Youth Academic Programs

Achievement Academy Tutoring

Achievement Academy Tutoring gives students an opportunity to:

• Improve study and basic academic skills

• Prepare for upcoming tests
• Experience one-on-one guidance from an experienced professional
• Organize and succeed

Academic Areas

The Achievement Academy employs degreed professionals and licensed teachers that have classroom experience and will work one-to-one with your student. Tutoring is available for students in the following academic areas:

• Basic Math

• Geometry
• Algebra
• Calculus/Trigonometry
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Reading
• Writing/Language Arts
• Homework Help
• Study/Organizational Skills

Fees

Tutoring sessions are available 1 or 2 hours/week for $42/hour. Payment plans are available.

Request a tutor

Complete the Tutor Request Form to begin the process. Students can join at any time! Please allow a minimum of two weeks to be matched with a tutor.

Tutor Request Form

Questions?

Donna Ostvig
donna.ostvig@orono.k12.mn.us
952-449-8362

Orono Community Education offers a myriad of preparation classes related to the College Admissions process and ACT admissions testing. Please visit Orono Community Education to see the latest offerings and to register.

Destination Imagination

Destination Imagination (DI) is an exhilarating after-school activity in which students in grades K-12 learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving as they work in teams to solve mind-bending challenges and then present their solutions at tournaments. More than 100,000 students across the United States and in more than 30 countries participate each year. Every season, teams focus on designing and creating solutions to two separate types of challenges: Team Challenges and Instant Challenges. Tournament standings are based on a combination of scores in these two areas.

register for di

Questions?

Katie Gram, Advisor
katie.gram@orono.k12.mn.us
952-449-8353

World Language

The world language program is for students in grades K-5. Orono Community Education partners with Language Sprout, the largest provider of children’s language programs in Minnesota. Instructors are trained using the latest in language acquisition research and teaching methods. All instructors have the language proficiency of an educated native speaker. Teachers advance through four learning levels before receiving Master Level teaching certification. Class size ranges from 10–16 students. Children will be grouped by grade level and proficiency. Class options are subject to change based on enrollment.

For more information about the program, please visit the Language Sprout website. 

Languages

Spanish

Spanish classes are available for students in grades K-5. The Spanish program now has enhancements including online classes, bonus materials, video libraries, school release day options, camps and much more. Children will be grouped by age, grade level and proficiency.

Mandarin

Mandarin classes are available for students in grades K-5. Sections will be formed based on student experiences and the schedule may vary due to the number of students enrolled. Students wanting both Mandarin and Spanish may register for both programs on opposite days.

Fees

The program fees include workbooks and materials. Register online and you will be charged monthly. Your $50 yearly registration fee is non-refundable. You will be billed for the program beginning October 1. Scholarships are available. If replacement books are needed, the approximate cost is $15–$30, payable to Orono Community Education.

Questions?

Email ceinfo@orono.k12.mn.us or call 952-449-8350.

Youth In Action

Make a difference in your community!

What is Youth in Action?

Youth in Action (YIA) is a service club sponsored  by Orono Community Education. Students in Youth in Action plan, organize and participate in service learning projects in their community and school.  Service Learning allows students to learn leadership skills and gives an opportunity to have a voice in issues that affect them and their community. Plus, YIA participation qualifies you for credit and will look great on college applications and job resumes!

Who can be in Youth in Action?

Any student in grades 9-12 who are interested in providing service to the community while improving their own leadership skills.  Members receive ¼ academic credit for each year of participation if all requirements are met.

What is Required?

Participants will submit hours and reflections on projects on the Youth in Action Schoology Group page throughout the year. If all service hours and requirements are met and approved, ¼ credit is awarded at the end of the school year.

For meeting dates, updates and information on service activities please email Genna Torney at genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us for access to the Youth in Action Schoology Group. Meetings take place during Spartan Hour. 

To receive a 1/4 of a high school credit for participation in Youth in Action, all members need to complete the following requirements :

1. 45 hours of service learning, including:

• Participate in one group project.

• Attend group meetings 

• A minimum of 3 different service projects is suggested 

2. Completion of online project submission within 2 weeks of project date(s).

3. Mission trips count as 15 hours MAXIMUM.

4.  Hours done over the Summer can be used UP to 25 HOURS ONLY.

5. Girl Scout/Boy Scout Volunteer Hours can be submitted UP to 20 HOURS ONLY.

Hour Submittal Deadlines

Submit Hours

Questions?

Genna Torney, Youth Development Coordinator
Orono Community Education
952-449-8360
genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us

Youth in Government

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) is a youth-led, experiential learning opportunity, which involves students from across the state each year. Participants research topics and prepare to present at the Model Assembly Session in January, held in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Students participate as legislators, judges, media personnel, elected officials and more. Participants spend their days in official meetings and sessions and spend their evenings in structured free-time activities, including karaoke, movies, a carnival and other options.

2024-25 Important Dates

Family Information Session

Tuesday, September 24 | 6 -7 PM | Orono High School Media Center

LAUNCH Training

Saturday, October 29 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Fridley High School

Delegation Meetings

Participants will be required to attend delegation meetings. They occur monthly September - January during Spartan Hour and 8th Grade lunch.

Model Assembly Conference

January 9-12, 2025 

How to Register

Students in grades 8-12 wishing to participate in Youth in Government: Model Assembly are REQUIRED to fill out an interest form including two (non-family member) references. Approval is NOT guaranteed. Once approval has been given, you will receive specific directions on how to register with Orono Community Education and the YMCA. 

YMCA registration closes November 1, 2024.

required interest form

Fee

$95 | Community Education fee
$539 | YMCA fee if registering September 20 - October 11. Fee increases to $559 if registering between October 12 - November 1.
Scholarships are available. Please email genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us for more information.) Genna Torney, Orono's Delegation Director, must be notified by a parent/guardian if a student will be dropping the program. Refunds are not guaranteed.

Chaperones Needed!

Adults interested in chaperoning at Model Assembly in January should email genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us.

Questions?

Genna Torney, Orono Delegation Director
genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us
952-449-8360