Invest in Youth

Serving youth has long been fundamental to the MPRB’s mission. Our organization is uniquely positioned to support the city’s children, teens and young adults through hundreds of programs and services, ranging from Tiny Tots and preschool programs to career exploration and thousands of first job opportunities.

Identifying and Closing the Youth Funding Gap

In response to a 2018 Board priority, MPRB thoroughly assessed its investments dedicated to Minneapolis youth. The resulting 2019 report, Closing the Gap: Investing in Youth, identified a $2 million-plus gap between the needs of the city’s youth population and available funding for programs, services and spaces to serve them.

The report tracked gradual funding reductions dating back to 2001, with subsequent reductions in recreation center staffing and service hours. With resources stretched thin, a “survival-based” approach to programming developed, focused on youth already frequenting recreation centers. Meanwhile, by 2019 nearly 20 percent of Minneapolis residents were 18 or younger, with nearly 30 percent of those youth experiencing poverty. The report concluded that more than 80,000 Minneapolis youth were going without needed services – despite ten years’ worth of community input and plans from multiple agencies and organizations.

Following its report, MPRB undertook a strategic initiative. Investing in Youth began by reimagining and realigning recreation programming and services. Sidelining a “survival-and-service” status-quo, the organization expanded select programs and developed innovative, quality programs for and with youth, regardless of ability to pay.

To fully fund the youth-investment gap, MPRB advocates for sustainable funding while making smart, tough choices in its annual budget. In 2021, Superintendent Al Bangoura’s ongoing conversations with City of Minneapolis leaders led to a historic agreement to increase youth investments. MPRB’s 2022 budget included $2.6 million to invest in youth, funded through a $1.3 million increase in the MPRB property tax levy and $1.3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Mayor Jacob Frey also provided for an ongoing commitment of gradual annual increases ($260,000) to the MPRB property tax levy from 2023 through 2027 to meet the full $2.6 million in youth investment requested by the Board, as well as ARPA funding for 2023 and 2024 ($1,092,000 and $875,400, respectively).

Six Pillars of Critical Programs

In introducing and expanding programs across the park system, MPRB focuses on “pillar” program areas. These pillars were prioritized because they maximize benefits for participants and for the broader community, and they’re based on current demographics, needs and desires of neighborhood communities. They’re also grounded in research and experience in particular activities, skills and opportunities.

Spark’d Studios – Convert outdated computer labs and other spaces at recreation centers into technology- and art-focused spaces for active learning, collaboration, career exploration and other opportunities.

Community-Focused Youth Employment – Expand the Teen Teamworks program, Youth Design Team, participation in the Conservation Corps and Urban Scholars programs; and develop trades apprenticeships.

Nature Programming – Leverage the benefits of spending time in nature: Increase participation in nature-based programs and awareness of the park system’s natural resources and nature-based recreation opportunities.

Cycling – Foster cycling among all ages and build communities through youth bike camps and field trips; earn-a-bike programs; safety, repair and skill-building classes; nature-based neighborhood and community rides; and adult mentorship.

Community Gardening – Leverage garden options in neighborhood parks, introducing youth to gardening skills, entrepreneurial agriculture opportunities and other community garden benefits.

Intergenerational Centers of Excellence– Provide opportunities for youth and older adults to collaborate through art, music, games, exercise, storytelling and the “pillar” programs above; encourage older adults in sharing history and life lessons.