Urban Boatbuilders

About Us: In 1995 a small group of community leaders saw an increased lack of hands on woodworking and experiential education opportunities for youth, and thus formed the nonprofit Urban Boatbuilders. Our mission since then has been to empower youth to succeed in work, school, and life through woodworking and experiential learning. For now over 30 years, we have provided technical hands-on learning opportunities that combine career and future readiness skills with social-emotional learning skills to prepare youth to pursue their own success in the modern world. We envision a world in which all youth have access to an education that empowers them to use their hands, heart, and mind to be engaged community members and environmental stewards. Our Programs: Urban Boatbuilders offers two main woodworking programs with young people across the Twin Cities metro and beyond-The Apprenticeship Program provides paid job training to youth with systemic barriers to employment, supporting them to build skills to succeed in work, school, and life-The Partnership Program brings woodworking to the classroom, after-school program, or community organization to engage young people who thrive through creative, hands-on education. Projects range from building boats, kayaks, longboards, paddles, cutting boards, and more. To stay connected with us, follow us on our socials and subscribe to our newsletter via our website. “When youth have access to expanded learning opportunities at school, in the community, and at home, they are more likely to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead and succeed.” – Marc Hosmer, Executive Director