Overcoming the Challenges of the Pandemic and Forging a New Generation of Leaders
On May 10, 2025, we gathered at YWCA Minneapolis to celebrate the accomplishments of twelve incredible young women in our Eureka! program — a transformative initiative designed to build leaders, changemakers and well-rounded young women.
While every Eureka! cohort is remarkable, this group stands out for one key reason: they began their journey at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company, students in the U.S. were, on average, five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading by the end of the 2020–21 school year due to pandemic-related challenges. ¹
Disruption to Learning Due to COVID-19
Like many young people who started high school in 2019, members of this cohort faced a profoundly different learning environment. Virtual classrooms became their primary —sometimes only — connection to the outside world. The isolation, lack of in-person interaction and ongoing uncertainty took a toll on their mental, social and emotional well-being.
“I had spent an entire year taking classes virtually. And even though I was playing soccer and basketball — masked the whole time — I wasn’t spending much time with friends,” shared Julia, a Eureka! participant. “My mental, social and emotional situation was not in a good position.”
When the program began, much of it was still online. For youth already accustomed to virtual learning, this wasn’t a major shift. However, instead of spending their first two summers at the University of Minnesota campus — a hallmark of the program — students logged onto Zoom sessions Monday through Thursday. Fridays brought a bit of relief with in-person gatherings in a park, where the participants got to interact with each other face-to-face, masked and socially distanced.
Still, the format made it harder for some to feel connected or committed to the program. A cohort that started with 25 participants soon dwindled to 12.
Finding Encouragement in the Dark
Despite these obstacles, Eureka! became a vital source of stability and support.
“Eureka! helped me overcome my challenges during COVID-19 as it gave me something to do during my free time,” said Eden, a participant. “It helped me get outside of my comfort zone, gave me structure and allowed me to meet people and network.”
While this program focuses on STEM, higher education and leadership, it also empowers participants to address the real-life issues they face — topics like interpersonal relationships, financial literacy, mental health and overall wellbeing.
“Eureka does not shy away from hard conversations and provides a space for us to explore things like mental health, sex education and growing up,” shared another participant.
At YWCA Minneapolis, we strive to equip girls and youth with the skills and experience to nurture their confidence, relationships and power to thrive in their lives and community.
“This cohort is extremely compassionate,” said Claire, YWCA Minneapolis Girls Inc. Manager. “They not only are great at interacting with the cohort above them but also have become great leaders and connecting to the cohorts younger than them.”
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Celebrating the Power of Resilience
This year's celebration wasn't just about honoring 12 exceptional young women who overcame unprecedented challenges. It was also a tribute to the families who stood by them, who believed in them and who trusted YWCA Minneapolis to help guide their child's growth.
These young leaders are a living testament to what resilience, community and opportunity can achieve.
“This generation has an immense ability to change the direction of this country,” said Shelley Carthen Watson, President and CEO of YWCA Minneapolis. “I can’t wait to see what their next chapter will be.”
You Can Make a Difference Too
YWCA Minneapolis is proud to be one of the city’s largest providers of out-of-school-time programs, serving youth in more than 24 locations. But we don’t do it alone.
“At the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, we believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is sometimes not,” said Marc Skjervem, Assistant Dean, Collegiate Life. “By partnering with organizations like the YWCA, we’re working to change that by ensuring that all students, including girls and underserved youth, have access to meaningful STEM experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence and open doors to future careers. A more inclusive STEM community leads to stronger innovation, and that starts by investing in the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.”
Thanks to the continued support of partners like the University of Minnesota and Wings Financial Credit Union, we’re able to deliver enriching, expansive programming to youth across Minneapolis.
“What we do matters,” said Marquita Butler, Girls and Youth Operations Director. “The things we do have a real impact — and that can change the entire trajectory of a young person’s life.”
Whether as a donor, a volunteer or a community partner, your involvement makes a difference. To learn more about how you can support youth programs like Eureka!, please contact us at ywca@ywcampls.org — or, make an impact today by donating.
Sources
1. COVID-19 and education: The lingering effects of unfinished learning | McKinsey