Student Engagement
NEWS AND UPDATES
MPS high school students - Apply to become a member of the CityWide Student Leadership Board! (Application deadline: 9pm Wednesday, Sept. 23)
If you are looking for an opportunity to uplift your voice, talk about your educational experience, and develop your leadership and advocacy skills? Look no further!
The CityWide Student Leadership Board is a program created by and for students that aims to create positive educational change by collaborating with district leaders. Members will learn about the MPS district as a system, visit different schools, and visit the Capitol amongst other opportunities. Scroll to the 'Student Leadership' section to watch a video and learn more!
Vision
All Minneapolis Public School students have access to youth-centered leadership opportunities and are actively engaged in their educational experience.
Mission
- Advocate for students to become equal partners in their education
- Develop authentic and collaborative relationships between students and adults
- Incorporate youth voice collection best practices at a systemic level to inform district decision making
- Create equitable access to student leadership opportunities within individual schools and throughout the district
We accomplish this by supporting student leadership via the CityWide Student Leadership Board and Student Representatives serving on the Board of Education as well as providing training for adults/district staff on authentic ways to institutionalize youth voice, providing Student Engagement co-curricular funding for school-based student-centered activities, and yearly districtwide events.
Contact
Student Engagement Program Coordinators
Janae Streufert
612-876-8614
Janae.Streufert@mpls.k12.mn.us
Jenny Delaney
612-978-9065
Jenny.Delaney@mpls.k12.mn.us
Student Leadership Contacts
CityWide Student Leadership Board
citywidestudentleadership@mpls.k12.mn.us
Student Board Representatives
student.representative@mpsedu.org
Districtwide Events
Student Engagement events are focused on community building between schools and serve to holistically support students’ educational experience by providing an opportunity for students to feel a sense of belonging through public acknowledgement of achievements outside of the classroom. Events are offered to students at all schools, centrally located, accessible (free, transportation and food provided when appropriate), and support MPS Strategic Plan Goals. They are subject to change based on student interest, funding, and alignment with district priorities.
2026-2027 School Year Events
We are excited to continue offering various events fully-funded by Student Engagement in the 2026-2027 school year. Please continue to visit the site for updates throughout the year.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership
Student Leadership allows young people the first opportunity to explore life skills surrounded by supportive adults in real-life settings. When students learn relationship building, practice decision making, and are able to gain confidence and grow in safe environments, they develop ownership over their educational experience and are empowered to advocate for their individual needs.
In order to amplify the importance of student leadership and use of youth voice in district decision making, Student Engagement supports school-based opportunities and strives to ensure students are involved in district decision making. It is important for adults to “relinquish power” in order to give youth opportunities to lead and grow.
District Advisory Roles for Students
The CityWide Student Leadership Board and two Student Representatives who serve on the MPS School Board advise district leaders as they make key decisions regarding the educational experience in Minneapolis Public Schools.
School Based Student Leadership
Schools are encouraged to provide a variety of leadership opportunities to influence the school community. This might include groups like student councils, youth participatory evaluation teams, topic-specific groups (passions, identity), or school improvement plans or individual opportunities for students to be part of spaces typically held by adults. Check with your school for specific opportunities.
High School Youth Voice Network
Are you interested in sharing your voice with the district, but do not have time to commit to an ongoing experience? Throughout the year, district leaders are looking for youth voice on specific topics. In the past this has included the ESSER Fund selection committee, construction projects, EDIA committee, and topical listening sessions. Reach out to Janae or Jenny in Student Engagement to get more information on potential opportunities!
Student Engagement Co-curricular Funding
Co-curricular funds are allocated to schools to support student-centered and youth leadership opportunities.
Student Engagement asks sites to support the opportunities listed below as long as they tie to one of the following guidelines:
- Involves youth voice to impact the operations of school
- Contributes to school climate
- Improving or addressing peer-to-peer relationships
- Student activities that bring together youth with various identities
The following have been identified as some positive, school-based student leadership opportunities.
- Student Council
- Student-led after school club or activity (can be overseen by Community Ed, ALC, or Beacons)
- Youth Voice Groups
- Unique Identity Groups
- Safety Patrol
- Spelling Bee
- Student Wellness Activities
- New Student Programming (Student Ambassadors)