Facility Notice: YWCA Minneapolis fitness centers, as well as Early Childhood Education centers (except Abbott), are temporarily closed through the end of April. Learn More
Supporting School Success Through Afterschool and Summer Programs
YWCA Beacon 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. Beacon Learning Center afterschool and summer programs support school success, while providing opportunities for learning and leadership.
Beacon Participants
In 2017 – 2018:
- 89% of youth who completed the program met acceptable standards of school attendance
- 89% of youth stated they have a trusted adult they could go to for support
- 89% of youth felt a sense of belonging in their program
How to Register for Afterschool and Summer Programs
To learn more about YWCA Minneapolis Beacon Learning Centers, call 612-522-6559 extension 1.
YWCA Beacon 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 Beacon 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, call 612-668-2265.
YWCA Beacon Learning Center at Franklin Middle School
In the Fall of 2015, YWCA Minneapolis opened a Beacon Center at the new Franklin Middle School. This transition will bring the YWCA Beacon program back to where it all began over 15 years ago. The YWCA will focus on offering high-quality programming to the middle-school students, focusing on leadership development, healthy life choices, college and career readiness and STEM.
For enrollment or program information, call 612-668-2600.
Testimony from a Beacon 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!”