Rooted in Optimism, the Saint Paul Friend of Youth Foundation was created by the Optimist Club of Saint Paul in 1996.   The Club has long recognized high school seniors who have achieved great success despite facing significant challenges.  The Foundation was started as a charitable 501(c)3 to build a scholarship fund to help these students continue a path toward achieving their goals, and since its inception, has granted more than $700,000 in scholarships. 
 

The Club and the Foundation recognize scholarship recipients not only for their academic accomplishments but also their leadership skills demonstrated through participation in extracurricular and community activities.   Overcoming adversity, serving our community nurturing optimism and respect and seeking to further their education are core values. 

The Foundation is staffed entirely of volunteers. 

As education costs have skyrocketed, it has become increasingly imperative to assist motivated but financially challenged students. 100% of the members of the Optimist Club of St. Paul have donated to the St. Paul Friend of Youth Foundation.

Each year the St. Paul Friend of Youth Foundation petitions all schools in the city of St. Paul for students who have succeeded academically and civically in the face of adversity. This adversity could be economic, familial or from disability. Sixteen youth are objectively selected and honored in a Youth Appreciation evening. In 2025, we awarded $48,000 in scholarships.