The African Youth Empowerment Project is a hands-on learning initiative that helps young people build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life, work, and leadership.
In this program, students participate in interactive sessions designed to be practical, culturally relevant, and youth-centered.
Core topics include:
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College & Career Readiness
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Financial Literacy
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Entrepreneurship
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Leadership Development
The program goes beyond teaching, it supports each participant through mentorship, tailored guidance, and access to real opportunities that fuel long-term success.
Why We Focus on African Immigrant Youth
African immigrant youth often walk in two worlds, balancing their cultural identity with the expectations of school, work, and society. Despite their resilience, many face barriers that prevent them from accessing relevant guidance, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
This program was created to fill that gap. By centering their voices and experiences, we’re ensuring young people feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead.
On May 9, 2026, the African Youth Empowerment Summit brought together youth from across Minnesota to celebrate leadership, identity, entrepreneurship, career development, and community engagement. As the culmination of a year of learning and growth, the Summit provided a platform to uplift, amplify, and empower the voices of African youth in the diaspora. Over $12,000 in education and entrepreneurship scholarships were awarded.
African Youth Empowerment Summit
May 2026
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The African Youth Empowerment Project is funded through Youthprise’s African Immigrant Youth Project, a statewide initiative supported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to increase economic opportunities for African immigrant youth.
Learn more about the initiative →
The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.