YEP! Youth Empowerment Program

Start time 2026-10-12 4:00 pm Finished Time 2026-11-02 6:30 pm Content See It. Say It. Shape It. Let’s get real about identity, relationships, boundaries, community, and what comes next. YEP! (Youth Empowerment Program) is a creative space for youth ages 13–17 to connect with peers, explore who they are, and have real conversations about the world around them. Through conversation, interactive activities, individual reflection, and photography, you’ll explore your own experiences and your community and then use your pictures to help tell the story. Come ready to talk, create, teach, learn, and see things from a new perspective. And come hungry. Dinner is provided at every session! October Cohort The October YEP! cohort meets for three Monday sessions. Participants should plan to attend the full series. Mondays, October 12, 19, 26 & November 2 4–6:30pm Sabathani Community Center 310 E. 38th St., Minneapolis For youth ages 13–17 / grades 8–12 Upcoming Sessions Oct. 19 — VIBE CHECK Meet the crew, get connected with your peers, and find out what YEP! is all about. Location: Youth Lounge (Room 324) Oct. 26 — PLOT TWIST Have you ever been told who you are — or what you can’t do? Let’s explore how we define ourselves and how the world defines us. Location: Community Room 118 Nov. 2 — ME: THEN, NOW & NEXT What does it mean to be you? Create a timeline exploring where you come from, where you are now, and where you want to go. Location: Community Room 118 For Parents & Caregivers YEP! gives young people a supportive space for self-exploration, community connection, and learning. Activities are designed to strengthen self-awareness, decision-making, social awareness, relationship skills, and self-management while encouraging youth to explore their own identities and the history and community around them. Photography and other creative activities help participants reflect on their experiences, express their perspectives, and guide conversations throughout the cohort. Join the October Cohort Advance registration is required. Register for the October YEP! cohort to participate in all three sessions. 🔗 Click here to register for YEP! Questions? Contact Lakia Coakley at [email protected].