More than 100 students rallied at the Minnesota Capitol after the Annunciation Church shooting, urging a ban on semiautomatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. Speakers called for policies that address both gun safety and mental health and pressed lawmakers to act in a special session.
Youth
Youth lead conversations on digital wellbeing
Teens led a powerful community conversation on screen time and mental health at a St. Paul event hosted by The Sanneh Foundation and LiveMore ScreenLess.
St. Paul arts center a healing sanctuary for Black and brown youth
The Black Youth Healing Arts Center is a vibrant space in Saint Paul’s Summit-University neighborhood that promotes healing, growth, and fun for Black and brown youth through interactive events, mindfulness, affirmation arts, and breathwork.
Youth-led festival confers real-world responsibilities
825 Arts, a nonprofit community arts space, is turning creativity into collective power by hosting events such as the annual Speak Out and Lead Youth Arts Fest, which is led by youth and provides opportunities for all generations to learn and express themselves.
51 schools compete in first statewide high school girls flag football league
The state’s first high school girls flag football league begins its season on April 27, with 51 high schools competing on five consecutive Sundays this spring, and the NFL club contributing $600,000 to support the new league and the participating high schools.
From Piggy Banks to Paydays: Teaching Kids Smart Money Habits Early
Financial experts Ebony Beckford and Sharita Humphrey recommend starting to teach children about money early, starting as young as two years old, to help them develop healthy financial habits and become their own financial safety net.
First Tee – Minnesota Opens 2025 Summer Registration, Announces Lineup of Youth Golf Events
First Tee – Minnesota has opened registration for its 2025 spring and summer programs, offering clinics and events at more than 20 locations across the state. The youth development nonprofit integrates golf instruction with life skills to empower young people, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to the game. “First Tee – Minnesota […]
More than 43% of high schoolers ‘terrified’ of their financial future
Despite an increase in financial literacy offerings in high schools, 43% of teens ages 13–18 are worried they won’t have enough money to meet their future needs and goals, with significant knowledge gaps persisting among American teens.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Minnesota expands mentorship, strengthens child safety
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities emphasizes child safety while expanding its mentorship program, serving more than 2,000 youth across the region with a structured safety framework and community outreach.
Big Night, Big Futures: A gala celebrating youth mentorship
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities will host its annual Big Night Gala on Friday, April 11, 2025, to celebrate the life-changing impact of mentorship for youth across the Twin Cities, with an evening of stories, live entertainment, and fundraising.
YouthFarm Bids Farewell After 30 Years of Empowering Urban Communities
YouthFarm has made the difficult decision to dissolve after three decades of transformative work in urban agriculture, citing ongoing financial challenges that have become insurmountable.
Mudluk Pottery offers summer camps for kids
Mudluk Pottery is offering weeklong pottery camps this summer for children aged 7-16, where they can learn hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, and create unique pieces they can treasure.
Harlem Globetrotters bring basketball magic to Bryn Mawr
The Harlem Globetrotters visited Bryn Mawr Elementary School in Minnesota as part of their Great Assist tour, engaging students in interactive games and sharing stories of perseverance and unity.
Black students are the future of journalism
Black journalists are working to expand opportunities for young Black students to become the next generation of storytellers, as the Black press continues to be a force for change.
Combo Camp at 825 Arts offers creative fun for kids
Combo Camp is a fun-filled, creative experience for kids ages 8-14, offering comedy workshops, Minecraft video creation, comic-making sessions with local artist Mizz Mercedez, and a Talent Showcase on the final day.
Parents must stay informed about artificial intelligence in education
Parents must engage in the conversation surrounding the use of AI in education to ensure that the technology is used in a way that does not perpetuate racial and socioeconomic disparities, and that educators are properly trained to recognize and counter biases in AI-driven tools.
Kiya Edwards: A game-changer and advocate for mentorship
Kiya Edwards, a reporter at KARE 11 News and host of The Show with Kiya, is a mentor to Courtney, a young girl she has mentored for years, and has been inspired by her experience as a Little Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to share her story and impact the lives of others.
Radio Camp 2025 offers Twin Cities youth hands-on journalism experience at MPR
High school students in the Twin Cities can apply for Radio Camp 2025, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio, to learn radio production, audio editing, and scriptwriting, with the opportunity to have their stories featured on MPR platforms.
Department of Education cuts have real consequences for Black students
The Trump administration’s cuts to the U.S. Department of Education have resulted in a significant reduction in resources for public education, disproportionately affecting Black students and other marginalized groups.
MN CHILL provides kids with tools for success
The MN CHILL Foundation, founded by William “Chuck” Hill and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, aims to provide support to students and young adults through various programs, including a fitness program for children and a tech internship for teens.
