Neighborhood House

On August 22, 2008, MMEP, through our MCAN initiative, and Neighborhood House [St. Paul’s Westside] convened partners to open the College Access Resource Center of the multi-use community center. Providing services in the settlement house tradition since 1897, Neighborhood House helps individuals and organizations develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in diverse communities.

 

The college access resource center model is used in several communities nationwide, but this center is unique as it is situated in a settlement house community center. This center model was developed by several experts and tailored for the various low-income populations in St. Paul that utilize the center at Neighborhood House. Collectively, the organizations want to increase the number of low-income and youth of color who apply, enroll and succeed in college.

 

Center partners include:

• City of Saint Paul
• Humboldt Senior High School
• Inver Hills Community College
• Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Educational Opportunity Center, a TRiO program
• Minnesota Office of Higher Education
• Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC)
• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
• Saint Paul College

 

Neighborhood House staff members are excited about offering these new services for youth and adults at the Center. Armando Camacho, president, Neighborhood House stated, “I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure this center is strong and thrives for our youth and their families. College is too important, and Neighborhood House is committed to the college access goals of all of our partners and this community.”

 

The center planning involved a 6-month advisory group facilitation by MCAN as well as technical assistance for Neighborhood House staff about partner roles, marketing, technology needs for the center, and evaluation.

Image Gallery: Neighborhood House College Resource Center