Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth’s Journey with Project Success
At Project Success, our volunteers are vital for our work providing programming for 16,000+ students and their families annually. Our volunteers bring passion, energy, and dedication to our programs, helping students connect to their purpose and build valuable career and life skills. Elizabeth, a volunteer who supports the Institute’s cooking and baking certificates, has made a lasting impact on students over the course of her three years volunteering with Project Success.
Elizabeth first learned about Project Success in a way many Minneapolis residents might—by recognizing the name. “I just knew the name because the Project Success building is right by the Walker Museum,” she recalls. But it wasn’t until early 2023, when she was searching for volunteer opportunities, that she truly connected with our mission. “I like to go to the theaters, and Project Success needed drivers to take students to the theaters, so I checked the box. As I was about to submit it, I noticed the Cooking Class was in need of a volunteer too. I love cooking and I think it’s an important skill to have because cooking is universal.” She decided to check that box on the Volunteer Interest Form as well, and since then has been a driving force in the Project Success Institute as both a Baking Coach and a Cooking Coach. Her responsibilities extend beyond assisting students with cooking techniques—she helps with class set up and prep, provides hands-on support during the class, and assists with cleaning and ensuring the space is ready for the next certificate after each class.
Her favorite part? Seeing students grow and develop confidence in the kitchen. “Yes, the students do make progress because they get comfortable using kitchen tools, and they know where things are so they can go ahead and start their food preparations,” Elizabeth says. “Going around the tables, you see students practicing certain skills they learned with the chef during the lab week. The students begin to read the recipe and follow it without asking the coaches what’s next.” Over the course of a 10-week certificate program, she sees the students from different high schools and different experience levels, gaining skills and making meaningful connections.
One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering for Elizabeth has been supporting the mission of Project Success, particularly in its commitment to making programs accessible to all students. “The students don’t have barriers to attend Project Success programs. Students are provided with rides to the Institute, which makes it possible for students to sign up without worrying about how they will get there.” Beyond that, all programs are free, and open to any Minneapolis public school high school student who wants to participate.
When asked what she would say to others considering volunteering, Elizabeth’s answer is simple: “They must volunteer with Project Success because it’s a positive learning environment with great people who are invested in students and fully support student goals with a variety of programs. The programs they offer to students are impressive. As a volunteer, you will have a hard time choosing which program to share your time and talent with.”
Elizabeth’s story is just one example of how volunteers make a difference at Project Success. Those inspired by her journey and interested in being a part of this impactful work are encouraged to join as volunteers. Together, we can continue helping students connect to their purpose—one class, one conversation, and one moment at a time.