Youth Leadership Academy enhances Duluth Children’s Museum through service project

It was a cold, damp, windy day in May – the kind of day that makes it hard to think spring in northern Minnesota. Yet the weather did not put a damper on the energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork of Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy participants, who launched into their outdoor volunteer service project with gusto.

Each spring, more than 50 ninth grade leaders from Duluth and Superior, with guidance from adult mentors, cap a year of experiential learning by planning and implementing a service project for a local nonprofit. The Duluth Children’s Museum was the organization chosen by this year’s Academy class.

Digging In to Make a Difference

 

The Duluth Children’s Museum was in need of some outdoor improvements to its new space in the Clyde Park Complex, and the teens came through. They spent the weeks before securing donated supplies, preparing a news release, and planning their work day.

Bright and early on Saturday, May 18th, the youth cleared and leveled ground, added topsoil and decorative boulders, built a walkway, planted flowers and trees, and more. The team worked long hours to complete the project.

“The intelligence, creativity, skills, and talents of these ninth graders are remarkable and provide an optimistic view of all of today’s youth,” said Michael Garcia, President and CEO at the Museum.

The following sponsors provided essential in-kind donations for the project day at Duluth Children’s Museum: Amys Excavating • Boreal Natives • Fastenal • Home Depot • Leamon Merchantile • Life’s a Picnic • Marshall Hardware • McDonald’s West Duluth • “ROCK” Bob Swanson • Sherwin Williams • Twig Bakery • WLSSD • Valentini’s Vicino Lago

“These students and mentors can take pride in their project,” said Lynn Haglin, Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director at the Northland Foundation. “They did an incredible job which the museum, its young visitors, and the whole community will enjoy for years to come.”

Sponsors Make Program Possible

 

This year’s group of Duluth and Superior students were able to develop their leadership potential and bridge their two communities through the generosity of the following individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Their support is deeply appreciated.