Co-Lab Finds Permanent Home at Saint Paul Promise, Backed by $1.8 Million Investment from ECMC Group

SAINT PAUL, Minn.—Co-Lab, a career pathways program co-created by and for young adults ages 16–24, has found a permanent home at Saint Paul Promise, an initiative of Wilder. The move is made possible by a transformational $1.8 million, three-year investment from ECMC Group, Co-Lab's founding partner.

Co-Lab is built on a simple belief: when young people are seen, supported, and in charge of their own growth, they change their own lives and the communities around them. The program combines career-connected learning, skill building, mentorship, and wraparound support with young people shaping the experience at every step.

Saint Paul Promise has spent more than a decade building a cradle-to-career ecosystem that connects families to early learning, household stability, and economic opportunity at every stage of life. Co-Lab extends that continuum to young adults who are ready to explore careers and step into their futures.

“Co-Lab is exactly the kind of program Saint Paul Promise has been working toward, one that meets young adults where they are and connects them to a future they can see for themselves,” said Tiffany Scott Knox, managing director of Saint Paul Promise. “Co-Lab gives our young adults the tools, the relationships, and the confidence to build a life of their choice. We're proud to call it ours and scale the impact.”

Proven Results, Expanded Reach
In its first year, Co-Lab achieved a 93% program completion rate, with 100% of its 40+ employer, educator, mentor, and community partners eager to return. Participants leave the program with confidence, clarity, and a concrete plan for their future.

“From the very beginning, Co-Lab has been shaped by the perspectives, aspirations, and needs of young adults,” said Heidi Johnson, senior advisor to Minnesota Impact & Ecosystem Partnerships for ECMC Group. “This next chapter with Saint Paul Promise creates even more opportunities for these young people to see what’s possible and take real, tangible steps toward their goals for the future.”

The first Co-Lab cohort led by Saint Paul Promise launched this week at the Northside Achievement Zone, a place-based partnership serving young people and families in North Minneapolis. Two additional cohorts are planned for this fall and winter at Saint Paul College.

“The whole Co-Lab experience has changed my life for the better,” said Marina Rock, who was a member of the Summer 2025 Co-Lab cohort at Saint Paul College. “I didn’t even know how to go about finding a job or doing an interview, which made me not want to apply for jobs. After Co-Lab, I felt a lot more confident and I even was able to find a job shortly after it ended.”

“The alumni from past cohorts aren’t just proud of what they’ve accomplished at Co-Lab; they want to come back and hand that experience to the next group,” said Javaris Bradford, Co-Lab’s new program manager. “That’s real impact. My job is to make sure we keep this momentum for future generations.”

Organizations interested in joining Co-Lab as an employer partner, session facilitator, mentor, or sponsor can contact promiseneighborhood@wilder.org.

Young adults interested in jump-starting their postsecondary journey as Co-Lab North Stars are encouraged to contact promiseneighborhood@wilder.org as well.

About Saint Paul Promise
Saint Paul Promise is a cradle-to-career initiative at Wilder that connects Saint Paul families to early learning, K-12 success, household stability, and economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.saintpaulpromiseneighborhood.org.

About Co-Lab
Co-Lab is a career pathways program co-created by and for young adults ages 16–24 in the Twin Cities. Through cohort-based programming, Co-Lab combines career development, wraparound support, and financial literacy, with participants charting their own postsecondary pathways to college and career success. Find Co-Lab on LinkedIn and http://linkedin.com/company/co-lab-mn/.

About Wilder
Wilder has served the greater Saint Paul area for more than a century. Wilder’s mission is to be a collective force for social good that works to see all people thrive. Wilder champions stability and wellness through direct services, advocacy, and research. To learn more, visit www.wilder.org.

About ECMC Group
ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation focused on helping students succeed by creating, providing, and investing in innovative educational opportunities. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ECMC Group and its family of companies provide financial tools and services, as well as funding for innovative programs to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. To learn more, visit www.ecmcgroup.org.