Saint Paul Youth Commission 2024-25
The Saint Paul Youth Commission reviewed several project proposals and selected four IMPACT projects to work on in small groups.
Duluth and Case Community Center Reconstruction
Youth Commissioners not only shared their own thoughts and ideas, they created and distributed a survey to gather community input—especially from youth—on what they want to see in a new community center.
Saint Paul Youth Connect
Recognizing the importance of accurate information, and how hard it can be for young people to find the resources they are looking for, Youth Commissioners developed a youth-centered resource website to connect their peers to opportunities, services, and support across Saint Paul. Click here to check it out!
Rondo-Frogtown Loop Family Night
Youth having access to community programs is important, and with the new Rondo-Frogtown Loop project, Youth Commissioners wanted to support youth and families in building awareness and engagement in the new opportunities.
Youth Commissioners organized and hosted a family night event to raise awareness and engage families around the Rondo-Frogtown Loop project- a van service that transports young people to local spots like rec centers and libraries.
Youth Dismantling Drug Stigma
Opioid and other substance use impacts many people in communities and Youth Commissioners wanted to reduce stigma around substance use and encourage community resources of support by hosting a Naloxone Training for youth and sharing information with peers through tabling at their schools.
Youth on Boards
Youth on Board members served on a total of 13 Saint Paul Boards and Commissions, actively contributing youth perspectives to city governance.
Youth Present at National Conferences
National Youth Employment Coalition's Annual Forum
Daisy and Al joined Stephany to present "Drawing on Identity to Support Youth Civic Engagement" at the National Youth Employment Coalition’s Annual Forum.
"While presenting I felt empowered to share my experience as a young person in leadership. I’m glad I could share my personal story for the audience to learn something new, whether to improve an aspect of their organization or just to gain perspective. Overall, I was supported and heard." Al Reiter, Youth on Boards Representative
Every Hour Counts National Conference
Aru, Paw Mu, and Tes presented "Empowering Youth: Creating Pathways for Leadership" at the Every Hour Counts National Conference.
"I really felt acknowledged the whole time as a youth leader and it struck me that 'Wow, this is actually real, like I have experience and knowledge that I can lend to other people.' I also felt really good when an audience member used my name to address me and talk about me. It really made me feel seen and I enjoyed all the interactions." ~ Paw Mu Thaw, Youth on Boards and Saint Paul Youth Commission Program Participant
Youth as Grant Reviewers
This spring, nine members of SPYC and YOB were trained and served as reviewers for the Minnesota Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant applications.
As grant reviewers, the youth found the experience valuable, rewarding, and challenging. They appreciated the opportunity to evaluate grant proposals and have a voice in how funding is allocated for out of school time programs across the state.
Throughout the experience, they gained insight into how grant funding is administered in Minnesota and the decision-making processes involved. They also developed key skills such as time management, using a rubric to assess proposals objectively, and working collaboratively to reach compromises. After initial training, youth reviewed applications in a team-based structure, which fostered accountability and support among reviewers.
