Jonathan C. W. Jones '18
Executive Director
PK-12 Administration Certificate ’18 (College of Education and Human Development)
Alumni Association Member
About UpLiFT Movement
Launched in 2021, UpLiFT Movement is more than a nonprofit—it’s a mission-driven movement to cultivate, connect, and celebrate Black male and BIPOC educators. Our work centers on providing culturally sustaining mentorship for both pre-service educators seeking licensure and in-service educators aspiring to grow into building- and district-level leadership roles.
The need is urgent: while nearly 40% of U.S. students are students of color, fewer than 20% of teachers identify as educators of color, and retention rates are significantly lower for BIPOC educators compared to their white peers. Research shows that educators of color are more likely to leave the profession due to isolation, lack of mentorship, and limited leadership pathways.
Through partnerships with schools, districts, and institutions, UpLiFT creates supportive affinity spaces and mentorship networks that reverse these trends—helping educators not only stay in the classroom, but also grow into leadership roles that shape more inclusive and equitable schools.
BIPOC Educators: Apply Now for Our Paid Mentorship Program!
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Address
597 Viking Drive East
Little Canada, MN 55117
Contact
About Jonathan C. W. Jones
Jonathan Jones is a two-time entrepreneur and changemaker dedicated to unlocking opportunities through education and equity. He is the founder of Ideation4, a grant writing consulting firm that equips nonprofits with the resources to fund their vision, and the founder and Executive Director of UpLiFT Movement, a bold nonprofit reshaping the future of education.
