Academic and employment supports for youth

Hennepin County offers academic and employment supports to young parents and youth who are on probation. With the right tools, youth can reach their academic goals and gain economic independence, stability and mobility.

Our team partners with public and private agencies to ensure youth in Hennepin County are connected to services to reduce barriers in order to achieve their goals for the future. Young parents can get additional support through our partnership with home visiting nurses.

This holistic approach works to improve academic, education and health outcomes for young parents and youth on probation.

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Academic and career re-engagement services

Pathways is a re-engagement program for young parents and youth on probation ages 17 to 24, who are not currently in school. MFIP and Juvenile Probation refer participants to the program.

Services include:

Academic assessment
Onsite GED
Online high school instruction
Career exploration
Credential training
Postsecondary preparation
College support

Opportunities for participants include internships and pre-placement programs in health care and other industries that offer a living wage and room to grow their careers.

Pathways’ case managers meet participants at Minneapolis College.

Supports for students who are parents

The TeenHOPE program works alongside public health home visiting nurses and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) case workers to provide support and services for parents younger than 20 who do not have a high school diploma or GED when they apply for economic benefits.

Services include:

Help working toward a high school diploma or GED
Family home visiting, including parenting support and education
Support with post-secondary options or career exploration
MFIP benefit stabilization and help with paperwork and program requirements
Connections and referrals to community resources

Participants may remain with TeenHOPE until age 24 if they choose to continue with school or training.

Partners can refer young parents to TeenHOPE with our online referral form.

Recognition of Success graduation ceremony

The Recognition of Success ceremony is an annual event that celebrates youth involved with TeenHOPE, Pathways, Extended Foster Care or youth on supervised probation that graduate or earn their GED.

The ceremony and academic procession celebrate and acknowledge the graduates’ success and perseverance. Friends, family and supporters are invited to witness this important milestone and celebrate the graduates’ achievements with speeches, entertainment, catered dinner and reception.

This year’s ceremony will be held May 30 at 6 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. To attend the event, talk to your county worker.

Youth Advisory Group planning committee

Each year, eight graduating youth join a youth advisory group to plan the event. Youth strengthen their leadership, organization and communication skills and make decisions about the event venue, music, meal, and gifts for graduates.

Youth meet weekly beginning April 29 and receive incentives for their participation.

To join the Youth Advisory Group, talk to your county worker.

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