Parents and young people can go visit the Virtual One Stop Shop to learn about available out-of-school time programs that match their interests that are close to their home or school.

Transportation is an important link between high quality after-school programs in the neighborhood and young people who want to participate in those programs. Circulator buses provide free rides for young people to take advantage of learning opportunities throughout the neighborhood, at locations such as libraries, recreation centers, community centers or non-profits. Circulators encourage young people to get out of the house and get to know their neighborhood.

To access the East Side Circulator bus registration form as well as routes and times for the Payne Phalen and Dayton' Bluff Circulators, visit East Side Circulator.  

In partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, the No School Day programs are available at recreation centers across the City over Spring Break, Winter Break and during the Statewide Teacher Conferences. The City provides fun and safe places to learn while the adults in their lives are at work. Free meals are provided at many of the recreation centers during this time thanks to a partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools’ Nutrition Department.

High school students from neighborhoods across the city work with civic and community leaders to solve community issues. The youth commission organizes community action projects that advance the goals of the Saint Paul Youth Policy Platform, a document that outlines the top five issues youth feel are most important to address. Together, young people on the youth commission stand up, speak up, LEAD.

More than 15 organizations – libraries, non-profits, churches, parks and recreation centers, schools – along with East Side residents work together to expand and strengthen after-school and summer opportunities for youth in the Payne Phalen and Dayton’s Bluff neighborhoods. They include adding more than 12 after-school programs across 3 schools, providing 14 days of full-day programming when Saint Paul schools do not have class as well as 10 weeks of summer camps, and publishing the East Side Youth Guide listing all the after-school and summer programs for youth on the East Side.

A national program, focused on improving the quality of youth programs, the staff that provides the services, and the environment of buildings where they are provided, will pilot its assessment at five Saint Paul Park and Recreation Centers. This work is being done so all Saint Paul services are top-quality and available to all families in the city.