Out-of-School Time Summer Programming at Summer on Second and Luxton Learners

Summer is in full swing and it’s important for youth to stay connected and engaged in learning, even while school is out of session. As part of the recently adopted programming from Eastside Neighborhood Services , Change Inc. now operates Out-Of-School Time (OST) programs for youth in Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis at two community-based sites: Mulberry Junction and Luxton Park Recreation Center.

Outdoor learning activities at Summer on Second

The OST programs aim to build positive long-term connections between staff, young people, and families through meaningful shared experiences. Programming engages youth and families year-round through after school, summer activities, and family events.

Mulberry Junction is located inside the East Side Neighborhood Services building on Second Street Northeast, inspiring the “Summer on Second” summer program name. “Luxton Learners” is based at the Luxton Park site in Southeast Minneapolis.

The two summer programs are free, six-week, out-of-school time programs for rising first through eight graders, funded in part by the MN Department of Education. The main goal of the summer programs is to identify fun and effective ways to help prevent summer learning loss for youth in grades one through eight.

Minneapolis Step Up program interns learning during training and orientation week

The summer program staff come from a variety of backgrounds, including Change Inc.’s year-round OST team, AmeriCorps Summer Reads literacy mentors, as well as teenage interns from the Minneapolis Step Up program. Step Up is a partner program that helps Minneapolis-area teens and young adults get jobs, bringing youth, skill and diversity to the workforce. Providing opportunities for older youth to make an impact working with groups of youth that are diverse and multicultural is another important goal.

As part of the program, youth are provided with healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks each day. Themed academic and enrichment activities with licensed teachers and facilitators, along with weekly field trips to local parks, libraries, gardens and swimming areas pack the summer days! Positive relationship building with other young people and adults in the community allows opportunities for the youth in attendance to engage in group work to support social emotional learning.

In total, 86 participants, 12 Step Up interns, and two AmeriCorps mentors are learning new skills, having adventures, and making great memories! Programming runs through July 30 and will resume in the fall with regular year-round after-school offerings.