Structured groups. Actual conversations. Real growth.
The Growth Standard provides structured group programming for system-involved youth to build the skills needed to understand themselves, navigate their environment, and become productive advocates in their communities.
Our Programs
The Growth Standard offers group programming and case management for young people ages 13 to 21 in Saint Paul who are involved in or at risk of deeper involvement with the juvenile justice system. We deliver two gender-responsive programs rooted in cultural relevance, social-emotional development, and meaningful relationships with adults who are invested in each young person's growth.
H.E.A.T. for Youth is a 12-week culturally relevant, strength-based empowerment group designed for Black male youth ages 13 to 21 who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The program is rooted in the respect and celebration of Black culture, using that foundation to build community, establish trust, and create an environment where young men feel supported rather than judged.
H.E.A.T. addresses the whole person, including the spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential aspects of each participant's life, because that is what it takes to create real and lasting change. The program validates the life experiences of participants and offers tools to work through the emotional, psychological, and environmental challenges that influence their self-image, behavior, and decision-making. Rather than focusing on deficits, H.E.A.T. centers the resilience and strength that young Black men already carry. The goal is for each participant to leave with a stronger sense of identity, increased motivation, and the skills to make choices that align with who they want to become.
Participants also receive individualized case management throughout the program and transition into a 3-month aftercare period upon completion.
Who it serves: Male youth ages 13 to 21
Group size: 8 to 10 participants
After program: 3-month aftercare and monthly alumni field trips
Areas of focus: Black identity and culture, historical resilience, self-image and identity, emotional regulation, accountability, healthy relationships, goal setting, purpose and future planning, spirituality and connection
Shift Happens is a 12-week empowerment group for female youth ages 13 to 21. The program uses a social-emotional learning framework to build the life skills young women need to navigate their environment, develop healthy relationships, and grow into who they are working to become.
The curriculum covers five core areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Topics are rooted in what young women are actually navigating in their lives and are designed to give them the language, tools, and confidence to handle it.
Participants also receive individualized case management throughout the program and transition into a 3-month aftercare period upon completion.
Who it serves: Female youth ages 13 to 21
Group size: 8 to 10 participants
After program: 3-month aftercare and monthly alumni field trips
Areas of focus: Self-awareness, understanding emotions, growth mindset, body image and self-esteem, goal setting, stress management, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, consent and boundaries, sex trafficking awareness, cultural identity, social norms and influence, empathy and perspective, effective communication
About The Growth Standard
The Growth Standard was created out of the founders experience working with system-involved youth. One thing became clear… a lot of our babies are being expected to operate at a high level without ever being taught the basics. They’ve been put in situations that required them to grow up fast, take on responsibility early, and navigate environments that don’t slow down for them. No one took the time to break things down and help them understand what they’re feeling, why they respond the way they do, or how to move differently.
The Growth Standard was created to address that. Not by overcomplicating things, but by going back to the basics and building a strong foundation.
Why We Facilitate…
A lot of our babies have been put in adult situations early. They’ve taken on responsibilities that didn’t match where they were developmentally. At the same time, they haven’t always had the space to learn the basics like how to understand their emotions, how to communicate and how to make decisions that don’t set them back
That’s the gap we’re filling.
We provide group based programming based on social-emotional learning and real world application. Each session is structured, discussion-based, interactive and focused on real life scenarios.
We have honest, raw conversations with youth and they work through it.
Lets Build Together
If you’re looking for structured group programming that meets youth where they are and helps them move forward, let’s connect.