The St. Louis Park Public Schools Assessment, Research and Evaluation department has been awarded a $25,000 Reimagine Education grant from The Minneapolis Foundation for the 2025-26 school year. The grant will allow St. Louis Park Schools to expand the internship program while also providing instructional assistants with training in evidence-based reading strategies grounded in the science of reading.

Since 2020, the YDA program has hired high school students to analyze racially disaggregated district data and develop research projects that generate recommendations for school improvement. Each summer, interns have researched topics and their findings have emphasized the need for more professional development for teachers and instructional assistants. This photo showcases the Summer 2025 cohort.

“YDA interns don’t just crunch numbers, they read academic research, practice advanced literacy skills, and critically analyze their own lived experiences as students,” said Dr. Silvy Lafayette, Executive Director of Assessment, Research and Evaluation. “Their work has become a cornerstone of our school improvement plans.”

The internship uses a framework similar to a college seminar. Students follow a syllabus, read scholarly research, learn new vocabulary, and engage in group discussions. Their research project directly informs district policies and practices.

The Minneapolis Foundation’s Reimagine Education grants are designed to promote equity and improve academic outcomes for K-12 students. Funding priorities include:

• Supporting schools with literacy strategies to ensure all children read at or above grade level.
• Elevating student and community voices to strengthen school climate and learning environments.
• Building educator capacity to create culturally responsive and inclusive schools.
• Advocating for systemic policy changes to address disparities in Minnesota’s education system.

This grant represents a continuation of the district’s commitment to equity, literacy, and student leadership. By investing in both students and staff, St. Louis Park Schools will further its mission of ensuring each learner is seen, inspired, and empowered.