LakeStreet
Youth Labs
Welcome to LakeStreet Youth Labs!
Our student-centered programming is designed by a team of experienced educators, community partners, and GMCC staff. The core beliefs driving the program design process are: every young person has genius; all youth deserve access to high-quality educational methods and the latest technologies; and the well-being of the whole child (mental, physical, spiritual, intellectual) is critical to fostering youth development.
We focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) programming, tutoring and homework help, digital access, career exploration, and meeting the immediate needs of the youth and families in our neighborhood.
Upcoming Programming – Spring Break Camp
A no-cost, full day STEAM camp for students entering 1st-8th grade.
Join us for a visit from the Bakken Museum, hands-on STEAM activities, &
outdoor play on Wednesday and a field trip to Minnesota Zoo on Thursday!
Lunch and snack provided daily (no pork, fish, or shellfish served).
Where: GMCC (1100 E Lake St)
When: Wednesday, April 2 – Thursday,
April 3; 9 AM to 4 PM
Current Programming
STEAM Saturdays
1st-5th graders are invited to join us to participate in STEAM projects and activities with visitors such as Leonardo’s Basement and the Works Museum.
This is a FREE program and snack will be included!
STEAM Saturdays will be held at GMCC February 1 to March 15th, 10 AM-12 PM
Classes in partnership with Andersen United Middle School, Beacons Afterschool, & MPS Community Education:
Art & Jams
On Mondays, students will learn about music from around the world & across the decades while creating art inspired by it! From hip-hop to marimba to KPOP, students will explore a variety of genres & their cultural influences.
Media Makers
On Wednesdays, students will draw inspiration from their favorite media to create their own digital & multimedia pieces. Mediums include animation, graphic design, photography, & more!
Art Around the Neighborhood
On Tuesdays, students will go on exciting bike adventures around the neighborhood and create art inspired by nature and their surroundings. Bikes included! Offered in partnership with Stewart Park and Minneapolis Parks & Rec Board.
Career & Leadership Development
A PAID opportunity for 9th-12th graders!
From January 8th-April 30th, 2025 a 10-student cohort will meet weekly to engage in job shadowing, mock interviews, resume building, and other workforce readiness activities.
Students will receive a $500 completion award and a $500 education stipend upon completing 70% of sessions.
Questions? Contact us:
Meghann Gordon, Director of Youth Initatives: mgordon@gmcc.org or 612-588-4655
Deeq Abdi, Youth Program Manager: dabdi@gmcc.org or 612-1579
Previous Programming
2024 STEAM Summer
During the month of August, we held a second year of our NO-COST, full-day summer camp for students entering 1st-8th grade. Campers participated in STEAM activities with visiting instructors, outdoor play, games, reading, and weekly field trips.
Each week had a different theme; click below to read Engage posts about each week:
Week 1: Fun with Friends
Week 2: Robots Rule!
Week 3: Wild Wilderness
Week 4: Art Adventures
Week 5: Summer Sun
Stay tuned for our STEAM Summer Yearbook with photos, art, & stories from camp!
2023 LYL Summer Camp
(formerly called Genius Labs)
To read more about the 2023 LakeStreet Youth Labs Summer Camp, click the link below or scroll to check out a digital version of our yearbook, which compiles photos, art, quotes, and stories from the summer:
Tech Teens
Tech Teens was a Saturday out-of-school experience that focused on the development of digital technology skills through hands-on, challenge-based activities that foster creativity, independence, critical thinking, and self-awareness. The goal of Tech Teens was to spark an interest in technology, expose students to the many areas of the tech field, and position them for careers in technology or those that require use of technology.
Tech Teens continues through the teen segment of STEAM Saturdays, focusing on topics such as coding and robotics.
