Beginning the school year with innovative programs: Two Months, Thousands of Connections!

IN-CLASS WORKSHOPS

Where learning takes you out of this world!

Every student at MPS middle and high schools receives monthly in-class workshops in their English or Language Arts classrooms. The goal? Our activities guide cumulative development for students as they gain tools, purpose, and confidence.

For example, at Anthony Middle School, PS Facilitators led 6^th to 8^th grade students and staff through a series of exercises that allowed everyone to get to know one another as they transitioned to a new year of possibility. The goal was about building community.

When asked what “a good community is…” here’s how they responded:

“Lots of dancing…No bullying…Caring and helpful…A calm place…Talking to a variety of people…No one being mean…Fun times with my friends…Open-minded to your ideas…” – Anthony Middle School students

With those inspired answers to carry us forward, the season is now in full swing. PS Facilitators lead monthly workshops for every 6^th to 12^th grade student in all Minneapolis Public middle and high school. We’re grateful to share our model of experiential learning with nearly 15,000 students this year.

INSTITUTE

Where new skills shape new opportunities.

At the Institute, located at Project Success’s modern offices at 1 Groveland Terrace in Minneapolis (just up the hill from Walker Art Center) students earn certificates and create pathways to building critical life and career skills. It’s a bright journey of opportunity that many have embarked upon — building independence, confidence, and giving students a jump start into the world of working and being.

Skills on the rise (get it?):

This fall, Project Success added a Baking Certificate to our certificate offerings after hearing from many of our students that this was of interest to them! Students are learning delicious skills and crafting treats from various baking traditions. Alongside Baking, we offer a lineup of other certificates including Coding, Bike Tech, and Money Management. While we’re in the midst of our Fall certificate, we’re also gearing up for Winter 2024 offerings starting after the new year.

Last winter and spring, Project Success hosted Student Innovator Gatherings to learn more about what our students liked about the Institute and what they wanted to see in the future.

When asked to share how they’d describe the PS classes to a friend, these were some of their answers:

“It’s a chill, safe place, people are friendly (you get to meet many people)…A place to learn different things with friends in a fun way…A place where you feel safe, comfortable, and successful…A place where you can actually make mistakes and learn…A learning place with personal teachers…”

– Student Innovators in the PS Institute

What’s more: plans are in motion to remodel and expand the Institute spaces — accommodating more students and more innovative programs. Some spaces are already in action, and others to come. It’s all expected to fully launch in 2024.

ARTS

Where theater experiences create a springboard for discussion — inviting risk-taking and possibility!

Take your seats:

Project Success hosted 30 evening theater experiences in September and October with nearly 1,500 students, family members, and MPS teachers/staff in attendance.

Thank you to the following theater partners who helped make these last two months of incredible performances come to life:

Theatre in the Round, Theater Latte Da, Collide Theatrical Dance Company, James Sewell Ballet, Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theatre, The Moving Company, O’Shaughnessy, Jungle Theater, Stages Theatre Company, Youth Performance Company, and Yellow Tree Theater, Artistry, MSP Film Society, and Northrop.

Project Success also hosted first five field trips of the year to see music, dance, and theater performances. More than 900 students and teachers participated, including to see Cookin’ at Children’s Theatre Company, The Importance of Being Earnest at the Guthrie Theater, Cine Latino: Going Varsity in Mariachi at the Main Cinema, StepAfrika!: Drumfolk at Northrop, and Sphinx Virtuosi at the Ordway.

Musicals Take the Stage:

Project Success has three middle school plays planned for this school year at Sanford, Northeast, and Anwatin middle schools — with Sanford hosting Frozen Jr. this Fall. Ninety-two students were cast, with another 10-20 students slated as tech crew. During the rehearsals, students engage in character development, singing, dancing, and more as they build community alongside their own individual skills.

The community is invited to see their hard work come together in two public performances of Frozen Jr.: Friday and Saturday, December 1^st & 2^nd at 7 p.m. at Sanford Middle School Auditorium. Learn more.

EXPEDITIONS

Diverse opportunities to colleges, nature settings, and international cities.

Outside is in:

During fall and spring seasons, Project Success coordinates with our middle school principals and teachers to host outdoor adventure field trips to local state parks.

Here is some of the feedback we received from teachers about these experiences:

“I saw students problem-solve in many different ways, students with prior knowledge of activity concepts helping others, students encouraging each other, and students trying things they were scared to try.”  – Ella Baker Teacher

“Paddling was the most meaningful for the students. They had to learn to work together and to teach each other.” – Northeast Middle School Teacher

College Knowledge on the Road:

During the non-school days over MEA (October 19^th and 20^th) and on November 3^rd, Project Success coordinated tours to 15 campuses for all high school students. Our tours are always fun and informative — and include admissions presentations, campus tours, student panels, lunch, snack, and PS workshops on college topics.

Nearly 300 students visited the following colleges, universities, and technical schools throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin with Project Success this fall, including:

Students shared how the tours helped them to better understand how colleges work and the college experience, see a range of different options, feel excited about going to college, and understand what to look for in a college that will meet their needs and values.

When asked to share how the PS tour helped them overcome obstacles, these were some of their answers: 

Helped me overcome my fear of asking for scholarships…”

“The fear of trying something new and moving away from family, they showed me that there is a lot of support…”

“I gained my excitement for college again. I was thinking more about it as a stressful thing…”

“I was worried about my financial lookout for college but after the tour I have a few ideas to take steps to overcome that challenge…”

-Student participants in the PS college tours

Can you believe it?

We love how our students fully engage with PS opportunities — asking questions, learning skills, sharing feelings, and being on a rich, meaningful journey that connects them to their purpose. This is just the beginning, thousands more connections to come!