Josh Halverson
Youth Enrichment Coordinator - Middle and High School | 507-328-4053 | Email
Summer 2024
Rochester Community Education is excited to announce our LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Calendar.
Events are for youth entering grades 6-12. Allies and LGBTQ+ youth are welcome.
Events are free to attend (with the exception of rock climbing which will cost $5.)
We encourage you to help us prepare for each event by registering online. (Registration is required for rock climbing and The Great Rainbow Bake Off.)
We invite LGBTQ+ adults to volunteer at many of the events. Please read below for information about how to get involved.
Many events are hosted by community partners. We are grateful to the many organizations and individuals who have made this program possible.
This year, we are offering a new LGBTQ+ Summer Mentorship program. All of our events are facilitated by LGBTQ+ staff and volunteers who serve as positive role models. You may enjoy the mentorship program if you want an additional focus on learning, conversation, and personal growth while you attend the events.
LGBTQ+ Adult Volunteers Needed
Event Volunteers
LGBTQ+ adults are invited to volunteer at events as positive role models. Volunteers accompany youth on group activities such as gardening, baking, or career and college tours. Our volunteers all say the same thing: I wish I could have done this as a kid. These unique interactions allow community members to support youth in a concrete and meaningful way.
Time Commitment: One or more events. Choose events that fit your schedule and interests. Events will take place June - August 2024.
How to Participate: Press the button below to view the event registration page. Each event has a "Youth Enroll Now" button. Events that need volunteers also have a "Volunteer Enroll Now" button. Sign up for as many events as you want and complete the volunteer background check.
Summer Mentors
Some volunteers may be interested in providing focused, summerlong support for one or two students. Youth who request a mentor will be matched with an adult in the Rochester community who shares a common aspect of identity, such as sexual orientation, gender identity, hobbies, or future goals. Meetings between mentors and mentees will take place in the context of group events, but with an additional focus on conversation about mentees' personal interests and goals.
Why Start a Mentorship Program: Since 2019, the Minnesota Student Survey has found that LGBTQ+ youth in Minnesota are substantially more likely to experience risks to their wellbeing than their peers, including increased risk of negative mental health symptoms, increased risk of suicide and self-harm, and decreased academic engagement. This research has also found that these risks are reduced for youth with certain protective factors such as supportive friends, parents, teachers, and community members. Volunteers in the new LGBTQ+ Summer Mentorship program have an opportunity to introduce a protective factor for local youth.
Time Commitment: A training session during the first week of June, and three or more events. Work with your mentee(s) to decide which events to attend. Events will take place June - August 2024.
How to Participate: Press the button below for more information.
Community Partners
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Calendar is generously supported by funding from the Rochester Public Schools Foundation.
Thank you to the many organizations and volunteers who have hosted events for LGBTQ+ youth in our community.
Family Service Rochester
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Mayo Clinic LGBTI MERG
Mixie Madness / Tierney Parker
Peace United
Pop's Art Theater
Roca Climbing & Fitness
Rochester Art Center
Rochester Public Library
University of Minnesota Rochester
The Village Agricultural Cooperative
We Bike Rochester