JOIN US in being a part of a world where ALL youth have access to supervised, fun, and enriching summer activities and programs. A place where they have the space and mentorship to discover who they are and lean into their SUPER POWERS - the specific qualities and skills that make each one of them unique!  

Youth First is the ONLY local youth organization that provides FREE summer programming for at-risk and underserved middle and high school youth in Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Ramsey. But we can’t do it alone. 

Each year, the waitlist for our summer program grows.  Our MISSION is to guarantee spots for 40 middle and high school youth next summer and make sure no one gets left behind on the waitlist.

We need YOUR help to make their summer incredible!  Will you don a SUPERHERO cape and help secure spots for youth next summer?  

As a SUPER GIVER, your DONATION will help guarantee every youth on our waitlist gets a spot!  Donations will cover costs to provide mission critical supplies (food, transportation, program materials), and experiences (field trips and activities).

JOIN the list of Guardian’s and help ensure no one gets left behind!   

We need everyone's help - no gift is too small!  Please DONATE TODAY, right here on this page!

"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do, that defines me."    - Batman

About Us

Youth First's MISSION is clear - we deliver the power of 5 PROMISES that help ALL youth become masters of their universe!  

💙 Caring Adults (Guardians of the Universe) 
🧡 Safe Places (Superhero Command Centers)
💛 A Healthy Start (Power-Ups) 
💚 Effective Education (Superhero Training)
💜 Opportunities to Help Others (Gallant Quests)

Youth First is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring youth have access to the 5 Promises.  These promises are critical for youth to develop the skills needed to create a future where they succeed academically, socially, and civically, regardless of ethnic or economic boundaries.  

We provide safe places (physically and emotionally) for youth to spend time outside of school with caring staff who know them by name.  During that time we encourage and promote healthy bodies and minds, focus on developing social emotional skills, and provide opportunities for them to help others.  Follow our program on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/youthfirstmn/

P.S.  If you would prefer to donate by check, please address checks to Youth First and mail to: 

Youth First, 6701 Highway 10 NW, Ramsey MN  55303

Let us know your check is coming via email ( [email protected] ) and we will be able to add you NOW to our page for an accurate fundraising total!

Our organization was developed by the Northwestern Anoka County Community Consortium (NWACCC), a collaboration of the Anoka-Hennepin School District 11, Anoka County, and the cities of Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Ramsey in Minnesota.  For over 24 years, this amazing collaboration has been actively serving underserved youth and their families in our communities.