Student Celebrations
Two programs, Act Six and Lake Street Works, celebrated their 2024 classes last week.
ACT SIX CELEBRATION
The Act Six scholarship provides full-need, full-tuition scholarships for emerging community leaders. On Wednesday, three new cadres of scholarship recipients were announced for three partner schools: Augsburg University, Bethel University, and Concordia College - Moorhead.
Friends, family, and former alumni were all on hand to cheer on this latest group of remarkable students. This year’s celebration was also the 10th Anniversary of the Act Six program. Over the last decade, Urban Ventures’ Act Six program has helped 379 students pursue their college dreams. Many students are the first in their family to attend college!
The event was attended by many Act Six alumni, there to support the latest additions to the program. During community shoutouts, alumni brought words of encouragement and challenge, inviting the new scholars to make the most of their experience. They also shared about the lasting impact of the program, celebrating their careers, families, home ownership and more that was made possible by this life-changing opportunity.
LAKE STREET WORKS GRADUATION
Lake Street Works, the newest program at Urban Ventures, introduces high school seniors to careers in the trades. Over the past year students gathered after school to explore trade skills like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and more. Coaches also provide weekly lessons on professional and character development.
The year culminated this Thursday in a graduation ceremony, where the latest class of 26 students gathered with family, friends, partners, and supporters to mark the occasion. In addition to some impressive resume-boosting experiences, each student leaves the program with a “Launch Plan” for what to do next. Some will continue their education at a technical school while others are launching directly into their careers through apprenticeships.
In addition to family and friends, many industry leaders were present to cheer on the students. They reiterated the great need for skilled labor and the importance of programs like Lake Street Works. “We’re here to celebrate the accomplishments of these amazing young people,” said Jess Coykendall, the program’s director, “And we’re here to share in the excitement around their future and the careers they’ll soon begin. Because of the people in this room, they have a huge head start."
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You make this possible.
This last week was a shining example of Urban Ventures’ goal for the children in our neighborhood. With your support, we continue to add to the number of local kids with promising plans and opportunities after high school.
Education changes everything. These students now have a better chance at financial independence and a brighter future, for both them and their families.
Thank you!
You can support even more work like this by making a donation today.
