Empowering our next generation of leaders.
While Minnesota may be a leader in education, our children of color are too often left behind. With one of the largest opportunity gaps in the country, we made a promise to our community—we will be there for you.
At Way to Grow, we support families with children from birth to age eight, empowering our next generation of leaders. We are proud to work with more than 1,700 individuals in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs—neighbors who work hard to provide for their children and are active in their community and their child’s education. With a team of talented Family Educators, we provide year-round services every day to Way to Grow families and their surrounding communities.
Our Team
Coco Du is an experienced executive leader dedicated to building community-driven programs that strengthen and empower youth and families.
Coco was previously the Chief Experience Officer at Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, leading member recruitment, program development, camp, and community engagement strategies to ensure positive and meaningful experiences for all participants. As a first-generation college graduate, Coco’s personal journey fuels her commitment to breaking down barriers and creating environments where all families and individuals can thrive.
Prior to Girl Scouts, Coco served as Assistant Dean at Macalester College and held leadership roles at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St. Catherine University.
Coco is recognized nationally and locally for her leadership in program development, curriculum design, and evidence-based strategies. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and serves as an advisor for the Twin Cities PBS Lifelong Learning Advisory Board, supporting educational resources for Minnesota communities.
"Alison and Way to Grow give us access to resources, opportunities, and events that we never would have been able to experience otherwise."
Sydney, Way to Grow Parent
Our Stories
Paying it Forward
An early start and so much support truly paid off for Octavio. A fast learner, he would pick up new skills quickly and his comprehension consistently challenged his Family Educator to bring different and interesting lessons to the home.
Now a seventh-grader, Octavio’s performance in math and science far exceeded grade level. Yet rather than coasting through his classes, he stepped up to help those around him. “I was just able to grasp what was being taught and then helped others understand it as well,” he explains. Octavio was such an asset to his class that he was asked to help tutor kids in a summer school program.
All for One, One for All
With the help of Patricia, her Family Educator, Lauren was able to get her son Zachariah into speech and occupational therapy, then into a Head Start program. “He first came to us not talking and now we cannot get him to be quiet,” Patricia laughs. “Even this early, I think he knows he has some obstacles, but he is determined to overcome them.”
“Miss Patricia is my backup, my resource. I know I can count on her,” expresses Lauren. Patricia agrees: “We all just have a tight knit bond. Working with them has elevated my experience as a Family Educator.”
People to Look Up To
Often the first and last Way to Grow employee our preschool students see, Mr. Willie makes it a point to be not just a driver, but an integral part of their lives every day.
“We bond because I listen to them. Sometimes they have problems, sometimes they have concerns, and sometimes they just want someone to talk to,” Mr. Willie explains. “Each child is different, and they are so intelligent and energetic. When I look at our bus, I see that we have the makings of future lawyers, doctors, politicians—almost every type of position that will contribute to our community in the future.”
Culture to Culture
“Having Alison, having a native person as my Family Educator, has positively contributed to my experience at Way to Grow. There is something about sharing a culture; she just understands where I am coming from and what I am going through,” Sydney expresses. “She makes it easy and comfortable…. Alison and Way to Grow give us access to resources, opportunities, and events that we never would have been able to experience otherwise. They have been able to show us what community really is, and we are so grateful.”