Youth summit set for Monday

BEMIDJI — Since there is no school Monday, area youth are encouraged to take part in an afternoon event that day to weigh in on issues related to student success and graduation rates.

The youth summit is planned for 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) at BSU. Registration is encouraged through mnyouth.net.

The District 7 Bemidji Youth Summit aims to gather youth and adults to discuss issues that impact Minnesota’s dropout rate and achievement gap, including bullying, drug and alcohol abuse and crime/safety/gangs.

“Now, more than a decade into the 21st century, younger Minnesotans face a future marked by both great possibility and great challenges,” said Minnesota Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon in a press release announcing the event. “The Minnesota Alliance With Youth has created a diverse coalition of students, educators, community partners and policymakers. Together, we can break down barriers to progress and build a better future for Minnesota youth.”

Similar summits have been held throughout the state. Participants have identified their top issues as bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, and gangs, crime and safety. During the Bemidji summit, participants will examine these issues’ relevance to the dropout rate and achievement gap. The event also will include a screening of a related documentary and provide time for community teams to identify gaps and develop action plans.

Attendees will be invited to a statewide summit on June 13 in the Twin Cities to celebrate their ongoing work and hear from summit participants from other congressional districts.

To learn more, visit mnyouth.net.