Supporting School Success Through Afterschool and Summer Programs
YWCA Beacons Learning Centers are located at two north Minneapolis schools, Hmong International Academy and Franklin Middle School.
They offer youth a combination of academic and enrichment activities four days a week. Beacons Learning Center afterschool and summer programs support school success, while providing opportunities for learning and leadership.
Beacons Participants
In 2021 – 2022:
- 94% of Beacons participants stated that they had a positive relationship with a caring adult
- 96% of Beacons participants stated they had positive peer relationships
- 87% of Beacons participants felt that their culture was respected and they had a sense of belonging in program
How to Register for Afterschool and Summer Programs
To learn more about YWCA Minneapolis Beacons Learning Centers, call 612-522-6559 extension 1.
To register for the Summer Scholars GEMS/GISE STEM Academy at Lucy Laney Elementary for summer 2023, fill out this form.
YWCA Beacons Learning Center at Hmong International Academy
YWCA Minneapolis has been offering school success programs to new American Hmong students for nearly 15 years. In 2005, the Hmong International Academy (HIA) school site was created by the Minneapolis Public Schools to serve immigrant Hmong students. A partnership between the YWCA Beacons Learning Center and the HIA was established in 2009 to serve the kindergarten through eighth-grade students from immigrant and refugee households. Each year, more than 250 youth attend afterschool and summer programs.
For enrollment or program information, contact Pheng Moua at pmoua@ywcampls.org or 612-668-2265.
YWCA Beacons Learning Center at Franklin Middle School
In the fall of 2015, YWCA Minneapolis opened a Beacons Center at the new Franklin Middle School. This learning center offers high-quality programming to middle school students, focusing on leadership development, healthy life choices, college and career readiness and STEM.
For enrollment or program information, contact Aisha Wright at awright@ywcampls.org.
Testimony from a Beacons Center participant
“Being involved in Beacons has exposed me to so many new things! I‘ve made great friends. I get to be a leader and I represent my school in the community. I’ve been on college tours and I’ve helped teach others about my culture – and I am only in sixth grade. Every student should have the chance to be in Beacons!”