Operation Exploration (Youth at Work Grant)

Operation Exploration Youth Summer Camps

Funder: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - Youth at Work Grant Initiative

Amount: $150,000 annually

Status: Awarded July 2025

Duration: 2-year funding period

Geographic Scope: Central Minnesota

Focus Areas:

Summer camp-like experiential learning

Youth skill development and exposure

Accessible pathways to success

Career exploration and discovery

Personal and professional development

Program Details:

Operation Exploration (OE) summer camps

Serves 174 at-risk youth over 2 years (87 per year)

Experiential learning opportunities

Variety of skills and career exposure

Tailored to unique situations and challenges

Accessible pathway design

Learning extends beyond camp experience

Target Population: At-risk youth meeting Minnesota youth program eligibility criteria

Program Goals:

Realize youth potential

Provide learning and growth platform

Foster personal development

Create lasting community impact

Contact: Diana Ristamaki, Youth Program Manager, [email protected]