Cradle to Career

Urban Ventures provides support for youth and families in one of Minneapolis' most under-resourced neighborhoods.

Make a lasting change

Urban Ventures takes a long-term, holistic approach to supporting families from cradle-to-career.

Your generosity provides important supports for children and families at every stage of development. You can help us break the cycle of poverty in Minneapolis.

Read stories from our community.

Urban Ventures Blog
Aaron’s Graduation Speech [video]
Aaron’s Graduation Speech [video]

A Lake Street Works graduate gains a new understanding of himself and who he aspires to be. 

Celebrating Día del Niño
Celebrating Día del Niño

At Urban Ventures, we believe even the youngest members of our community deserve to be celebrated. That is why Día del Niño is one of the most joyful events we host all year.

Announcing Urban Ventures' new President & CEO
Announcing Urban Ventures' new President & CEO

“I am so excited to lead this organization that I have fallen in love with…”

Our Neighbors: Meet Mercy
Our Neighbors: Meet Mercy

Mercy’s lifelong dream of becoming a seamstress seemed out of reach.

A Future Worth Working For
A Future Worth Working For

This program is a space where teens can build a future worth working for.

Serenity's Story: Finding Confidence and Community
Serenity's Story: Finding Confidence and Community

Serenity had more difficulties with reading than her classmates, but then she started working with Reading Plus

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Looking for something fun (and free) to do with the kids? Come out this Friday for Family Fun Night: Juneteenth Edition. We’ll have food, music, games, open gym, a bounce house, prizes, and more. Friday, June 20 5 to 8 p.m. Colin Powell Cente
Not every dad gets a headline. But the ones who show up day after day are changing lives. Kids with involved dads are TWICE as likely to graduate high school, and far less likely to engage in risky or illegal behavior. Fathers, grandfathers, stepd
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. That’s why kids at Urban Ventures take piano lessons. It’s fun, but it also builds confidence, focus, and creativity. Now enrolling for summer. Weekly lessons begin June 30 for ages 6 to 18. The
What was your favorite book as a kid? 📚 At Urban Ventures, we know that reading is everything. It builds the foundation for success in every other subject. But it's also fun! We love when kids get to choose new books from one of two onsite librar
From crawling to flying. Kids in the Cornwell Early Learning Center got a front-row seat to transformation 🐛🦋 After weeks of care and curiosity, the Orange classroom saw their caterpillars become butterflies. #Metamorphasis #ExperientialLearning
We dodged a little lightning and still had an unforgettable day on the course at our 31st Urban Golf Classic. Community showed up in full force. Because of this event, over 100 youth in our neighborhood will receive a full year of support. We’
🧵 All sewn up! After 10 weeks of learning and practice, 24 women completed our Sewing & Alterations class through Siempre Padres. These tools unlock new ways to support a family, start a business, or meet a need in the community. To celebrat
Confidence looks good on them. A huge thanks to @milbernclothingco! Thanks to their generous donation, these young men are suited up for prom, and for whatever comes next. #SuitedForSuccess #PowerOfPartnership #LookGoodFeelGood #LakeStreetWorks