Minneapolis Afterschool & Summer Programs
YWCA Beacons Learning Centers
Supporting School Success through Afterschool and Summer Programs
YWCA Beacons Learning Centers are located at Hmong International Academy, Franklin Middle School and South High School. We 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.
Program Outcomes
In 2024-2025 Beacons program participants said:
99% are learning in ways that positively shape their lives and communities
99% are connected to adults and resources that support their goals and values
100% are prepared to advocate for themselves and their communities
99% say their culture is respected and that they belong
Participant Success Story
“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!”
Beacons 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 HIA was established in 2009 to serve elementary-school-age students from the community. Each year, more than 200 youth attend afterschool and summer programs.
Learn more about Beacons at Hmong International Academy:
Marty Viscosi (they/them) — mviscosi@ywcampls.org
Beacons at Franklin Middle School
In fall 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 STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Franklin Middle School is a STEAM magnet middle school.
Learn more about Beacons at Franklin:
Aisha Wright, awright@ywcampls.org
Beacons at South High School
South High School became a part of the Beacons Network in fall 2023. High school students engage in a wide range of activities of their choice. The youth lead the development of the clubs offered, ranging from theater to weightlifting, from cooking to cultural advocacy groups.
Date: July 7-July 31st
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Ages: Grades 9-12 (13-18)
Cost: Free
Learn more about Beacons at South High School:
Annie, achen@ywcampls.org
