Youth & Family Development

This directory highlights Twin Cities organizations providing youth employment and culturally rooted literacy and design programs.

Green Garden Bakery

Green Garden Bakery is an award-winning, youth-run social enterprise based in Heritage Park.

Mission: To support the leadership development, community engagement, and economic mobility of youth in Heritage Park.

Take Action
Monitor: Find out where the team is selling vegetable-infused desserts at local 2026 festivals and markets.
Donate: Support the model that keeps healthy treats accessible to all.
Shop: One third of all sales are donated back to local youth-chosen causes.

Juxtaposition Arts

JXTA is a teen-staffed art and design center in North Minneapolis that functions as a gallery and creative hub.

Mission: To develop community by employing young urban artists in hands-on education that creates pathways to self-sufficiency.

Take Action
Monitor: Track upcoming youth design showcases and campus festivals.
Donate: Fund year-round, paid art and design jobs for Northside teens.
Shop: Buy apparel and ceramics made directly in JXTALabs studios.

NdCAD

NdCAD provides literacy and cultural enrichment designed for families of African descent.

Mission: To help children of African descent realize their full potential through education and cultural identity development.

Take Action
Monitor: Refer families to the African Resource Library and literacy screenings.
Donate: Support the “Sankofa Reading Program” and parent education.

Tree Trust

Tree Trust transforms lives and landscapes by providing green-industry job training for young people.

Mission: To provide youth with professional work skills while improving the community’s urban tree canopy.

Take Action
Monitor: Access the latest annual reports and the “Canopy Connections” newsletter.
Donate: Fund “Career Pathways” and summer youth employment.
Volunteer: Assist with community tree planting and restoration.

Youthprise

Youthprise is a youth-centered philanthropic organization increasing equity for Indigenous, immigrant, and low-income youth.

Mission: To champion learning, leadership, and economic opportunity with and for Minnesota youth.

Take Action
Monitor: Follow the latest stories on youth nutrition, leadership, and economic mobility.
Donate: Support “Youth Bank” and statewide nutrition programs.
Volunteer: Give your time to support youth-led initiatives and community programs.