Community Engagement Director for Urban Boatbuilders
MeetMichaelWurth
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 with woodworking or with camping, 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
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
Fostering Wealth in Minnesota’s Indigenous Communities
Learn how Mni Sota Fund supports Native homeownership in the Twin Cities.
See their impact
Emma Norton Services: A Century of Transformative Housing
For more than 100 years this renowned nonprofit has ensured that people in Minnesota have a safe and affordable place to call home.
See the impact
Juana Garcia: Celebrating Cultural Traditions Through Dance
Dance has been a way for Juana (Jaynie) Garcia to connect to her Mexican heritage, introducing Ballet Folklorico to others in the city of Willmar.
See the project
Rondo's Heartbeat: The Enduring Impact of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
Learn how this community center has served as a safe haven for generations in Saint Paul.
Watch the video
Drumming for Unity: A Vision for Community Change
Created by John Salgado Maldonado, Cimarrón Batucada uses the art of drumming to address social justice issues and promote cross-cultural community engagement.
See the project
Announcing Our New Strategic Plan
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation launches our strategic plan for the next five years. Watch our video to see our aspiration, purpose and key strategies.
Watch the video
We’ve Moved
On January 21, 2025, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation relocated to Osborn370, a dynamic hub of innovation and diversity in downtown Saint Paul.
Read about our move
From Lab to Stage: Kenji Shoemaker's Unique Path in Theater
There’s a unique art and science to prop and stage design. These skills helped former scientist Kenji Shoemaker switch careers, showcasing his talents behind the curtains.
See the project