Program areas at Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
Family programming - Urban Ventures family programming offers life blood; siempre padres, and pathways. Life blood is designed to help participants become better parents, partners, and people. Siempre padres assists families who want to grow in their interpersonal relationships and learn new dynamics to be even better parents. Pathways is a diversion program, in partnership with the minneapolis city attorney's office, designed as an alternative for those charged with misdemeanor gun offenses. Men and women are welcome to programs. Childcare and a meal are provided with each program. The programs are offered at no cost. Among pathways participants, the recidivism rate is 15% compared to 75% for other individuals with non-violent weapons charges.
Program services supports all uv programs through community outreach in addition to working with volunteers and community partners. This year, 10 college students received paid internships covering professional development, meetings with senior Leadership, and networking opportunities.
Youth programs - Urban Ventures youth programs includes; act six; innovation center; music; and uv college & career center. Each year, 50+ four-year, full tuition, full-need scholarships are provided to emerging community leaders who want to use their college education to make a positive impact on their campus and home community. The scholars receive Leadership training and ongoing support as they learn to lead for real. The innovation center provides hands-on training in stem subjects for students of all ages. Music academy offers guitar and piano lessons for youth ages 8-18 in a small group setting. We also offer hip hop 4 life, beats 4 life, and an open mic night. The innovation center mobile hub allows each student to use their own ipad, as well as directions on what they can do with it. The students learn robotics, digital art and coding.
Education and literacy- academic support is provided through me & my baby! ; cornwell early learning center, hub club after school program; and reading program. Me & my baby! Provides practical tools to help participants navigate pregnancy and take care of their newborns. The cornwell early learning center gives children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten the highest quality early learning. With a focus on social and emotional development. Gives children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten with the highest quality early learning. The after school program is an academic program for students in grades 1-5 to receive literacy support and homework assistance to stay on track in school. The program focuses on developing character and healthy peer relationships. Reading plus helps students grow into readers and writers. Our team work with developing readers during the school day at our neighborhood schools. Additionally, the program provides both afterschool and summer reading lessons. The cornwell early learning center recently received a four-star parent aware rating, the highest possible rating, indicating the center goes above and beyond to provide excellent early childhood education.
Farm & nutrition - fights food injustice in inner city neighborhoods. Organic produce is grown and distributed for free or at reasonable prices to families who need access to healthy food and nutrition education. Each year the uv farm sustainably grows fresh food for our neighbors while simultaneously creating opportunities for agricultural education. Field trips from local partner schools, visits from our cornwell early learning center, and classes for our after-school program mean you'll often see groups of children and youth between the rows of produce.