Get Involved

You can give back to our schools by becoming a volunteer! Learn more on our Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program page! 

Are you or your organization interested in collaborating with Eden Prairie social service providers and nonprofits to create a stronger community? Join us as we learn from one another, explore gaps in services in Eden Prairie, and leverage resources to develop collective solutions. The group is composed of a cross-section of the community representing residents, local nonprofits, Eden Prairie Schools, government entities, churches, and other individuals who are interested in building awareness of resources available to community members.

CEIC Vision Statement: A vibrant community where diversity is celebrated and all feel welcomed, respected, connected, and engaged.

CEIC Mission Statement: To work collaboratively to build upon our community strengths, to foster connectedness and access to resources, and to address community needs and gaps in services. 

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Join Us! 
If you would like to participate or learn more about the CEIC, please contact Molly Malone Patil, Director of Adult & Community Engagement Programs at mpatil@edenpr.org.

2022/2023 Meeting Dates were as follows (all meetings are 3:00-4:30 pm):

January 12, 2022 – via Zoom

March 19, 2022 @ the Eden Prairie Library

May 11, 2022 @ Community Education's new offices

July 13, 2022 @ the Eden Prairie Senior Center

September 14, 2022 - City of Eden Prairie's Housing & Community Services Division

November 9, 2022 - via Zoom

January 11, 2023 - site is TBD

March 8, 2023 - site is TBD

May 10, 2023 - site is TBD

July 10, 2023 - site is TBD

September 13, 2023 - site is TBD

November 8, 2023 - site is TBD

What is the Early Childhood Advisory Council? As a group of interested parents, we seek to be informed and to inform decisions that affect Eden Prairie’s Early Childhood Programs.  Monthly meetings will focus on topics such as:

• Technology use in Eden Prairie’s Early Childhood classrooms
• Legislative dialogue with one of our state Legislators
• Preschool and ECFE program offerings for the upcoming school year
• District Superintendent conversation about Early Childhood initiatives

Council members may also volunteer to participate on any of our ongoing working committees:

• Advocacy
• Fundraising
• Community Outreach
• Communication

Childcare during meetings is provided for children ages 0-5 with one week’s advance RSVP. If you have any questions or are interested in joining the Advisory Council, please contact Kate Johnson at Katelyn_Johnson@edenpr.k12.mn.us.

Friday Fun Day

Each year, Community Education hosts a large family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. Friday Fun Day is typically from 5:00–7:00 PM on a Friday in late April or early May at our Lower Campus building.

Each year, approximately 500-800 people join us for FREE family fun including games, art activities, music, dancing, food trucks, open playground, face painting and more! Families have the opportunity to meet our early childhood staff, ask questions, and get help registering for preschool, ECFE or other Community Education programs.

Our Family Resources Program also sponsors a community resource fair at Friday Fun Day. Local nonprofits and service organizations are invited to host tables and share information with families about available programs and services. If you are interested in hosting a table at our resource fair, please contact Reta Johnson at reta_johnson@edenpr.org or 952-975-7030.

Back-to-School Supplies Drive

Every year, students need adequate supplies to be successful in school. The Back-to-School Supply Drive is our opportunity to ensure all students are prepared, even if a family is experiencing financial hardship. 

HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Supplies provided to match student needs
• Easy process for families – no need to verify income, no forms to fill out
• Backpacks/supplies distributed at the schools
• Tailored program better meets individual school needs
• Increased connections between the schools and community 

The 2022 program is a collaborative effort between Wooddale Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Grace Church, Westwood Community Church, PROP, the district, multiple community businesses and individual donors, and other churches. We are always happy to welcome additional collaborative partners and hope to expand our reach in future years. This program would not be possible without your support!

WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

• Donate Funds EP Schools' School Supply Fund | Eden Prairie Community Foundation Donation Page (myvanco.com)
• Donate New Supplies and drop them off to Reta Johnson at 8100 School Road door 19 in Eden Prairie
• Volunteer with one of our amazing sponsors
• Organize a Supply Drive for your company or neighborhood

Even during a pandemic, we were able to support 568+ students in 2021, and we hope to serve even more this year!

A HUGE thank you to the following Eden Prairie Churches who stepped up to "Adopt a School" for the 2022 program:

• Wooddale Church (CMS & Eden Lake)
• Westwood Community Church (Oak Point)
• Immanuel Lutheran Church (Prairie View)
• St. Andrew Lutheran Church (Forest Hills)
• Grace Church (EHSI)

HOW TO ACCESS THE PROGRAM:

Families in need may access supplies during Back-to-School Open House Nights across the district by simply stopping by the schools their children will be attending for the upcoming school year and asking for the School Supplies Program. If your child is attending EP Online and in need of supplies, contact Reta Johnson at Reta_Johnson@edenpr.org or 952-975-7030. Families entering the district mid-year can speak with their school social workers if they need help with supplies. For more details about accessing supplies and other help, visit the Family Resources Program website.

Para obtener información en español, contáctese con Heriberto Vargas en hvargas@edenpr.org o 952-975-7068. 
Haddii aad ubaahan tahay caawinaad af Somali so wac 952-975-7069.

Eden Prairie Community Education is always looking for new and exciting courses to offer. Do you have a special skill, talent or new class idea to share with others? Community Education offers life-long learning for all ages, with classes taking place before and after school, during the evenings, and on the weekends.

TEACH AN ADULT ENRICHMENT CLASS 

For each upcoming season, we open up an online proposal form for potential adult instructors to complete. This provides an opportunity for those who are passionate about sharing their expertise with others to describe a course we could offer in partnership. The Adult Learning Program staff reviews proposals and makes decisions based on customer requests, enrollment data, and current trends in adult learning. 

For more information, view the Teach a Class tab at edenpr.org/adult.

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TEACH A YOUTH ENRICHMENT CLASS 

If you are interested in teaching a Community Education class for youth, please contact Youth Program Specialist, Kalli Larabee.

View Current Youth Courses

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There are many ways to donate to Community Education that enrich the lives of people in Eden Prairie, and donations help us manage our resources in the best way possible, making our funding stretch even further.

We collaborate with organizations like PROP to support our community members in need and create a culture of giving and gratitude. We seek organizations to partner with us by sponsoring events and programs, such as the GIVE Gathering, our Back-to-School Supplies Program, Every Meal Weekend Food for Kids, PeopleFest! and Friday Fun Day. Donations in support of special events, programs or equipment purchases are tremendously important in our efforts to keep costs down while maintaining high quality programming. Occasionally, donations of food are also welcome during certain times of the year, such as Teacher Appreciation Week.

Community members are also encouraged to donate to our Scholarships and Fee Assistance Fund, which provides opportunities for those with a financial barrier to participating in our fee-based programs.

Make a donation now

Your donation to Community Education is tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your records. If you would like to designate a gift in honor or memory of someone, we will be happy to send a card to the designee(s) of your donation.

If you would like to explore how your gift can make a difference, please contact Molly Malone Patil, Director of Adult & Community Engagement Programs at mpatil@edenpr.org or 952-975-6942. 

The GIVE Gathering Resource & Volunteer Fair

WHAT: The GIVE Gathering is a FREE opportunity to learn about the nonprofits, social service agencies and civic organizations that serve Eden Prairie. This event has traditionally served as our community's annual volunteer fair. New this year, the event will also be an opportunity explore programs and services available to Eden Prairie residents.

WHEN: The 2022 GIVE Gathering will be Thursday, September 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM.

WHERE: Central Middle School's Cafeteria. 

ABOUT THE EVENT: Since 2016, we've been excited to co-host the annual GIVE Gathering Volunteer Fair, which is a collaborative effort put on by the City of Eden Prairie, the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, and Eden Prairie Schools Community Education. New this year, Kaleidoscope Teens and Unite Us are providing planning and event support as well. This free event is an easy way for community members to explore volunteer opportunities for the entire family. It is now a great way to explore all of the programs and services available to those who call Eden Prairie home. 

We hope you are able to join us, whether you are looking for resources for your family, seeking volunteers to support your organization or are looking for ways to give back and get involved in our Eden Prairie community!  

View the event flyers in English, Soomaali, or Español

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GIVE Gathering Activities

Resource & Volunteer Fair

       -Connect with other nonprofit, service providers and civic organizations and learn about how they can help your family and/or how you can volunteer to support their work!

Winter Gear Drive

       -This year we will be collecting winter gear to support the PROP Shop's annual Winter Coats for Kids Program. Previous years have included various projects that have benefited other non-profits like the Yellow Ribbon Campaign and PROP.

Nonprofit Networking & Collaboration Opportunities

       -Participating organizations will learn about what other nonprofits are accomplishing in the community and build connections with each other. We will also explore ways of collaborating to better serve our community.

Tours of Central Middle School

       -Attendees can tour our newly renovated spaces at Central Middle School and learn about how the new facilities are serving students as well as community groups.

Nonprofit and Service Organizations 

Below are some of the organizations who are planning on attending the 2022 event. In previous years, we have had up to 35 organizations represented at the GIVE Gathering and will continue to update this list as organizations commit to participating.

• A Plus Kids Organization
• Academy for Young Leaders
• Ampact
• Bloomington Eden Prairie Meals on Wheels
• Bridging
• City of Eden Prairie - Water Resources
• Cornerstone
• Dunwoody College of Technology
• Eden Prairie AM & Noon Rotary Clubs
• Eden Prairie Community Band
• Eden Prairie Community Foundation
• Eden Prairie Library
• Eden Prairie Schools Family Resources Program
• Eden Prairie Schools Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program
• Feed My Starving Children
• Fraser
• Friends of the Eden Prairie Library
• Helping Paws
• Kaleidoscope Teens
• League of Women Voters
• Let's Go Fishing Eden Prairie
• Mission Animal Hospital
• MoveFwd
• New Village Institute
• Onward Eden Prairie
• Open Hands Foundation/Hope House
• PROP
• SEWA-Asian Indian Family Wellness
• Talon Robotics
• The PROP Shop of Eden Prairie
• The Redemption Project
• True Friends

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Information for Organization Seeking Volunteers

Is your nonprofit, social service agency or civic organization interested in hosting a table at the 2022 GIVE Gathering Resource & Volunteer Fair?

In addition to recruiting volunteers and promoting your organization to the broader community, there will be time built in prior to the event to network and learn about some exciting new opportunities to collaborate. Refreshments will be provided thanks to Unite Us!

Notes:

• Tables and chairs will be available at each booth.
• Electrical outlets are also available upon request.
• If bringing food, it must be individually packaged.
• Promotional items and trinkets are encouraged!
• Political campaigns or action groups, for-profit businesses and faith communities are not eligible to host a table.
• Sales and soliciting of donations at the event are prohibited.
• Though having a physical location in Eden Prairie is not required, participating organizations must serve or have nearby volunteer opportunities for Eden Prairie residents.

Submit a request to have a table at the GIVE Gathering 

To be included in the event program, table requests must have been submitted by 8:00 AM Monday, September 19. We will do our best to accommodate table requests submitted after the deadline, but cannot guarantee access to electrical outlets and will not be able to list your organization in our event program.

 

PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture

 

The purpose of PeopleFest! is to bring residents together in celebration and awareness of the many cultures that make Eden Prairie great. Our community-wide celebration is presented in collaboration with several local partner organizations.

To learn more, contact Molly Malone Patil, Director of Adult & Community Engagement Programs, at mpatil@edenpr.org or 952-975-6942.

For more details, visit edenpr.org/peoplefest.

 

October Diaper Drive 

Did you know that a third of Minnesota babies and toddlers don’t have enough clean diapers? Parents in our state are facing the tragic choice between purchasing enough food for their family, or keeping their little ones clean and healthy.

Throughout the month of October, Eden Prairie Schools Community Education and the Early Childhood Advisory Council host an annual diaper drive to collect diapers in partnership with the Diaper Bank of Minnesota/Help Us Grow. This drive is part of a larger metro-wide collection with the goal of 50,000 diapers. All diapers collected through the Eden Prairie drive will be donated to PROP (People Reaching Out to People) for local families in need. The drive kicks off on October 1st and runs through the 31st. 

Donate through Amazon Wish List

We are one of many community drop-off sites! To donate, stop by our Little Eagles Early Childhood & Preschool Office located at 8100 School Road. Follow signs for Lower Campus and enter via Door 11, which faces Scenic Heights Drive. Look for the green Little Eagles flag outside.

Or, you can donate online by purchasing one of these items and choosing to ship it to Lower Campus. 

What is Accepted?

• New packages of diapers

• Opened packages of diapers (Did your child outgrow a size so you no longer need them?)

• New packages of wipes

• Cloth diapers

Did You Know?

• 5.3 million children in the U.S. aged three or younger live in poor or low-income families.

• 1 in 3 American families reports experiencing diaper need.

• Diapers cannot be obtained with food stamps.

• Disposable diapers cost $70 to $80 per month per baby.

• No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.

• Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.

 

Weekend Food for Kids Program

Weekend Food for Kids is a partnership between Eden Prairie Schools, Every Meal (previously called The Sheridan Story), and a number of generous community sponsors. This program provides free, culturally appropriate shelf-stable food for children who don't have access to the nutrition they need over weekends during the school year. In 2022, Weekend Food for Kids was also available throughout the entire summer through our districtwide pick-up model.

Eden Prairie Schools partners with Every Meal in two ways:

• School-Specific Programs: Food is provided discreetly to children whose parents opt into the program (typically the food is snuck into backpacks while children are out of the classroom). Any family in need is welcome to participate, and can register by connecting with your school's social worker. These programs exist at all elementary schools.
• Districtwide Pick-up Program: Parents can pick up food from Every Meal for all students and children in our district on Thursday evenings from 4:00-6:00 PM or Friday mornings from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM at the Historic Gym at the Administrative Services Center (8100 School Road). No registration required.

To learn how to contribute funds, become a sponsor, or access this food, contact Reta Johnson, Family Resources Specialist, at reta_johnson@edenpr.org or 952-975-7030. 

Learn more and view the current program flyers at www.edenpr.org/everymeal.