Introduction

In 1993, a number of local community leaders came together to discuss the issues surrounding "urban learners". The Portage for Youth has since elected to expand their vision to include after school projects. The Portage for Youth continues to be involved in a number of community collaborations which call attention to and provide service and resources for the at-risk population. 

In March, 1996, The Portage for Youth obtained a rehabilitated home at 965 Fremont avenue in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood. It was decided to provide year-round after school enrichment activities for young women. 
 
Project Description
The Portage for Youth will provide a neighborhood-based, non-institutional enrichment center for young women ages eight to fifteen. Residing in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood of Saint Paul, the project is designed to provide the youth with alternatives to criminal activity, drug use, dropping out of school, truancy and teen pregnancy. 
 
About Portage Programs
All Portage programs are designed to enhance the educational achievement of young women as well as their positive impact on society, their families and peers. The programs developed by the Portage for Youth focus on the potential and ability of young women to make positive and meaningful contributions to society.  Young women will be taught useful social, artistic, creative and academic skills as part of the project and also be encouraged to enhance current projects through their own incentives and to create new programs.  The programs have been specifically designed to address critical thinking, problem solving and critical analysis skills through a variety of applied activities--skills which form the basis for all academic, employment and social achievement. 
 
Costs
All programs at the Portage for Youth are offered free of charge.  Programming is limited to 50 young women per quarter.
 
Hours
After-school hours are between 3 and 6 PM.  Summer hours change to  2 to 6 PM.   A Portage calendar is issued to all Portage participants and mailed on a monthly basis.