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Urban Boatbuilders is a non-profit youth development organization that uses wooden boatbuilding to
support personal growth, strengths building, academic achievement, and the cultivation of hard and soft
skills that help youth find and keep jobs while growing valuable life skills. We work with at-risk youth
in a variety of settings. We build youth one boat
at a time.
“Students had the opportunity to be exposed to boat building, working with each other, and developing
self-pride. In the beginning, they were separated and to now watch each of them, the inter-relationships
between all of them, they really care about what each other want to do.
What we are trying to do is work with success. Teach them to be successful. Teach them what they are good
at, not what they are bad at, and how to develop better skills. That is what we really want the students
to learn.” ISD 916 Coordinator
Communication,
teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and craftsmanship skills are necessary in the building of small
craft. Working alongside adult mentors and volunteers from their neighborhoods, young people develop
these and technical and problem-solving skills, self-esteem, and a sense of respect for self and
others.
Support Urban Boatbuilders
Sixteen years ago, a small group of boat enthusiasts and youth development enthusiasts had the
idea of building boats with at-risk youth as a means for youth to build skill, esteem, knowledge,
change attitudes and behaviors, and include positive influences in their lives.
Many individuals and
institutions have supported the Urban Boatbuilders’ youth program idea over the years.
It has worked on both
levels – involved youth have made positive changes, and Urban Boatbuilders has been sustained by the community.
No reason to stop now.
Youth still need the opportunity to make changes, participate, accomplish goals, see the worth of their
work and their meaningful contribution, increase job readiness, and gain a sense of a future, all in a safe
and structured environment. And Urban Boatbuilders still needs
support from all corners of the community.
You can help by making
a financial contribution, or telling our story and encouraging others to help financially. We also take
tools, old wooden boats or canoes (18 feet long or less) or lumber as a donation.
Your Donation Counts
Our
2011 Community/Family Foundation and Corporate Supporters:ation – Minnesota
Creative Integration & Design
RD Management / Midway Shopping Center
Midway Men’s Club
The McKnight Foundation
The Pentair Foundation
3M Foundation
Lillian Wright & C.Emil Berglund Foundation
Poehler-Stremel Charitable Trust
Thank you to all our supporters!
Same Location, New Street Number!
We haven't moved locations but we have a new address:
449 Pascal Street, St. Paul, MN 55104.
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