paul (Spruce Tree Center in the Midway area), serving approximately 700 adults annually.

TCR's core product suite integrates evidence-based Personal Empowerment curriculum (built on Six Seconds emotional intelligence methodology) with employer-vetted 21st Century Skills training and specialized vocational pathways including My Road to Success (Dakota County Technical College certificate), Customer Service (Saint Paul College certificate), Facilities Maintenance Specialist (Century College certificate plus OSHA 30), GO Service hospitality training, Call Center Career Pathway, Metro Transit Technician Training and Light Rail Technician Training (Hennepin Technical College associates pathway), and the LRT Build construction apprentice program. Supporting offerings include Reentry Connect, bimonthly financial literacy workshops, and the Empowerment Institute sub-brand that licenses the curriculum nationally to businesses, schools, universities, and nonprofits.

The business model is a hybrid of pay-for-performance government grants, private philanthropy, and employer partnerships. TCR pioneered the pay-for-performance funding model with the State of Minnesota in 1997 (continued via amendments signed May 2018 committing up to $600,000 annually), receives a $3 million gift from MacKenzie Scott (March 2024, the largest single gift in history), and maintains a roster of corporate employer partners including Quality Ingredients Corporation (10% of QIC's employees are TCR graduates), General Mills, Hyatt Regency, Whole Foods, Best Buy, Regions Hospital, Valspar, American Express, and Pomp's Tire Service. All direct participant programming is offered at no cost; outcomes are tracked on a results-based model with 84% one-year job retention (vs. 39% national average) and 11% recidivism for formerly incarcerated graduates (vs. 61% Minnesota state average), with cumulative participant wages exceeding $165 million since 1997.

Name

Twin Cities R!SE

Legal name

Twin Cities R!SE

Website

https://twincitiesrise.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Twin Cities R!SE is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1993 that delivers Personal Empowerment training, employer-vetted 21st Century Skills, and vocational certifications to approximately 700 low-income adults annually facing racial or socioeconomic employment barriers in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (61), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Emotional Regulation Programs (EDAMAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Communication, Collaboration & Conflict Resolution Skills (EDAMAIAF), Staff Training, Coaching & Professional Development (SEL/Mental Health) (EDAKAMAL)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Career training programs
• Personal empowerment training
• Barrier-to-employment support
• Vocational skills certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grants and Government Funding: Twin Cities R!SE operates primarily on grant funding and government partnerships. The organization pioneered a pay-for-performance funding model with the State of Minnesota since 1997, receiving payment based on successful employment outcomes. State funding includes $1.2 million in fiscal year 2017, with $800,000 designated for the pay-for-performance grant and $400,000 for the Metro Transit partnership. The State committed up to $600,000 annually from 2018 onward for continuation of the pay-for-performance grant.
2. Donations and Philanthropic Support: The organization receives charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. In March 2024, global philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $3 million—the largest single gift in the organization's history. Additional support comes through employer gift matching, workplace giving campaigns including United Way and payroll deduction, donor-advised funds, and gifts of stock.
3. Employer Partnerships: Twin Cities R!SE collaborates with companies to identify qualified job candidates, receiving support through hiring partnerships, internship placements, and workplace giving programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Twin Cities R!SE is a nonprofit workforce development organization that delivers free 8-week career training programs combining Personal Empowerment (emotional intelligence) training with 21st Century Skills and vocational instruction (customer service, facilities maintenance, transit technician, light rail technician, construction). Programs are delivered in hybrid format at Minneapolis and St. Paul locations and lead to college-issued certificates. The organization also operates the Empowerment Institute, which licenses its proprietary emotional intelligence curriculum to other nonprofits, schools, and businesses.

Product overview

Twin Cities R!SE is a workforce development organization offering a comprehensive suite of career training programs for individuals facing employment barriers. The core portfolio includes personalized career training (My Road to Success), industry-specific vocational programs (Customer Service Training, Facilities Maintenance Specialist, GO Service Training), and technical career pathways (Metro Transit Technician Training, Light Rail Technician Training, LRT Build, Call Center Career Pathway). These programs are complemented by the Empowerment Institute, which delivers Personal Empowerment Training and Emotional Intelligence programming, as well as Reentry Connect for formerly incarcerated individuals. All programs include 21st Century Skills training and supportive services. Programs are delivered in 8-10 week formats with hybrid instruction, and most provide college certifications from partner institutions including Dakota County Technical College, Saint Paul College, Century College, and Hennepin Technical College.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Empowerment Institute: A premier partner of Six Seconds that provides emotional intelligence and personal empowerment training to businesses, schools, universities, and other non-profit organizations to help them create empowered cultures and productive employees.

Products and services

• My Road to Success Personalized 8-week career training program that helps participants discover their interests, skills, and strengths, leading to a DCTC certificate and an internship in their desired field. Designed for low-income job seekers facing barriers to employment in the Twin Cities.
• Customer Service Training 8-week training program teaching call center and customer service fundamentals across sectors through simulations and assessments. Participants earn a Saint Paul College certificate upon successful completion. Free to eligible Twin Cities job seekers.
• Facilities Maintenance Specialist Training 8-week training program covering facility operations for apartment complexes and warehouses, including blueprint reading, hand-tool operation, and OSHA 30 certification. Graduates earn a completion certificate from Century College. Free to eligible participants.
• GO Service Training 10-week service industry training program in partnership with Dakota County Technical College covering customer service strategies and hospitality industry practices. 80% of graduates begin new careers in the service sector.
• Metro Transit Technician Training Program Industry-first bus maintenance job training program combining 12 personal empowerment classes with customized technical training and a full-time paid internship, supporting participants toward a two-year Associate's degree at Hennepin Technical College and careers as bus mechanics earning $25.32+/hour plus benefits.
• Light Rail Technician Training Program Training program modeled after the Bus Maintenance program, combining one-on-one coaching, customized technical training, a Metro Transit internship, and financial support toward an associate's degree. Prepares participants for Electro-Mechanic Technician or Signal Technician roles at Metro Transit.
• LRT Build Program 10-week construction apprentice prep program covering construction basics, OSHA 10 training, blueprint reading, and exposure to multiple construction crafts. Valued at up to $4,000 per person; prepares participants for light rail construction projects.
• Call Center Career Pathway Professional call center career pathway that combines Personal Empowerment training, 21st Century skill building, and call center-specific instruction for placement in call center roles.
• Empowerment Institute Licensed Emotional Intelligence and leadership development training program delivered to businesses, schools, universities, and other nonprofits. Selected as one of 12 premier partners highlighted annually by Six Seconds. Licensed externally to help organizations build empowered cultures and productive employees.
• Reentry Connect Program specifically designed for returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals), combining Personal Empowerment training and career training to help participants overcome employment barriers and achieve stable employment. Associated with an 11% recidivism rate among graduates versus a 61% state average.
• Financial Literacy Training Bimonthly financial workshops led by an award-winning certified financial trainer covering credit repair, budgeting, home buying, and entrepreneurship for program participants.

Quantifiable outcome

• 84% of graduates retain employment after one year (compared to 39% national average)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor, significant and flagship.

• Six SecondscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Emotional intelligence organization selected TCR's Empowerment Institute as one of 12 premier partners highlighted annually. This recognition validates the Empowerment Institute's work in providing emotional intelligence training that transforms lives.
• Minnesota Humanities CenterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Digital Legacy Gallery created through support from Minnesota Humanities Center. This digital storytelling project captures stories of workforce transformation in Minnesota.
• Habitat for HumanityminorOthers · 1 January 2018Shereese Turner, former TCR Director of Programs and Operations, departed to join Habitat for Humanity after 11 years of service, representing a transition of organizational leadership talent.
• Minnesota Department of Human RightscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Commissioner Kevin Lindsey hosted panel discussion at kick-off event for Minnesota Employers' Fair Chance Hiring Guide. Partnership for advancing fair chance hiring practices across Minnesota employers.
• Hennepin Technical CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Metro Transit Technician Training Program includes support toward earning a two-year Associate's degree from Hennepin Technical College. Participants intern while enrolled in the customized degree program positioning them for full-time technician roles.
• Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership with transit union for Metro Transit Technician Training Program. Union supports the program with mentorship from experienced mechanic-technicians and collaboration on workforce development for transit careers.
• Quality Ingredients CorporationsignificantChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 201710% of QIC employees are former TCR participants. CEO Isabelle Day discovered TCR through Star Tribune and has become an advocate for fair chance hiring. QIC starts employees at $15/hour plus benefits with potential to earn $40,000+ annually.
• 180 DegreesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Empowerment Institute partnered with 180 Degrees at their Clifton House residence providing short-term affordable housing, structured programming, and case management. EI helps create an empowered culture for clients.
• Metro TransitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2016Partnership for Metro Transit Technician Training Program combining personal empowerment training with technical skills for bus and rail maintenance careers. Metro Transit provides internships, job training, and pathway to full-time positions earning $25.32+/hour plus benefits. The program addresses Metro Transit's need for skilled technicians as their workforce ages.
• State of Minnesota / DEEDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2016$1.2 million funding in FY2017 including $400,000 for Metro Transit partnership and $800,000 for pay-for-performance grant. State committed up to $600,000 annually from 2018 for continuation. The partnership invests in reducing employment disparities through workforce development.
• Dakota County Technical CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016GO Service training program partnership where TCR participants can earn certificates from Dakota County Technical College upon completion. Program offers 10-week service training course with career pathway opportunities.
• Saint Paul CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Customer Service training program provides certificates from Saint Paul College upon successful completion. Program includes 8-week training with exposure to call center and customer service fundamentals.
• Century CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Facilities Maintenance Specialist training program provides completion certificate from Century College along with OSHA 30 certification. 8-week training covering blueprint reading, hand-tools operation, and facilities operations.
• North Hennepin Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016LRT Build construction apprentice program partnership. Orientation began at Twin Cities R!SE in north Minneapolis, then moved to North Hennepin for construction basics, OSHA training, and blueprint reading instruction.
• RBC (RBC Wealth Management)significantGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016RBC has donated over $150,000 through volunteer grants and gift matching. They work with TCR to provide participants with mock interview experiences and feedback. Long-standing employer partner relationship.
• Root & ReboundflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Partnership to develop the Minnesota Employers' Fair Chance Hiring Guide, making Minnesota the third state to produce this resource for employers navigating fair chance hiring practices.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit providing young adults from low-income communities with training, internships, and college credit. Comparable as a mission-aligned workforce program combining professional skills training with employer partnerships and credentialing pathways.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology training and professional development to individuals from underserved communities. Comparable mission of removing barriers to employment for disadvantaged populations through structured training and employer partnerships.
• STRIVE: Workforce development nonprofit serving individuals facing barriers to employment including those with criminal records, low income, and limited education. Directly comparable model of combining soft-skills training with job placement support and employer relationships.
• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Directly comparable focus on reentry population and pay-for-performance model with government contracts for reducing recidivism through employment.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: Large established nonprofit operating workforce development, job training, and placement programs across the U.S. Comparable in serving individuals with barriers to employment but operates as a broader social enterprise network rather than specializing in a single market niche.

Emerging players

• Roca: Nonprofit focused on young people and young adults impacted by incarceration, violence, and poverty. Comparable emphasis on emotional/personal development alongside workforce outcomes and serving high-barrier populations in urban communities.
• The Fortune Society: New York-based nonprofit supporting reentry and previously incarcerated individuals through education, employment, and housing services. Comparable emphasis on emotional intelligence/behavioral change alongside employment training, similar to TCR's Personal Empowerment model.

Others

• National Skills Coalition: Policy advocacy organization working to advance equitable skills training and workforce development policy. Comparable policy environment and funder/donor base but operates as an advocacy intermediary rather than direct service provider.
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): State agency that funds TCR's pay-for-performance grant. Critical funder/partner and similar mission focus on workforce outcomes for disadvantaged Minnesotans but operates as government entity rather than nonprofit provider.
• Six Seconds: Global emotional intelligence network and TCR's methodology partner for the Personal Empowerment curriculum. Comparable training philosophy and content framework, with TCR's Empowerment Institute being one of 12 premier partners.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCcYdWC82idNo0PDwLK9kdjA
• Facebookfacebook.com/twincitiesrise
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/twin-cities-rise
• Instagraminstagram.com/twincitiesrise/?hl=en
• Xx.com/twincitiesrise

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Twin Cities R!SE