Youth Learning Center
Offering at-risk students an alternative experiential education and social skills training
Catholic Charities Youth Learning Center (YLC), in cooperation with St. Cloud School District 742 Community Schools, responds to the unique challenges of educating at-risk students in grades 7-8 who have not found success in a traditional classroom or alternative setting. The YLC offers educational and social skills training for students.
Strengths of this innovative educational collaboration
Catholic Charities Youth Learning Center staff believes that a mutually respectful environment is necessary for each student to experience success. The program is administered by a team of human service professionals and licensed EBD teaching staff. Its primary goal is to assist students in acquiring the skills and resources they will need to prepare a vision for their future which completes their "life circle". >>More about the "Circle of Courage"
Unmatched services stand apart from others
Catholic Charities Youth Learning Center offers a high staff/student ratio with academic and clinical services provided by licensed, professional staff, including the Program Supervisor, EBD Classroom Teachers, and Mental Health Practitioners. 
- YLC enriches the educational environment through a combination of academic and clinical programming to meet the individual needs of each student.
- YLC weaves a network of informal and formal community supports into a student's educational plan
- YLC gives students opportunities to explore and identify vocational aspirations.
- YLC believes that mentors and positive peers are an integral part of the education experience.
- YLC operates in a residential community-based site, convenient to downtown St. Cloud and public transit.
Families support distinctive program components
Families can have confidence in our commitment to their student and our ability to deliver highly-effective, professional youth services.
- Educational needs are identified through strength-based assessments. Then, appropriate learning techniques and learning goals are applied to achieve vocational and life aspirations.
- Social Skills Assessments are used to determine a student's abilities, interests, aptitudes, and values. From these assessments, learning situations are created to allow their interests and abilities. Students receive assistance in developing their own personal vision for the future.
- Family participation is an integral and vital part of a student's success. The family participates based on the student's identified needs and strengths.
Cost, Eligibility, and Referrals
Referrals are made to Catholic Charities Youth Learning Center through North and South Junior High Schools in St. Cloud. To refer a student, contact the Building Administrator or School Social Worker at the District 742 Community Schools.
Students in grades 7, and 8 who have had difficulty being successful through other education methods are eligible for the YLC after being identified and referred through District 742. The service is available at no charge to the student and his or her family.
Quick Clicks
District #742 Community Schools
Sara-Bauer Sand,
Program Supervisor
374 4th Ave S
St. Cloud MN 56301
Ph: 320.253.6614
Fx: 320.252.4592