By Osman Sheikyusuf, Founder of Achievers Tutoring
As the founder of Achievers Tutoring, I feel it is my duty to confront the recent unfounded allegations that have emerged against me and my organization. These claims, rooted in misinformation and jealousy, misrepresent not only my character but also the values I uphold in my mission to support students. I have dedicated my life to education, working tirelessly to empower children, particularly from immigrant communities, to overcome barriers and achieve academic success. In this response, I aim to clarify the truth behind these allegations and reaffirm my commitment to providing high-quality educational services to those in need.
As the founder of Achievers Tutoring, I feel compelled to address the recent unfounded allegations directed against me and my organization. It is crucial to clarify that these claims are false and stem from misinformation, jealousy, and a misunderstanding of how educational support programs operate. The negative portrayal of my character and my work is far removed from the truth and the values I uphold.
First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Osman Sheikyusuf, and I have lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since 1996. I have dedicated my life to education, earning an Associate of Science in Marketing Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Over the past decade, I have worked in both public and private schools, mentoring and coaching students to help them thrive academically.
In 2021, I founded Achievers Tutoring, motivated by a desire to support struggling students, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. My mission has always been to empower children from immigrant communities who face numerous barriers to educational success. I believe in the transformative power of education and have devoted my career to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
It is with disappointment that I address the defamatory allegations being circulated, primarily fueled by a former client and sensationalized by local media outlets that did not fact-check their sources. One outlet even misrepresented my statements, failing to provide the full context of my response.
Setting the Record Straight
To clarify how the Minnesota After School Advance (MAA) program operates, Achievers Tutoring is a service provider that works within a framework established by MAA. MAA was responsible for approving applications and determining eligibility for funding. Only families approved by MAA could select service providers from their network.
While Achievers Tutoring previously accepted families through MAA, we ceased this practice in mid-2023 and currently do not have any participants from that program. During our partnership, we operated as an approved independent service provider. It is important to note that our role was limited to delivering educational services, and we provided full transparency and compliance throughout the process, including attendance records and receipts.
Addressing Allegations from Former Client Lul Mohamud
The claims made by Lul Mohamud, a former client, have been particularly damaging. Lul enrolled her children in Achievers Tutoring through MAA, which conducted thorough background checks before approving her application. She received tutoring services, Chromebooks, and detailed documentation to support her education credit claims.
When the Minnesota Department of Revenue audited Lul, Achievers Tutoring promptly provided the necessary documentation to support her case. Despite our efforts to assist her, Lul falsely accused us of being responsible for the audit. It is essential to understand that the audit process is managed by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, not by Achievers Tutoring.
Lul’s accusations appear to stem from a misunderstanding of the system, and she has taken to social media to spread these falsehoods. However, I have text messages from her expressing gratitude for the assistance we provided during her audit process.
Additional Measures by MAA:
The Minnesota After School Advance (MAA) has taken proactive steps to assist families, including Lul, in navigating the tax process effectively. They hired a Somali-speaking accountant to provide free support in preparing accurate tax filings.
Recognizing that many families were relying on unlicensed or inexperienced tax preparers, we helped to create and share a video training resource. This resource aimed to educate families and their tax preparers on how to claim the education credit correctly.
Possible Causes for Audits and Denials of the K-12 Education Tax Credit:
- Improper tax filing
- Increased income resulting in disqualification for claiming the credit
- A different guardian claiming the child on their tax return
- Failure to claim the credit altogether
Addressing Broader Issues
While I categorically reject these baseless allegations, I recognize that many families face significant challenges when navigating programs like MAA and the Minnesota K-12 Education Credit.
The complexity of these systems can be overwhelming, particularly for underserved communities. I advocate for simplifying these processes to enhance accessibility and ensure that families can efficiently access the resources they need.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Achievers Tutoring, we remain unwavering in our commitment to providing quality education and support to underserved communities. Despite the challenges posed by false allegations, we will continue to serve with integrity and dedication.
To our community, I reassure you that while misinformation can tarnish reputations, the truth will ultimately prevail. I am dedicated to my mission of uplifting our youth and fostering educational success, and unfounded attacks will not deter me. Thank you for your continued support.
Below are pictures illustrating my educational experience and commitment to serving children.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Osman Sheikyusuf, the founder of Achievers Tutoring, and do not necessarily reflect the Somali Media of MN’s official stance or editorial policy.
