The mission of YWCA Minneapolis is to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Mother and Daughter, Childcare, YWCA Minneapolis

Our vision is to be the most trusted and effective change agent in the journey to eliminate racism and sexism in our community.

YWCA Minneapolis stands for a fully inclusive community in which each person is healthy and valued, and where racial justice, gender equality and human dignity are promoted and sustained through bold and effective women’s leadership.

Nationally, YWCA advocacy issues include lobbying for pay equity and hate crimes legislation, increased funding for Head Start and passing the Violence Against Women Act. Locally, through our programs, we are changing lives and restoring hope for women, their families, and our community!

YWCA Minneapolis strives every day for:

  • Race and gender equity

  • Economic independence for women

  • Respect for diverse cultures

  • Children and youth who thrive

  • A community that is vibrant and healthy

We invite you to stand with us in our mission and our work.

Racial Justice and Public Policy ↘

As a leader in the field of racial equity, we empower communities and workplaces to fight racism, embrace new perspectives and promote justice for all people until justice just is. We offer workshops, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consulting, and advocacy.

  • Workshops and Lunch & Learns

    Workshops and Lunch & Learns

    Our workshops help participants understand and combat racial injustice and how to overcome them.

  • Inc.lude™ Diversity and Inclusion Consulting

    Inc.lude™ Diversity and Inclusion Consulting

    Inc.lude™ offers DEI training programs that improve employee dynamics and productivity.

  • Advocacy

    Advocacy

    Through advocacy efforts, we support causes that empower women and girls and lead to racial equity.

Girls and Youth Programs

We equip girls and youth with the skills and experience to nurture their confidence, relationships and power to be leaders in their lives and communities. YWCA Minneapolis is one of the largest providers of out-of-school-time programs in the city. Afterschool programs take place at 20+ Minneapolis public and charter schools, community centers and YWCA locations across the Twin Cities.

  • Beacons Learning Centers

    Beacons Learning Centers

    We engage youth as leaders and learners by transforming schools into active youth centers.

  • Contact Plus

    Contact Plus

    Contact Plus helps middle school and high school youth understand and respect sexual health.

  • Girls Inc.

    Girls Inc.

    Girls take risks, find their inherent strengths and create long-lasting mentorship relationships.

  • Strong Fast Fit

    Strong Fast Fit

    Strong Fast Fit is a culturally specific health program for youth and their families.

Early Childhood Education

YWCA Minneapolis offers high-quality, affordable child care, equipping children with the knowledge and skills to reach their true potential. Our NAEYC-accredited and Four-Star Parent Aware-rated early learning programs offer a whole-child learning approach to build children’s social-emotional, cognitive, physical and cultural development.

  • Anti-Bias Curriculum

    Anti-Bias Curriculum

    Our early childhood education curriculum, grounded in anti-bias and child-initiated play, focuses on the whole-child learning approach.

  • Health and Wellness for All

    Health and Wellness for All

    YWCA Minneapolis swim lessons are included as part of our preschool curriculum, and each newly enrolled family gets a free one-year Health & Wellness family membership.

  • Enrichment and Culture

    Enrichment and Culture

    We encourage children to expand and enrich their cultural perspectives with music, yoga, mindfulness and art classes.

Health & Wellness ↘

Our fitness center is a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports people across cultures, income and age. Members enjoy access to a state-of-the-art facility with a swimming pool and kid-friendly splash pad, group classes, scholarships, women- and senior-centered programs and more.

  • Free Fitness Classes

    Free Fitness Classes

    Over 70+ free in-person and virtual group fitness classes, plus free child care while you work out.

  • Swimming

    Swimming

    We have a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool and an indoor waterpark/wading pool for the kids!

  • Community

    Community

    YWCA Midtown has a community center feel, where all are welcome. We give 350+ scholarship memberships every year.