Youth Program Volunteer - Spring/Summer 2026 St. Paul

Project for Pride in Living (PPL); Saint Paul (MN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) is seeking a dedicated volunteer to support youth programs in the St. Paul area. Volunteers will engage with diverse youth and help create a positive environment for social-emotional growth.

This role involves assisting with activities like art and literacy, with a particular emphasis on building trustful relationships. Ideal candidates will have a passion for working with young people and an interest in diverse community engagement.

Weekly commitments are required, typically on evenings, fostering long-term relationships with participants.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm to learn alongside young people.
• Patience, understanding, and flexibility to adapt.
• Commitment to empowering others and sharing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist with youth programs to create a supportive environment.
• Participate in enrichment activities like art and literacy.
• Build trusting relationships with youth.

Skills

Enthusiasm to learn with young people

Patience and understanding

Ability to work independently

Passion for diverse youth engagement

Job description

Volunteer Overview

Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) is dedicated to serving individuals and families struggling with poverty, limited education, and other complex barriers to self‑reliance. Over our 50‑year history as a nonprofit, we have developed a broad range of highly integrated programs that help participants build more stable lives.

Volunteer Position

Looking to volunteer with youth in our communities? Connect with youth in your community! PPL is looking for an energetic volunteer with an interest in working with diverse communities to support youth programs at PPL. This opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys engaging with young people and encouraging exploration.

Location

St. Paul Area Locations

Days and Times

Weekly evenings, one day per week (Jan/Feb–April/May). Times vary by site but are usually something like 5:30‑7:30 pm or similar.

More Information

PPL Youth Enrichment Series are programs available to youth living in PPL housing communities. Enrichment Series run for 3–6 weeks at a time throughout the year; however, we ask that volunteers commit to a longer timeframe when possible, to allow for consistency and relationship‑building with youth and the community.

Each Enrichment Series focuses on different age groups (5–18 years old) and centers around topics based on youth interests such as art, science, music, cooking, social justice, community service, and more. Activities take place both at the housing locations and off‑site.

What You Will Be Doing

Participating in PPL youth programs helps create a positive, supportive, and engaging environment where youth can learn, grow, and explore. This volunteer position supports youth in their social‑emotional development and helps build trusting, non‑judgmental youth–adult relationships.

You will assist with art enrichment, literacy and writing activities, and other physically and mentally stimulating youth experiences. Activities each week are prepared by PPL staff or program partners. Our programs work to create a safe, productive, and supportive environment for all youth, celebrating accomplishments and successes while redirecting as needed.

Qualities We Hope to See in a Volunteer

• Enthusiasm to learn alongside young people
• Patience, understanding, and flexibility to adapt to each youth’s needs
• Interest in working across age groups and areas of interest
• Ability to work independently and maintain consistent weekly attendance
• Commitment to empowering others by sharing your skills and knowledge
• Passion for working with youth from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Comfort interacting with parents/guardians to support youth success

Physical Demands

Volunteers are regularly required to sit, bend, and communicate. Volunteers may occasionally need to lift and/or move 10–25 pounds.

Work Environment & Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate. Noise levels are generally moderate.

Questions?

Latisha Moening, Volunteer Program Manager

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Project for Pride in Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Organization. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, PPL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current volunteers to discuss potential accommodations with the organization.