Show up for kids in St. Paul

Your gift will help us pass a ballot initiative to provide young children in Saint Paul access to quality early learning and care.

90 percent of brain development occurs before age five, and early education programs are critical to keeping kids on track to succeed. Research shows that children who attend quality early education show up ready for kindergarten, are more likely to read proficiently by the third grade, more likely to graduate high school, and more likely to attend college. 

Your contribution helps make zero-cost early childhood education a reality. Thank you.

Minnesota is the fourth-most expensive state in the nation for childcare, putting a strain on families across Saint Paul and often leading to gender inequities when one parent is forced to stay home. 

• Saint Paul’s poverty rates are highest among children. Overall, 34% of Saint Paul’s 3 and 4-year-old children live below the federal poverty line. Children of color are disproportionately represented among the poorest children.

• Educational disparities in Minnesota are among the worst in the nation; children of color and indigenous children often enter kindergarten less prepared than white children, and these disparities tend to persist.

• In the Twin Cities, early childhood education costs up to $15,000 a year, making it unattainable for many families.

Saint Paul’s youngest children deserve better. Together, we can make quality early childhood education for all kids a reality in our city.

There is no maximum contribution to ballot initiative campaigns – your generosity is the only limit!

We also welcome donations by check, made out to SPARK Saint Paul and mailed to:

SPARK Saint Paul

PO BOX 4232 

Saint Paul, MN 55104