The Second Shift Initiative aims to increase access to effective out-of-school learning while creating a bridge to in-school learning. The second shift Initiative is convening partners to create a city-wide comprehensive learning system.

Saint Paul's city-wide comprehensive learning system will be guided by a Framework for Youth Success. The framework calls the Saint Paul community to action to ensure all our young people develop the skills, qualities, and knowledge necessary to thrive as productive, contributing citizens int he 21st century. Through interviews and listening sessions, over 350 parents, youth, teachers, business leaders, youth workers and community members contributed to this framework.

Linkupsaintpaul.org is a website where young people and families can search and find after-school and summer programs in their neighborhood and throughout the city. The website is a partnership of the City of Saint Paul, Saint Paul Public Schools and community organizations. The website features more than 130 community organizations, libraries, recreation centers, and schools that offer activities for young people and the number is growing.

The Second Shift Commission includes representation from community-cased organizations, community members, Saint Paul Public Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Saint paul Police department, and colleges and universities. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and play an advise the work of the Second Shift COmmission.

Transportation is an important link between high quality after-school programs in the neighborhood and young people who want to participate in those programs. Circulator buses provide free rides for young people to take advantage of learning opportunities throughout the neighborhood, at locations such as libraries, recreation centers, community centers or non-profits. Circulators encourage young people to get out of the house and get to know their neighborhood.

To access more information on the East Side and West Side Circulator buses, visit http://stpaul.gov/circulators.

To find information on West Side Circulator, visit www.westsidelearning.org

In partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, No School Day programs are available at recreation centers across the city over Spring Break, Winter Break and during the Statewide Teacher Conferences. The City provides fun and safe places to learn while the adults in their lives are at work.

High school students from neighborhoods across the city work with civic and community leaders to solve community issues. The youth commission organizes community action projects that advance the goals of the Saint Paul Youth Policy Platform, a document that outlines the top five issues youth feel are most important to address. Together, young people on the youth commission stand up, speak up, LEAD.

For more information, visit the Youth Commission website.

More than 15 organizations – libraries, non-profits, churches, parks and recreation centers, schools – along with East Side residents work together to expand and strengthen after-school and summer opportunities for youth in the Payne Phalen and Dayton’s Bluff neighborhoods. They include adding more than 12 after-school programs across 3 schools, providing 14 days of full-day programming when Saint Paul schools do not have class as well as 10 weeks of summer camps, and publishing the East Side Youth Guide listing all the after-school and summer programs for youth on the East Side.

For more information about the East Side Learning Collarborative, contact Catherine Penkert at (651) 266-6422.

For more information on the Second Shift Initiative, contact Kari Denissen Cunnien, Second Shift Coordinator at (651) 266-6426.