Children/Youth Programming

PLUS Time (Playful Learning with University Students):  An after-school academic enrichment program for grades K-5 focusing on science, math and reading.  Students majoring in education at Concordia University provide one-to-one and group academic tutoring and supervised learning experiences.  The program meets 3:30-6:00PM, Monday-Friday during the school year.

Youth-VOICE (Vision, Opportunity, Interaction, Community, Empowerment):  An after-school program for middle school students in grades 6-8 combining academic enrichment, relationship building and community service.   Hamline University students work with the youth to help them improve their academic proficiencies, self-esteem and their community through projects and leadership program opportunities.   The program meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3:30-6:00PM, during the school year.

Fun Science:  A science exploration and enrichment program offered on-site with the assistance of the Bell Museum of Natural History -- University of Minnesota and Mad Science of Minnesota (a private science- providers alternate weeks; the program being provided weekly, (Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-6:00PM – Mad Science) (Tuesday 5:00-6:00PM – Bell Museum/or other providers).

4-H in the City:  An academic assistance and leadership program for middle school students.  The program consists of homework help and other academic enrichment activities and is designed to expose youth to the worlds of higher education and careers by building awareness and personal leadership skills.  The University of Minnesota Extension Services Urban 4-H program works with Liberty Plaza students.  The program is held Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-6:00PM.

Girl Scouts:  On-site Girl Scout Troop for girls 5-17.  The program focuses on increasing understanding, skills, respect, and contributions to society, as well as, developing individual potential through engaging in a variety of programming, including camping.  The program is offered in collaboration with the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley and volunteers.  It is held Thursday 5:00-6:00PM.

Summer Program:  A summer activity program for out-of-school children and youth.  During a portion of the program, LP contracts with Barebones Productions which provides the students with art programming.  Activities include stilt walking, puppet making, drawing, painting, movement and other visual and creative arts.  The remaining weeks of the summer activity program include weekly field trips to places such as the Como Zoo and Conservatory, Wabasha Caves, Children’s Museum, Hill House and other locations.  In addition, swimming at the YWCA, reading, on-site movie days, camping, and other activities take place.  Activities are planned and provided remembering the need to help children and youth continue an academic focus, so that the activities are geared to not only be fun ones, but also educational in nature.  Activities take place afternoons Monday-Friday; Friday being field trip day.