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We are more than "a program": The UY offers our student community a BUNCH of really great events - for free, just through serving through the UY!

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We are more than "a program": The UY offers our student community a BUNCH of really great events - for free, just through serving through the UY!

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The University YMCA offers college students a variety of opportunities to learn about resources through evening community nights, building your network through events, you can even get your FLU VACCINATION at the UY on 11/6 at our Health is Wealth event - and MORE!

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Who is at the UY?

Undergrad/Grads

All Majors/Programs and years in college - welcome

Work Study (Financial Aid)

Scholarships - Page Foundation

Volunteers

Courses and/or Internships for College Credit

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University Y: HUB for College Students and so much more!

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University YMCA Team Members - It takes a village!

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University YMCA Team Members - It takes a village!

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Y Mentors Leaders!

AWM: Joshua Imdieke, Hafsa Farah

SNS: Thelma Benitez Gutierrez, Maiya Karls Klatt

Pen Pals:

Your AWM Site Leads

Grace Kuebelbeck, Rory Antilla, Ellyse Harmon, ADD NAMES -- Your team leaders!

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Leading authentically with your growth in mind!

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Hi everyone! My name is Noley Guthrie and this is my 6th and final semester here at the UY. I've served as a mentor in AWM, a site lead in AWM, and now as the UY Intern. In my free time I love hiking and being outside, spending time with my friends, and attending concerts or music festivals (I love live music!)

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Serving in the Community - time is everything!

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Serving in the Community - time is everything!

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In college - you are managing classroom learning, jobs, volunteering, family and more! Stay on top of UY and mentoring dates here!

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What we expect you to practice as a mentor

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What we expect you to practice as a mentor

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Adapted from Big Brothers Big Sisters

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High Quality plus: Some kids just need someone to consistently show up in their lives and say

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High Quality plus: Some kids just need someone to consistently show up in their lives and say

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Be that someone!

You belong here

You matter

You’re capable of more than you think

Your presence can change a path, close a gap, and rewrite a future.

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Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 Training and Seminars Schedule - Y Mentors

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The University YMCA has received the highest recognition for our program model and services provided to young adults and young people in the community. We are very proud of this, and have high expectations for you all to carry the high quality expectation and practices into the communities we serve in.

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Y Mentors - Goals we work toward, Outcomes we measure. 

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Y Mentors - Goals we work toward, Outcomes we measure. 

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25-26 Youth Serving Mentor Program: Measurable Outcomes

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Minneapolis Schools Calendar - Y Mentors Tool

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Minneapolis Schools Calendar - Y Mentors Tool

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Saint Paul Schools Calendar - Y Mentors Tool

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Saint Paul Schools Calendar - Y Mentors Tool

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Working with young people requires consistency. Young people deserve to have caring adults in their lives who are committed to showing up each and every day when they are expected to. Additionally, high quality youth work requires time with your team in order to reflect, plan, and implement quality youth work programming.

For these reasons, we require students in the youth serving programs (Mentors, Site Leads, and Program Managers) to have consistency in their attendance. We expect all students to communicate any absences early and effectively to designated staff for accurate planning. Below is the absence policy for the Y Mentors Youth Serving Programs, which applies to all scheduled trainings, team offsites, leadership meetings, and site dates.

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Planned Excused Absences

Health appointments, planned trips, required events for classes, family/religious obligations, final exams.

Planned absences NEED to be communicated at least 2 weeks in advance.

Unplanned Excused Absences

Illness, family emergency, hazardous weather conditions, transportation issues

Unplanned absences NEED to be communicated as soon as possible.

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Ellie's Story - A University Y Student leader, now alum!

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Ellie's Story - A University Y Student leader, now alum!

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Contact your Site Lead(s) AND Program Manager directly via GroupMe or email about absences, both planned and unplanned.

Provide the details of your absence. If you feel uncomfortable with having your student leaders know the reasons for your absence, please contact UY staff Patti Neiman patti.neiman@ymcamn.org.

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Homework, tests, group projects, social plans, being tired, forgetting, oversleeping alarms, etc.

All unexcused absences are tracked and are followed up with:

1 unexcused absence = email reminder from PM about program expectations

2 unexcused absences = meeting with PM about program expectations

3 unexcused absences = meeting with Patti about program expectations to discuss whether we can continue your "at will" position in the UY.

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Y Mentors will grow through what they go through!

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You are held responsible to read and know this information.

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Y Mentor Guide 2025 - 26 - AWM and SNS  - DRAFT

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New Mentor - Y Mentors 2025-26: Checklist

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UY T-Shirt and Name Tag - Must be worn at site!

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UY T-Shirt and Name Tag - Must be worn at site!

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Simply put - the youth, staff, teachers MUST be able to recognize that you are from the University YMCA! This is mandatory.

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5:30 - 6:00 - Lite Meal (optional)

6:00 - 7:00 Seminar

7:00 - 7:30 Program Meeting

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Mentoring is an art - and it takes awareness and practice to improve upon - just like anything else - the more you try - the more interactions you have with your peers and young people - the more you will learn about yourself and others. Join us for the mandatory first seminar (they are monthly) next week. Sign up required - attendance is taken (2 hrs - toward work study, Page etc)
530-600PM - Food - Soups and Sandwiches (if you prefer your own food, please bring it)
6:00 - 7:00PM - Seminar with Patti and Student Leaders
7:00 - 7:30PM - Program Break Out Time
THIS COUNTS AS VOLUNTEER HOURS (for Page Scholars, Interns etc) AND WORK STUDY (if you have the award through FASFA and were HIRED as work study).

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5:30 - 6:00PM - Lite Diner

6:00 - 7:00 Seminar

7:00 - 7:30 Program Meeting

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Seminar 2 - Children, Emotions, Behaviors and More!

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How you respond to a young person who displays their emotions “on their sleeves” is really important! Attend and learn best approaches and practices to not alienate young people in their time of need - rather to lean in with empathy and more! Join us for the mandatory 2nd seminar (they are monthly) next week. Sign up required!
5:30 - 6:00 PM - Soups (Both non and Vegetarian), Bagel and Cream Cheeses, Fruit, Desserts
6:00 - 7:00 PM - Seminar
7:00 - 7:30 PM - Program Meeting THIS COUNTS AS VOLUNTEER HOURS (for Page Scholars, Interns etc) AND WORK STUDY (if you have the award through FASFA and were HIRED as work study).

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5:30 - 6:00PM - Lite Diner

6:00 - 7:00 Seminar

7:00 - 7:30 Program Meeting

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Seminar 3: Grow through what you go through!

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YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND! An evening of reflection and celebration! Join us for the mandatory third seminar (they are monthly) next week. Sign up required!
5:30 - 6:00PM - Lite Dinner and Ice Cream Sundae’s
6:00 - 7:00PM - Seminar
7:00 - 7:30PM - Program Meeting THIS COUNTS AS VOLUNTEER HOURS (for Page Scholars, Interns etc) AND WORK STUDY (if you have the award through FASFA and were HIRED as work study).

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YMCA VALUES TO ACTIVATE IN YOUR Y MENTOR ROLE

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YMCA VALUES TO ACTIVATE IN YOUR Y MENTOR ROLE

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Week 1 New Mentor - Y Mentors 2025-26: Checklist for 10/7/2025

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https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6xOk5NH7wUgnWObA1QuNh3m7Nc0yUcqEwBfFJx9wzgvamHg/viewform

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THE UY CONSIDERS ALL FIRST YEAR STUDENTS "RISING ACHIEVERS" AND WE WANT TO SUPPORT AND CELEBRATE YOU EACH STEP OF THE ACADEMIC JOURNEY!

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THE UY CONSIDERS ALL FIRST YEAR STUDENTS "RISING ACHIEVERS" AND WE WANT TO SUPPORT AND CELEBRATE YOU EACH STEP OF THE ACADEMIC JOURNEY!

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First Year Students - UY is here for you!

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The University Y considers all of our first year students “RISING ACHIEVERS”! We offer a variety of ways to support you outside of higher ed. Let us know if anything below is of interest to you so we make sure we invite you to the opportunities! Give yourself time to adjust: The transition to college is a significant change. It’s normal for the first few months to feel overwhelming. Don’t compare yourself to others: Everyone has a different college timeline. Focus on your own path and progress. Focus on your own path: Don’t feel pressured to engage in certain activities just because others are. Find what works for you RESULTS will not be shared outside of the UY professional staff, to make sure you are supported and celebrated as you continue your journey as a UY RISING ACHIEVER!

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2026-27 Mental Health First Aid - Application of Interest

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New Youth Mental Health First Aid sections added! 

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New Youth Mental Health First Aid sections added! 

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2025-2026 Mental Health First Aid - Application of Interest

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Hello and thank you for your interest in Mental Health First Aid!
There are two different courses, Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and HigherEd Mental Health First Aid (MHFA-HE) to select from. Signing up below indicates your interest in the training dates. We then contact you to confirm in advance when we have the minimum of 6 people enrolled (up to 30) This is a course that has a fee (see below), although there are 65 scholarships available for
1. U of MN CEHD students Youth Mental Health First Aid Cost (includes all course materials, enrollment and instructor fees food/beverages...) College of Education and Human Development Students - Free due to donor scholarships
Professionals in Higher Ed - $125.00
Professionals serving in a Non-Profits - $125.00 (coming in 2026, scholarships for those in need to are staff in non-profits in the metro area!)
College Students, $100.00 (NON CEHD)
Information on the courses and organization, as well as data can be found here www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. Identify. Understand. Respond. Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING (blended): 2 hour online, 5 hours on one day, in person
Great for all those who serve young people or have young people in their lives and community!
• You are required to do 2 hours of online learning that will focus on mental health literacy! • You have to have this completed PRIOR to attend the in person class and should be done no later than 24 hours before the in-person course.
Supplies: Participant Processing Guide (PPG) and Manual are provided online. Instructors will provide inhouse manuals and will provide a downloaded copy of the PPG for all participants. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING for Higher Education (in person only): 8.5 hours, taught over two days, in person.
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education, is an 8-hour training course designed for adults who work with or interact with college students. It equips participants with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges and crises, providing initial support until appropriate professional help is received. This evidence-based program focuses on the unique needs of college students and aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.

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Your Checklist for Spring 2027 (Posted in November)

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Your Checklist for Spring 2027 (Posted in November)

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Your UY staff: UY Assistant Grace Kubelbeck

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Your UY staff: UY Assistant Grace Kubelbeck

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My name is Grace and this is my third and final year here at the University Y! I started as a mentor, then grew to a site lead and now I represent the University Y as an intern. In my free time I take care of my growing collection of plants and exploring Minneapolis with friends.

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Sweaters, Sweatpants, Tshirts and More! Stop by the first floor UY office for information!

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Emotion Coaching - Your Response matters

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Emotion Coaching - Your Response matters

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S – Stop. Pause for a moment. Taking a break can help interrupt a stress response. T – Take a breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Repeat a few times. Deep breathing helps calm your body and reset your focus. O – Observe. Notice what’s happening—internally and externally. What are you feeling? What’s going on with your child? What do you need right now? P – Proceed. Choose your next step with intention. Maybe that means speaking calmly, setting a boundary, or simply waiting a beat before responding. You might find it helpful to say to yourself: “I can take a moment before I react,” or “This is hard, but I can handle it,” or “Staying calm helps me and my child.