Brooklyn Center Schools–Student and Family Support

BCCS to transition financial donations to Youthprise

Youthprise is a 501(c)(3) that can help responsibly spend funds


Monday, April 19, 2021 – On Sunday, April 11, Daunte Wright was killed by a Brooklyn Center Police Officer during a traffic stop. Since then, many stores have closed, families have been displaced and the community has been in crisis. Along with the crisis, there has been an outpouring of support to help Brooklyn Center community members. Brooklyn Center Community Schools created a Resource Distribution Center at the Blue Barn on the Brooklyn Center Middle and High School campus. District staff have also been responding to calls for support on the Resource and Support Line, including locating and paying for temporary housing at nearby hotels. 

“We’ve received an overwhelming response for people to volunteer their time, make financial contributions and drop off food and essential supplies at our Resource Distribution Center,” said Superintendent Dr. Carly Baker. “These gifts have helped make a meaningful difference to our community. Because of local businesses and regular people, we are and will remain BC strong. We are humbled by the compassion and generosity we’ve received from Brooklyn Center, Minnesota and throughout the country. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible response to our community’s crisis.”

BCCS opened a GoFundMe account after staff members and others asked for a way to donate money to be used to purchase essential items for students and families throughout the community. The original goal was to raise $1,000, and as of 2 p.m. on Monday, April 19, $123,624 has been raised. This level of giving from our community surpassed all expectations. Because of the need to direct these resources in a thoughtful and transparent manner, BCCS is partnering with the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance and Youthprise, a 501(c)(3) organization that will be able to better serve and direct resources to where they are needed the most. Youthprise’s mission is to increase equity with and for Minnesota’s Indigenous, low income and racial diverse youth. 

“It is with great sadness and regret that our community is yet again in a position where we are needed to play such a role. Youthprise is waiving all fees associated with accepting and administering funds to support youth and families impacted,” said Marcus Pope, Vice President of Youthprise.

By establishing this fund, we hope to address the immediate and evolving needs in our community and the ongoing trauma that communities of color continue to experience. Donations will be used to support:

· Items needed in response to the crisis, such as gas money, clothes, childcare, safe housing, medical supplies and other accommodations;
· Youth enrichment activities centered around healing and action, and
· Addressing systemic racism using youth centered approaches.

For anyone who would like to make a financial contribution, please donate directly to Youthprise. Click here to donate to Youthprise . 

Please select the Brooklyns Response & Recovery Fund for Youth in the drop down menu to provide further support to our students and community and continue to build on the resources you have so generously donated.

You can also donate to:

Direct support to the Mother of Daunte Wright Jr coordinated by Holistic Heaux 
Daunte Wright Sr Memorial fund 
Brooklyn Center Mutual Aid support our community 
ACER is coordinating a Mutual Fundraiser for small businesses impacted by the recent social unrest in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park.  Please see the Brooklyn Center Community Schools transition announcement  to donate to this fundraiser.