Our Partner Sites

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland has a rich history of being at the forefront of youth development. High quality out of school time programming falls into five core programming areas: character & leadership development, health & life skills, education & career development, sports, fitness & recreation, and the arts. The team of skillful, caring adults at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland is integral to providing enrichment, hope, and opportunity for our community’s youth. This position facilitates programming for youth ages 6 to 18 and serves as role models to a diverse population. We are looking for someone energetic, motivated, and who enjoys working with youth.

If you’re looking for a supportive service environment where you can make a difference in the lives of youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland is the place for you. We are looking for someone energetic, motivated, and who enjoys working with youth. Experience or training in coaching sports teams, teaching, visual or performing arts.

The Carlton County Community and Family Initiatives Department strives to create an equitable community where all people can reach their full potential. The collaborative plans and coordinates the local service systems serving children and families, including children and youth with mental health needs. AmeriCorps members at Carlton County community and Family initiatives Department will join a group of professionals partnering with school districts and community sites to build positive relationships with youth. Learn more about programming on their website. 

At Chester Bowl Day Camp, we promise parents to return their children at the end of the day "tired, happy, and dirty"! Will you help us keep our promise? Our camp is Mondays through Thursdays with programming from 8am-5pm. We are outside all day everyday, except in the absolute worst weather. AmeriCorps members will be with campers exploring nature, building forts, jumping in the creek, making crafts out of anything and everything, hammocking, hiking to nearby parks, teaching wacky new group games, and leading nature based activities. Our programming is guided by our Peace in the Parks philosophy about how we treat each other. We love to see the social and emotional growth in campers and watch their friendships deepen as the summer progresses. We have three camp locations within Chester Bowl, each has 28 campers per week, supported by three staff members, an AmeriCorps member, and teen "Incredible" volunteers. Are you ready to be tired, happy, and dirty at eh end of every day? Join Chester Bowl Day Camp!

The Damiano Center is the largest emergency meal provider in Northeastern Minnesota also offering drop in children's programming, a clothing program for people seeking employment, and referrals for basic assistance. A very diverse staff seek daily to welcome people in need and serve them without judgement. Kid's Kitchen works to reduce childhood hunger and malnutrition by providing nutritious meals, nutrition education, and a fun place for kids both after school and in the summer. Kids' Kitchen seeks to make sure that al children have access to quality, healthy food. We emphasize nutrition education through the fun, hands-on experience of preparing food, and organize gardening. Activities also include art, physical activities, and activities to honor the culture and heritage of the diverse children who come to Kids' Kitchen.

Established in 1997, Duluth Edison Charter Schools (DECS) is known for its commitment to personal and academic growth, as well as it’s adherence to values, innovation and progressive learning. DECS offers specialized and extracurricular programs designed to meet diverse student needs including outdoor education, STEAM activities, play-based learning, athletics and clubs, as well as academic and social/behavior interventions, special education services, and English Language Learner programming.  Key components of the DECS culture include a freedom to experiment and a freedom to fail approach to innovation, a supportive and solution-based mentality and a belief system that we are always doing something special. 

TNAC has sites at North Star Academy and Raleigh Academy. The AmeriCorps members will be integrated within the school community, serving in the classroom and through individual and small group sessions as determined by student needs. North Star Academy is a larger K-8 school and has created an atmosphere of “three schools within one.”  The North Star Junior Academy serves about 350 middle school students (grades 6-8).  Raleigh Academy, located in the heart of the West Duluth community, serves about 220 students in grades K-5.

Eagle’s Nest is a collaborative program of the Duluth YMCA and Duluth Edison Charter Schools, formally known as Kid’s Club, offered at North Star Academy and Raleigh Academy. The philosophy of the program is to offer a safe and engaging out-of-school time program that complements the school day and creates an enriching environment that fosters positive youth development and academic success. 

Structured daily programming includes a snack and physical activity, academic enrichment and choice time. Edison Charter Schools have several “no school” days throughout the year during which Eagle’s Nest has a full day program with students including field trips and other fun activities. We love to play outside on the playgrounds and group games in the gym. We all work as a team here and have a very upbeat group of employees!

Eagle's Nest sites exist at North Star Academy and Raleigh Academy.

Ely Community Resource (ECR) Youth Programs foster youth development through activities designed to increase self-esteem, build a sense of community, and provide positive adult relationships. During the summer months, ECR staff provide reading programs, enrichment activities, recreational activities, social emotional learning, and interest clubs, in a safe, warm, and welcoming setting. Fun educational activities indoors and outside are planned with ample opportunities for a True North member's input. the member will also be able to incorporate their ideas and interests in developing enrichment programming. ECR's extensive collaboration with other community groups will give useful experience and networks for members This is a great placement for someone interested in outdoor and experiential education.

For over 30 years, First Witness Child Advocacy Center has been committed to strengthening the communities' response to child abuse and ending child abuse. First Witness has two programs: forensic interviews and family advocacy. The AmeriCorps member will support the advocacy program, primarily using the Safe and Strong Child curriculum, but they may also support youth and families seeking support for allegations of child maltreatment as well as support groups. In this role, the member will help present to thousands of kids in greater Duluth, Carlton County, and Lake County schools.  

Harbor Highlands (also called the Little Y) is a fun and fast paced drop in youth center in the upper Central Hillside serving youth in K-12th grade. Youth here enjoy playing in the gym, doing arts and crafts, working on homework, and playing with computers. The AmeriCorps member will assist in planning for the program, leading activities, and helping with different clubs such as cooking, STEM, nature, and others depending on members and youths interests.  Many youth here struggle with academics and are below grade level.

This is a great site for AmeriCorps members to get youth back on track for graduation. One of the best parts of serving at Harbor Highlands is getting to work with youth from different backgrounds and the high energy youth bring to the program each day!

Independent School District #709, or Duluth Public Schools, provides public education in Duluth through nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. AmeriCorps members serve during the school year to support youth social emotional learning skills in an academic environment at the following schools:

Stowe Elementary School

K.E.Y. Zone (Knowledge, Enrichment, and Youth Development) is a collaborative program of the Duluth YMCA and ISD 709 Community Education. The locations of these high quality programs are at all 9 Duluth Public Elementary Schools, which provides services for grades K-5 year round including summer and school breaks.  KEY Zone offers structured daily afterschool programming that includes a snack and physical activity, academic enrichment and choice time. See all the K.E.Y. Zone sites below.

Congdon Park Elementary

Homecroft Elementary

Lakewood Elementary

Laura MacArthur Elementary

Lowell Elementary

Myers-Wilkins Elementary

Piedmont Elementary

Stowe Elementary

Opening fall 2022, the Forest School is an innovative, nature-based elementary school whose goals are to promote student curiosity, autonomy, critical thinking, and collaboration. TNAC members here will be primarily outside, supporting students organized into multi-grade learning pods. The emphasis of these groups is community building, connection, belonging, and reflection. Approximately 40% of each day will be spent outside using Marshall's 40+ acre campus.

The Forest School is part of the greater Marshall School, whose educational philosophy is the understanding that a student’s educational journey ​​is the starting place of a lifelong ripple effect. At Marshall, students are encouraged to discover their own unique path in life. During their time at Marshall students explore their intellectual curiosity, develop strong academic habits, and understand what it means to become a global citizen.

The Valley Youth Center is a kid centered drop in program in the Spirit Valley Neighborhood. We work to overcome obstacles to make kids’ dreams come true. Youth who come to our program often come with varying needs and from environments that could be considered non-traditional. To be successful here, you need to have high levels of energy, compassion, tolerance, patience and forgiveness, and creativity. Come willing to be put to the test by kids and able to hold them accountable. Be excited to jump into a quasi-chaotic environment where the kids are loud, full of energy, and bouncing off the walls.

Know that it will take time to build trust, but after doing so the members at this site can make a real difference supporting kids' social emotional needs and coping skills. Applicants should be  willing to try new things, present new ideas, and keep kids safe while allowing for exploration and play. The VYC is a unique site that may not be a fit for those seeking a quiet, relaxed, structured environment.

The Y Day Camp is all about fun in the outdoors. The program's focus is on environmental education and getting kids outside. Much program time is spent active in the woods learning about nature, hiking, hammocking, and building forts. Outdoor games, fishing, biking, campfires, and swimming are just a few more of our fun activities In this role members will have opportunities to lead outdoor and environmental education activities, trying things they may have never done (like archery!). 

Camp will take place at two locations this summer:

The Essentia Wellness Center 

North Star Academy