Empowering Youth

Empowering Youth programs help youth from refugee and immigrant families develop the skills needed to prosper and realize their full potential. Youth from refugee and immigrant families face different challenges than their parents. They often acquire language skills more quickly, but also face the challenge of being immersed in American culture and have to find a balance between their traditional culture and that of their peers. As a result of this programming, youth gain knowledge of the educational system and receive support to help them pursue their goals.

Current Empowering Youth programs include:

Girls Reaching Above and Beyond (GRAB)

The GRAB program is designed to help girls aged 10-18 discover their identity and strengths and create a roadmap to pursue their dreams. Girls participate in various activities, including guided discussions, presentations by local professors and experts, and volunteer activities. Funding for this program is provided by the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.

Cultures United

Cultures United is an after school program designed for middle and high school students in Winona County, MN, providing an opportunity for students from all backgrounds to learn more about the countries, cultures and traditions of the world. Project activities include monthly educational sessions in Winona and St. Charles, allowing youth to deepen their cultural knowledge through exploration of language, tradition, holidays, games, art and food.

Kuv Caaj Ceg Hmoob (My Hmong Roots)

This program provides an opportunity for Hmong community members to improve their Hmong language skills and deepen their cultural knowledge. The course will cover spoken and written language skills and will be taught by Project FINE staff members who have extensive experience interpreting and writing in Hmong. Individuals of all ages and language abilities are welcome.

Safety and Prevention for Youth

This program will provide after school and summer enrichment opportunities for youth from refugee and immigrant families, with a goal of preventing involvment in unlawful activities and avoiding truancy or other school disciplinary actions. Activities inlcude educational sessions, fun activities, team building and leadership opportunities and summer camp experiences.

This program is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

F.O.R.C.E (Focus, Overcome, Respect, Connect, Excel)

The FORCE program provides education and activities for middle and high school boys from refugee and immigrant families. The goal of the program is to develop positive character traits and values, promote healthy lifestyle choices and prepare youth for future financial stability. Activities are held monthly in Winona or St. Charles, and youth from all area schools are welcome to attend. Program activities include informational sessions on financial literacy, higher education, employment, and leadership skills; as well as fun activities such as sports, games, arts and community events.

The FORCE program is funded by the Winona Community Foundation.

College Education Connection

College Education Connection provides academic support, motivation and access to resources for immigrant youth as they pursue post-secondary education. Project FINE also provides scholarships to students from immigrant and refugee families who are seniors in high school and preparing to pursue post-secondary education. These competitive scholarships are offered each spring. To learn more about the scholarship program and requirements, please contact our office at 507-452-4100 or [email protected].

College Education Connection scholarships are funded through the generous support of our local community and other fundraising efforts. To make a donation to College Education Connection, click below. All donations are tax-deductible.

There's No Place Like Home

This video was created by participants of Project FINE's youth programs in 2009. It explores the importance of home through the eyes of youth, as they share how their homes are different, yet similar. Through their stories, we find a common bond and realize that "there is no place like home."