Youth Development
youth development
Every young person deserves a bright start to their adult future regardless of the resources they’ve grown up with. YWCA St. Paul’s Youth Development programs provide connections, resources and a safe place to build a community.
Core Programs
YWCA St. Paul Youth Development programs empower young people to build bright futures. Programming helps young people affirm who they are, and supports them in building leadership skills, employment readiness and academic success. Open to young people ages 15 to 22. Transportation assistance available.
YW Stride helps young women of color ages 17–24 who are transitioning from foster care by helping them secure stable housing and navigate relationships, resources and systems.
YW Stride helps young women of color ages 17–24 who are transitioning from foster care by helping them secure stable housing and navigate relationships, resources and systems. Leveraging the unique combination of services offered at YWCA St. Paul and the expertise and collaboration of our Youth and Housing & Supportive Services programs, staff provide life coaching and empower participants to build confidence and self-efficacy through an 18-month program.
Participants may also access any other YWCA St. Paul programs they are eligible for during their time in the program. This is a referral-based program only. To refer youth or yourself, please fill out this form or contact Holly Marshall at HMarshall@ywcastpaul.org.
The Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota (YWIMN), a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota, is a public-private partnership and a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment to achieve equity in opportunities and to improve the lives of young women of color, American Indian young women, young women from Greater Minnesota, LGBTQ youth, and young women with disabilities.
YWCA St. Paul hosts the Young Women’s Cabinet, composed of young women and youth leaders (ages 16-24) who are appointed by the Governor, in actively engaging in leadership and advocacy development, policy initiatives, and community engagement to address disparities for girls and young women.
Join the Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet!
Application deadline: Friday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Watch this webinar recording to learn more:
Click here to watch
The YWIMN Cabinet is funded by Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.
Alaysha's Success Story
Alaysha is a participant in YWCA St. Paul’s YW Stride, which supports young women of color who are transitioning from foster care by helping them secure stable housing and navigate relationships, resources and systems. Her incomparable spirit and determination have helped her achieve goals she once thought impossible.