Urban Ventures

Urban Ventures Urban Ventures is a nonprofit community organization working to educate kids, strengthen their families, and build a healthy community in South Minneapolis

In 1993, Urban Ventures planted roots along “crack alley” in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis. Co-founder Art Erickson was on a bold mission—to assist urban communities in their quest for transformation. And we’ve been at it ever since. Today, Urban Ventures remains committed to fulfilling the dream of a city without poverty and has become a recognized leader in faith-based community

development. Our youth, family, and nutritional programs are designed to unlock potential and help our community thrive. We have an audacious goal: to prepare and send every child in our neighborhood to college or some form of post-secondary school by 2040. While we remain committed to a holistic approach, we are ramping up our focus on educating youth of all ages—as research shows that education is the brightest hope for breaking the cycle of generational poverty. It will take all of us to create a community free of poverty, a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We hope you'll join us.

Students in our Cornwell Early Learning Center enjoyed a PE class courtesy of UV's Athletic Director, Coach Aaron. Turns...
05/30/2026

Students in our Cornwell Early Learning Center enjoyed a PE class courtesy of UV's Athletic Director, Coach Aaron. Turns out preschoolers have a lot of energy to burn.

Good things happen when you start healthy habits early. (And it's always fun to see our programs working together from Cradle-to-Career)

Where does a young artist go to get real stage time?Urban Ventures Music and Arts hosts Open Mic night once a month at t...
05/28/2026

Where does a young artist go to get real stage time?

Urban Ventures Music and Arts hosts Open Mic night once a month at the Hub. Students perform, the community shows up to listen.

Tonight, 6pm at the Hub (3016 4th Ave S). Come cheer them on.

$100,000 matched. $200,000 raised. Ahead of schedule.When we asked you to stand Side by Side with families in South Minn...
05/27/2026

$100,000 matched. $200,000 raised. Ahead of schedule.
When we asked you to stand Side by Side with families in South Minneapolis, you showed up. And because you did, every dollar went twice as far.

This summer, that generosity is fueling Venture X, our youth mentoring program, which will welcome its largest group of students yet. Students will build plans for life after high school, go on trips that broaden their perspective, and spend time with mentors and small groups where real healing happens.

Our Youth Mentoring Director Israel put it simply: "The storm came, the earth shook, and now we're dealing with the aftermath." He is also grateful for the summer ahead, because more time with students means more room to walk alongside them through it.

Thank you for making that possible. The work continues, and no one has to do it alone.

Puppies and ice cream. That's how we close out an all-staff meeting around here. It's been a hard season, and our staff ...
05/24/2026

Puppies and ice cream. That's how we close out an all-staff meeting around here. It's been a hard season, and our staff shows up for this community every single day. It was good to end our time together earlier this week with a little bit of joy.

Thanks to the Rescue Network for the fluffy snuggles and Lil' Dipper for the frozen treats.

One of the unique strengths of Urban Ventures is how our strategically broad model of programming works together. Moment...
05/21/2026

One of the unique strengths of Urban Ventures is how our strategically broad model of programming works together. Moments like this are where it clicks.

Families in our Siempre Padres parenting program recently visited Lake Street Works to learn more about careers in construction trades. Through our cradle-to-career model we get to come around entire families, at any stage of life.

05/02/2026

May Day is a holiday to celebrate workers. Today, we did exactly that.

Lake Street Works is Urban Ventures’ workforce training program that prepares high school seniors for careers in the construction trades. These students spent the last ten months exploring new paths and developing skills that will help them get the kind of job that supports a family and builds a neighborhood.

Each of them graduates with a plan for what’s next.

Congratulations to the class of 2026. We couldn’t be more proud of them or more excited for what’s ahead.

Black history isn't reserved for one month.Earlier this month, Urban Ventures' Music and Arts Program hosted the Black H...
04/30/2026

Black history isn't reserved for one month.

Earlier this month, Urban Ventures' Music and Arts Program hosted the Black History Talent Show in partnership with Cargill's Ebony Council. Over 20 acts took the stage: singers, dancers, drummers, guitarists, accordion players, and poets, each inspired by the rich history of Black Americans.

Some of these kids have been with the program since first grade. Watching them perform in front of a room full of neighbors cheering them on was something else.

"There's something special about being in a room full of people who are for you," said program coordinator Ashley.

We're grateful to Cargill's Ebony Council for making it possible. And we're proud of every kid who got on the stage.

Barbers and Bouncy Houses for Dia del Niño! Last weekend, Urban Ventures hosted a community event for Dia del Niño, cele...
04/29/2026

Barbers and Bouncy Houses for Dia del Niño!

Last weekend, Urban Ventures hosted a community event for Dia del Niño, celebrating our youngest neighbors and highlighting the importance of helping children thrive.

Kids and their families came out for a fund day of play and learning, with crafts, face-painting, free haircuts, and more. The gym was filled with laughing and delight, a great reminder about this special and stage of life.

04/23/2026

One of our favorite moments of the year so far. We welcomed our after school students back to campus after being online. It was great to see the rooms once again filled with energy, noise, and joy.

“No matter what happens in our community, we will always show up. Because that’s who we are.”

Thank you for coming alongside our neighbors.The Side by Side campaign is our path forward to rebuilding resilience in S...
04/10/2026

Thank you for coming alongside our neighbors.

The Side by Side campaign is our path forward to rebuilding resilience in South Minneapolis. We can’t do this work without your sustained support.

Join us: urbanventures.org/side-by-side

Address

2924 4th Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN
55408

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10pm
Tuesday 8am - 10pm
Wednesday 8am - 10pm
Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10pm
Sunday 1pm - 10pm

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