Whittier Natural Leaders: Exploring Nature and Leadership
Whittier Natural Leaders: Exploring Nature and Leadership
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Every summer, in the heart of Minneapolis, Whittier Natural Leaders empowers youth to explore, protect, and find wonder in nature. The program, offered by the Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education department, aims to cultivate an appreciation for the interconnection of Minneapolis' natural habitats and help students become change agents in protecting them.
Over seven weeks, youth from Minneapolis’ highest-need neighborhoods explore, plan, and care for wildlife habitats and pollinator gardens. Students also get to ride bikes to our city's wildlife areas to paddle, fish, and explore nature.
Students at Whittier Natural Leaders getting ready to explore Minneapolis.
Every day starts with a morning gathering, including meditation, singing, and chanting. After that, students divide into four groups named after rivers: Minnehaha, Mississippi, Minnesota, and Bdote. Some stay at Whittier Elementary School for activities like reading, watering trees, gardening, dancing, art, and sports. These are called "Home Days". Others put on their helmets, check their bikes, load up with food and supplies, and go out to explore Minneapolis together. These days are called "Journey Days".
Students learn how to care for vegetable garden located at Whittier Elementary School.
In 2024, our program collected over 24,000 attended hours across 144 enrollments, with an average daily attendance of 110 students. This marks a 13% increase in the participation of 1st-9th grade students in summer programming compared to summer 2023. This project grew out of the realization that very few initiatives were focusing on building nature-based leadership from the ground up in Minneapolis’ poorest communities. The Natural Leaders program aims to change that.
GIVE TO THE MAX DAY 2024
On November 21, 2024, GiveMN is organizing Give to the Max Day, a 24-hour online fundraising campaign for nonprofits. Early Giving will kick off at the start of November. Consider donating to Minneapolis Community Education today! Your contribution, no matter the amount, will help us offer our programs more equitably, stronger, and more accessible for all families. We appreciate your support of Minneapolis Community Education!