Skip to main content

Michael loves working with young people, and he sees nature as one of the best educational tools for technical, social and emotional learning skills.

“Young people that come to our program may not have a lot of experience... but by embarking on a new journey, they learn new skills such as problem solving, working with a team and giving and receiving feedback.

Michael Wurth

video poster

Hand-Crafted

For more than 20, years Urban Boatbuilders has provided youth with hands-on learning and capacity building opportunities to establish and develop lifelong transferable skills.

Youth are taught not only how to build boats but how to grow as individuals through financially literacy training, mock interviewing, resume-writing workshops, and field trips to local businesses and colleges.

Snapshots

Putting the Boats to the Test

Urban Boatbuilders commemorates its four-month apprenticeship program with youth ages 16-19 with a capstone experience that allows them to test the boats that they built out on Minnesota’s Boundary Waters.

“I think that these outdoor experiences and the woodworking aspect really lends itself to social-emotional learning.

Michael Wurth

More Stories

Brass Solidarity: Bringing Music to George Floyd Square

Trumpet player Butchy Austin and his band, Brass Solidarity, use their sound for good every Monday in George Floyd Square.

See the project

Minnesota Latino Museum: Celebrating Mexican and Latino Art and Culture

Learn how one organization is establishing an arts and cultural landmark in Saint Paul.

See the Highlights

Announcing Our 2025 Facing Race Award Recipients

This year’s awards recognize five Minnesotans building solutions that unite instead of divide from Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Duluth and Winona.

Read the News

Making Red Wing an Arts & Culture Destination

Art adds value to every community – and in Red Wing, Minnesota, a collaboration is bolstering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

See the Highlights

A Letter from Chanda On Her First Day

Chanda Smith Baker, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation President & CEO, shares a note to community on her first day leading the Foundation.

Read the letter

Inspiring Generosity in the Arts

At a recent Giving+Together event, art leaders addressed the economic and cultural benefits of the arts in our lives.

See the Highlights

Warroad RiverPlace: Where Art Meets Community Engagement

Learn how one arts nonprofit is making art more accessible in Warroad.

Read the story

Chanda Smith Baker Named President & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

Meet the Foundation's New President & CEO in this letter to community from Board Chair Dr. Joseph Lee.

Read the news

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field