WE OFFER PROVEN STRATEGIES to improve outcomes for Black youth and youth of color throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.

Our SMART, FAIR & LOVING APPROACH℠ is research-based, rooted in racial equity and inclusion, and promotes both high expectations and high support for youth.

OUR SERVICES ARE AFFORDABLE, flexible, and tailored to your organization’s needs.

TWO COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE PREVIEWS:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

Morning Session

9 am – 10 am

or

Afternoon Session

1 pm – 2 pm

Each session is limited to 20 participants, so save your spot quickly!

About SPYS

SPYS’ mission is to improve our community’s collective ability to engage and support Black youth by pioneering practices, creating tools, and sharing resources.

SPYS was established 50 years ago by the City of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul Police Department, as an innovative approach to juvenile detention. Today, innovative programming focused on early intervention through SPYS’ In-School Behavior Intervention Program (BIP) and restorative practices with SPYS’ Pre-Charge Diversion program continues with the goal of expanding in the Twin Cities, the state, and the country. Beginning in 2016, SPYS began Rewriting the Rules of Youth Engagement by creating the conditions with Black youth to be their full selves, amplify their power and brilliance, and drive systemic change. This partnership resulted in a new program in 2017 called SPYS’ YouthPowerMN℠ Leadership Institute. YouthPowerMN℠ expanded SPYS’ expertise to youth leadership, youth social entrepreneurship, and youth activism. The motto for YouthPowerMN℠ is Kids Changing Systems vs. Systems Changing Kids℠. Executive Director Dr. Tracine Asberry says, “We believe that it is THE most promising and proportionate approach to dismantling systemic racism, and that by engaging youth in shaping and promoting solutions is a largely untested yet effective and strategic approach to change,”

After 50 years, SPYS is still rewriting the rules of youth engagement, and excited to continue building momentum with a strong network of SPYS’ youth champions.