Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)
Michael A. Shelton is an experienced leader in youth development and athletics, currently serving as the Executive Director of Heritage Youth Sports Foundation since July 2016. This foundation focuses on promoting personal and athletic growth among youth while fostering sportsmanship and life skills in a supportive environment. In addition to this role, Michael serves as the Athletic Director for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and has held the position of Family Achievement Coach at Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) since December 2013. Michael also contributes to youth sports as the Boys Assistant Basketball Coach at North Community High School, where responsibilities include instructing players on the fundamentals of basketball and modeling positive behavior. Michael's educational background includes attendance at Suomi College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and Summit Academy OIC, along with a diploma from North Community High School.
Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)
The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. Together with our partner organizations, we are walking side by side with low-income families as they put their children on a path to college. NAZ has a game-changing approach that is closing the achievement gap. NAZ’s wraparound framework effectively supports low-income children of color so that they will graduate from high school prepared for college. Our approach is working. NAZ-enrolled families are making remarkable strides. Our children are not only showing improved academic outcomes at key kindergarten and third grade benchmarks, but families are stabilizing their housing, employment, and health. These early successes are already driving a culture change in North Minneapolis. Return on investment. A study by Wilder Research demonstrates that each dollar invested in NAZ provides more than a $6 societal return.