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.
LakeStreet Youth Labs is officially I-SAC Accredited!
We’re proud to announce that our program has officially achieved I-SAC Accreditation through Ignite Afterschool! This milestone reflects months of hard work, collaboration, and a deep commitment to quality — including meeting 92 rigorous benchmarks focused on Continuous Program Improvement. From coaching sessions to guided data reflection, our team leaned into the process with purpose and heart.
A huge thank-you to our staff, families, and community for supporting this journey. Here’s to raising the bar for youth programs across Minnesota!
Learn more about the accreditation in this blog post.
LakeStreet Youth Labs Newsletter
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Upcoming Programming
MEA Break Camp
October 14-15, 2026, 8:45 AM-4 PM
FREE two-day camp for 1st-6th graders! On Wednesday, campers will take part in hands-on STEAM activities themed around the Fall season. On Thursday, we will go on a field trip to the Como Zoo! Lunch & snack will be provided both days.
STEAM Saturdays
Saturdays, October 24-December 12, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM
FREE weekly STEAM workshop series for students in grades 1-5. Each week, we’ll do science experiments, art projects, and have visitors like The Works Museum, Curiosity Studio, and the Northern Clay Center! Snack offered each session.
Classes in partnership with Andersen United Middle School, Beacons Afterschool, & MPS Community Education:
Monday: 3D Printing
On Mondays, students will learn how to create & print their own 3D designs, and leave with cool projects to take home!
Tuesday: Clay Innovators
On Tuesdays, students will get creative with clay, sculpting different projects and even learning how to do claymation!
Wednesday:
Incredible Improv
On Wednesdays, students will put their acting skills to the test with improvisation games, skits, and exercises!
Questions? Contact us:
Meghann Gordon, Director of Youth Initatives: mgordon@gmcc.org or 612-588-4655
Mohamed Salad, Youth Program Manager: msalad@gmcc.org or 612-276-1579 (Fluent in Somali/Soomaali)
Juan Davila, Bilingual Program Coordinator: jdavila@gmcc.org or 612-286-8408 (Fluent in Spanish/Español)
Previous Programming + Blog Posts
Past Youth Programs
Learn about GMCC’s past youth programming, including Tech Teens and previous iterations of STEAM Summer.
2026 STEAM Summer Week 5
Theme: Summer Surprises
2026 STEAM Summer Week 4
Theme: Spectacular Space
2026 STEAM Summer Week 3
Theme: Outdoor Adventures
LakeStreet Youth Labs is funded in part by the MN Dept. of Children, Youth, and Families Youth Interventions Program (YIP) grant.
Oversight of YIP funded projects is done by a part of GMCC’s Leadership Team.
Adrienne Dorn, Executive Director: adorn@gmcc.org
Megan Young-Black, Operations Director: myoung@gmcc.org
Meghann Gordon, Director of Youth Programs: mgordon@gmcc.org