ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, February 17, Senator Susan Pha (DFL-Brooklyn Park) presented Senate File 1187, a bill to appropriate $2,000,000 to BrookLynk, a youth workforce development program for Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.
BrookLynk launched in 2015 when the region found that 60% of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center youth were not participating in summer programming, and middle and high school-aged students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds needed to develop the skills or connections necessary for post-secondary success.
“I have seen the power of BrookLynk firsthand during my time on Brooklyn Park City Council,” said Senator Pha. “Many of our young people served by these programs in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center were unsure about their futures. Some lacked directions, and some lacked access. However, through BrookLynk’s mentorship, job training, and internship programs, our young people have flourished. Programs like this will create the next generation of leaders and innovators for the State of Minnesota.”
Recently, businesses considering the new biotech district proposed in Brooklyn Park have said there is a need for youth workforce development programming. The new biotech district is estimated to create 5,000-10,000 jobs.
With this additional funding, BrookLynk could increase its capacity to serve 500-600 young people annually.
The bill is supported by local organizations such as Homeward Bound Inc., Equitable Development Action, and TopLine Financial Credit Union. You can view the entire bill presentation here.
###
Learn more about Sen. Pha.
