Description
We partner with Black youth to work to create systemic change through in-school and in-community services and advocacy that focuses on addressing the underlying barriers to equity. Our core programs are:
YouthPowerMN/YouthPowerMediaMN: We offer physical and digital organizing hubs where Black youth can reflect, build skills, organize, and advocate for change on issues that affect their lives.
Behavior Intervention Program (BIP): We use a uniquely holistic approach to in-school behavioral intervention to address both the immediate needs of students, and the root causes of disparate disciplinary outcomes for Black youth.
Pre-Charge Diversion Program: We offer an alternative to court for a range of first-time offenses, helping young people stay out of the criminal justice system.
Workshops and Training: We train organizations who work with youth developmental needs, systemic barriers youth face, and practical skills and motivation to more effectively engage with young people.
Some of our achievements include:
Annually, on average 81% of youth in our Behavior Intervention Program improve their academic performance, and 97% of Diversion participants do not have another arrest six months after their entry into the program.
We partnered with Black youth in response to a Saint Paul City Ordinance that would have criminalized curfew violations. The youth gave feedback on the real harm it would cause them; the City Councilor proposing the ordinance withdrew it.
