For eight weeks every year, nearly 150 Securian employees connect with 9^th grade students from Washington Technology Magnet school to help students think about their futures.  

Over the course of Cloud Coach, a program of our non-profit partner BestPrep, students and mentors discuss hobbies and interests, future career options and goal setting through online conversations.

Expanding access through real-world exposure

Nearly 90% of students at the school receive free or reduced-price lunch, and nearly 39% are limited English proficient. The opportunity to connect with mentors has a meaningful impact.  Midway through the program, students visit our downtown St. Paul headquarters for the Cloud Summit — a day of hands-on activities, real-world learning and an introduction to what corporate careers can look like. 

The program, which is in its 10th year, makes a substantial difference: 97% of participating students reported their mentor treated them like they were valuable and important, and 92% reported that because of Cloud Couch, they know their high school performance matters for their future. Students also shared that Cloud Coach helped them build self-confidence, understand how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s opportunities and set achievable goals. 

“The experience was very cool. There are people out there who can help me grow with more skills I can use in the future,” said one student participant. Cloud Coach helps students see the many pathways to a bright future. 

A rewarding experience for mentors

And the program also makes a difference for mentors — 99% of them said they would participate in the program again.

Building brighter futures together

“The impact lasts well beyond the program year,” said Jason Sanders, president and CEO of BestPrep. “As tenth graders, 83% of students surveyed said that because of Cloud Coach, they are thinking more intentionally about their plans after high school. We are especially grateful to Securian Financial for their generous support and for the many employees who volunteer their time to make this program possible.”

Last year, with the support of more than 1,500 volunteer mentors, BestPrep provided one- on-one mentorship to nearly 2,000 ninth grade students in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Mentors help students think about their dreams for the future and take real steps toward them, all within an encouraging and supportive relationship.