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We’re excited to share the latest updates, stories, and opportunities happening at BBAY. Each quarter, we highlight the incredible work happening in our community and keep you in the loop on how we’re building a more connected and supportive Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park for young people.
 Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers Listening Session!
📍Tuesday, May 5th, from 5 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. at Brooklyn Park City Hall, Room A203
The State of Minnesota is gathering parent input on youth programming, and your perspective matters. What parents share at this session will directly influence how the state funds and designs youth programs across our communities. BBAY is inviting parents, guardians, and caregivers to share your insights about youth programming to help shape programs and policies that support youth across Minnesota.
Registered participants will be provided dinner, childcare, and a $50 giftcard *mailed after the session. Spots are limited, register today: https://mad.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKm8DsuearH5LG6?Q_CHL=qr
Contact Rebecca.Gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org with any questions.
We are approaching the end of Year 1 with the Communities that Care Grant to continue and deepen the work of the Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health Initiative. Some highlights of the past few months include expanding partnerships (including NorthPoint, Tobacco Free Alliance, and Protect MN) and using data to understand the links between mental health, substance use, and experiences of violence.
The Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health Initiative is entering a pivotal phase. After completing Phase 1 (securing commitment from key leaders across BBAY's governance structure), the team onboarded its Advisory Council through a three-part orientation covering prevention science, risk factors, and the Social Development Strategy framework. The result is a shared 5-year mission centered on Black youth leadership, belonging, and policy impact. Black Youth Space events, the Youth Day at the Capitol delegation, and a leadership retreat at YMCA Camp Northern Lights gave young people tangible experiences of community, power, and care this quarter.
Stay connected to Reimagine by subscribing to their newsletter here and follow Reimagine on Instagram.
 Elevate Youth! is BBAY's comprehensive youth leadership and development initiative funded through the Minnesota Department of Education's After-School Community Learning Grant. Highlights from the start of 2026 include:
- Culturally Responsive Tutoring now operates at Cooper HS and Brooklyn Center Community Schools with added evening & weekend virtual options.
- Youth OnBoard youth are now serving on Brooklyn Park commissions, with additional seats in Brooklyn Center moving through City Council approval.
- Hiring 5 Youth Ambassadors to enhance our communications and outreach for Summer 2026 Programming!
 Planning is underway for the 2026 Elevate Youth! Summer Program, running June 22 through July 31, three days per week (Tuesday through Thursday), for rising 9th to 12th grade students. The program will operate across four sites in multiple districts, including Robbinsdale Middle School, Brooklyn Center Community School, Brooklyn Middle STEAM School, and an Anoka Hennepin location.
Program design is youth-driven and focuses on social connection, outdoor experiences, skill-building, digital storytelling, college & career exploration, cultural identity, creativity, and music through hands-on activities, supported by strong partnerships including North Hennepin Community College and workshops from Hip Hop Meets Therapy, TrapRite, and Three Rivers Parks District.
Elevate Youth! provides a safe, engaging summer space for young people to build relationships, explore new interests, and strengthen academic, social, and life skills.
Ready to elevate your summer? Register today: https://forms.office.com/g/wFGpFbRr3m
Brooklyns Youth Council
Do you know your rights? Join us for a youth-led, youth-centered Know Your Rights Training hosted by Brooklyns Youth Council & CAPI because knowledge is power, and you deserve to be informed and empowered. This interactive session will break down your rights in a clear, real-world way and give you tools to confidently navigate everyday situations while looking out for yourself and your community.
Whether you’re new to this topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this space is for you. Ask questions, build knowledge, and connect with others who care about community safety and advocacy.
📅 Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM
📍 Brookdale Library (ABC Room)
Bring a friend, bring your questions, and come ready to learn. We hope to see you there!
Stay Connected with BBAY:
College and Career Pathways Newsletter
Brooklyns Connect (FREE activities and events) Newsletter
RBYMH Newsletter
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