Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Youth volunteers will engage event attendees in conversation and crafts. This is a great way to experience the Rochester Pride event with other people your age. You will have time to both work at the Rochester Public Schools booth and explore on your own. Time: Noon - 4 PM (Sign up for one or more 1 hour shifts) Recommended Time by School: Noon - 1 PM: John Adams and Kellogg Middle Schools 1-2 PM: Lincoln K-8 School 2-3 PM: Dakota Middle School LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Calendar This is one of many events for LGBTQ+ youth that will be hosted this summer by Rochester Community Education and partnering organizations. Activities are open to all youth entering grades 6-12 who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies. View the Event Calendar

This mentorship program is intended for LGBTQ+ adults who want to provide encouragement and guidance to LGBTQ+ youth. The mentorship will take place from June to August 2024, during in-person events listed on Rochester Community Education's LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Calendar. Being a mentor is NOT a requirement to support the summer program. It is possible to volunteer at individual events. Why Start a Mentorship Program Since 2019, the Minnesota Student Survey has found that LGBTQ+ youth in Minnesota are substantially more likely to experience risks to their wellbeing than their peers, including increased risk of negative mental health symptoms, increased risk of suicide and self-harm, and decreased academic engagement. This research has also found that these risks are reduced for youth with certain protective factors such as supportive friends, parents, teachers, and community members. Volunteers in the LGBTQ+ Summer Mentorship program have an opportunity to introduce a protective factor for local youth. Time Commitment One required training session, and three or more events. Work with your mentee(s) to decide which events to attend. Events will take place June - August 2024 About the Mentees Mentees are entering grades 6-12. Youth who request a mentor will be matched with an adult in the Rochester community who shares a common aspect of identity, such as sexual orientation, gender identity, hobbies, or future goals. How to Participate Choose your preferred training session and click "Enroll Now" on this page You must complete one required mentor training session. If you are unavailable during the designated training times, please contact Josh Halverson at johalverson@rochesterschools.org. You must complete a volunteer background check through Rochester Public Schools Do you know a youth who might want to be a mentee? Please direct them to the mentee registration form. Contact Information Josh Halverson Rochester Community Education Youth Enrichment Coordinator - Middle and High School johalverson@rochesterschools.org