St. Louis County students lead community service projects

Youth in Action conference empowers students to make a difference through leadership and volunteering

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Youth In Action Conference brought together over 350 students from 17 high schools across St. Louis County, Minnesota to participate in workshops and share their community service projects. The program, run through the St. Louis County Extension Office, aims to promote leadership and service opportunities for students. Students presented initiatives like the 'Room of Requirement' which provides food, clothes, and other resources for their peers, as well as mental health support programs and volunteer work with local organizations.

Why it matters

The Youth in Action program gives students valuable leadership experience and a platform to make positive changes in their communities. By empowering youth to take action on issues they care about, the program helps develop the next generation of engaged citizens and community leaders.

The details

The annual Youth in Action Conference featured a keynote speech from former Duluth East student Mason Branstrader, who shared his story of resilience after a spinal cord injury. Students then attended breakout sessions on leadership, empathy, and taking action. Several schools presented their own student-led projects, including Hibbing High School's 'Room of Requirement' which provides food, clothes, and other resources for students in need. Other initiatives focused on mental health support, volunteering, and addressing transportation access issues.

  • The Youth In Action Conference took place on February 9, 2026.
  • The program works with 17 high schools throughout St. Louis County year-round.

The players

Aimee Bannwarth

Youth Program Coordinator for St. Louis County's Youth in Action, which is run through the Extension Office.

Mason Branstrader

A former Duluth East student with a strong TikTok presence who shared his story of resilience after a spinal cord injury as the keynote speaker.

Amanda Winkels

A senior at Marshall School who has been involved with Youth in Action for all four years of high school.

Julia and Payson

Students from Ely High School who discussed their school's Green Bandana Project for mental health support and a new letterbox project to allow anonymous peer-to-peer support.

Hibbing High School

One of the schools that has implemented a 'Room of Requirement' to provide resources for students in need.

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What they’re saying

“I think there's been a lot of leadership opportunities and volunteer opportunities that's gotten people more exposed to being outside and used to helping other people and getting back to our community.”

— Amanda Winkels, Marshall School senior

“Our school is working on a letterbox project for teens across St. Louis County, really. But we're working on designing a project so that teens who need help can send in a letter to other teens who can then reply to the teens and help them through whatever they're going through, anonymously on both ends.”

— Payson, Ely High School student

“If they do need help, then there are resources out there. And people their age also are able to direct them in the place that they need to get that help.”

— Julia, Ely High School student

“I think they are such a valuable asset to the community. And they do a great job of putting in effort and bringing awareness to things that matter and creating real change in their community. They're full of passion, full of energy, full of great ideas. And I think any time that we can help amplify their voices, the better off our communities are.”

— Aimee Bannwarth, Youth Program Coordinator for St. Louis County's Youth in Action

What’s next

The Youth in Action program will continue working with schools throughout St. Louis County to support student-led community service projects and leadership development.

The takeaway

The Youth in Action program empowers students to make a tangible difference in their communities, from providing resources for their peers to raising awareness about mental health. By investing in youth leadership, the program is cultivating the next generation of engaged citizens who are passionate about creating positive change.