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. 

---

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

2024/2025 Meeting Dates (all meetings are 3-4:30 p.m.):

• January 11, 2023 @ Central Middle School
• March 8, 2023 @ the Eden Prairie Community Foundation (located at the City Center) 
• May 10, 2023 @ the Eden Prairie Senior Center
• July 10, 2023 outside of Community Ed's new Outreach Bus/Mobile Classroom 
• September 13, 2023 @ the Eden Prairie Library
• November 8, 2023 @ the Eden Prairie Schools Welcome Center 
• January 10, 2024 @ the Eden Prairie Library
• March 13, 2024 - @ the Eden Prairie Community Center
• May 8, 2024 - Wooddale Church
• July 10, 2024 - Central Middle School
• September 11, 2024 - Eden Prairie Schools' newly acquired Valley View Building
• November 13, 2024 - location is to be determined
• January 8, 2025 - location is to be determined
• March 12, 2025 - location is to be determined
• May 14, 2025 - location is to be determined

What is the Early Childhood PTO? 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 decisions impacting Early Childhood programs
• Preschool and ECFE program offerings 
• District Superintendent and Leadership Team conversations about Early Childhood initiatives

Members may also volunteer to participate in activities such as:

• Advocacy
• Fundraising
• Community Outreach
• Event Planning
• Communication

Learn more by visiting the Early Childhood PTO website.

Family Fun Day!

Enjoy family activities and entertainment at Community Education’s annual free Family Fun Day event (previously known as Friday Fun Day) featuring:

• Resource Fair
• Vehicle Fair
• Open Playground
• Hands-on Activities for Kids of All Ages
• Food Trucks
• & More!

Event will take place rain or shine. This event is open to all Eden Prairie families and those attending Eden Prairie Schools.

Save the Date for 2025!

Friday, May 25, 2025

5-7 p.m.

Eden Prairie Schools Administrative Services Center/Community Education Building Campus:

8100 School Road

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 2023 program is a collaborative effort between Wooddale Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Grace Church, Westwood Community Church, Eden Prairie's AM Rotary, 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 via EP Schools' School Supply Fund | Eden Prairie Community Foundation Donation Page (myvanco.com)
• Purchase new supplies and drop them off to Reta Johnson at 8100 School Road, Community Education Door 19
• Volunteer with one of our amazing sponsors
• Organize a supply drive for your company or neighborhood

We served a record 923 students in 2022, and we're on track to serve even more in 2023/2024 academic year!

A HUGE thank you to the following Eden Prairie churches and the AM Rotarty who stepped up to "Adopt a School" for the 2023 program:

• Wooddale Church (CMS & Eden Lake)
• Westwood Community Church (Oak Point)
• Immanuel Lutheran Church (Prairie View)
• St. Andrew Lutheran Church (Forest Hills)
• Grace Church (Cedar Ridge)
• AM Rotary Club (Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion)

HOW TO ACCESS THE PROGRAM:

Families in need may access supplies during Back-to-School 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 952-975-7254.

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.

---

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

---

 

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.

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, Director of Adult & Community Engagement Programs at mmalone@edenpr.org or 952-975-6942. 

The GIVE Gathering Resource & Volunteer Fair

WHAT: The GIVE Gathering is a FREE, annual opportunity to learn about the nonprofits, social service agencies and civic organizations that serve Eden Prairie. It's a one-stop shop to explore volunteer opportunities as well as programs and services available to residents.

WHEN: The 2024 GIVE Gathering took place Saturday, September 28 in conjunction with the 100 Years Citywide Celebration & Stadium Parade. The 2025 date has not been determined.

WHERE: The event has been held at multiple locations within Eden Prairie over the years. The 2025 location has yet to be determined.

ABOUT THE EVENT: Since 2016, we've been excited to co-host the annual GIVE Gathering, which is a collaborative effort put on by the City of Eden Prairie, the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, and Eden Prairie Schools Community Education. This free event is an easy way for community members to explore volunteer opportunities for the entire family and all wonderful programs and services available to those who call Eden Prairie home.

We hope you plan 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!
 

---

Information for Partner Organizations

Is your nonprofit, social service agency or civic organization interested in hosting a table at the GIVE Gathering Resource & Volunteer Fair? Once a date and location have been identified, a table request form will be posted below.

Important Notes:

• Sales and soliciting of donations at the GIVE Gathering are prohibited.
• Political campaigns or action groups, for-profit businesses, and faith communities are not eligible to host a table at the GIVE Gathering. 
• Though having a physical location in Eden Prairie is not required, participating organizations must serve or have nearby volunteer opportunities for Eden Prairie residents.
• Tables and chairs will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own displays.
• Limited electrical outlets are available upon request and must be noted in your request form at time of submission. First come, first served. Please bring your own cords.
• Promotional items and trinkets are encouraged!
• If bringing treats for your table, they must be individually packaged.

 

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.

For more details, visit edenpr.org/peoplefest.

 

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 and shelf-stable food for children who don't have access to the nutrition they need over weekends during the school year. Weekend Food for Kids is 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 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 Molly Malone at mmalone@edenpr.org or 952-975-6942. 

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