Student Support Services

MPS Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator recognized with Champion of Youth Award

Minneapolis Public Schools Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator Julie Young-Burns was recognized March 14 with the Champion of Youth Award through the Community Justice Project at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

The Champion of Youth Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that strives to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth; symbolizes the power of one; and inspires community participation and involvement.

Young-Burns is a pediatric nurse practitioner with professional experience in violence prevention, restorative practices in mental health and substance abuse in children and teens. She has worked for Minneapolis Public Schools since 1998, first as a school nurse on special assignment with students with emotional and behavioral disorders, then as a member of the school district’s positive school climate team and now as the safe and drug-free schools coordinator. 

“Julie has lead the way in working with community agencies to create opportunities for using restorative practices in responding to conflict and discipline at MPS,” said Jim Johnson, MPS Director of Student Support Services.  “These practices have enabled students, families and staff to come together to resolve issues in a productive and healing way.”

Young-Burns currently focuses on projects related to youth substance abuse prevention and school-based interventions, violence and bullying prevention and restorative practices in schools. She also serves as a member of the school district’s safety and threat assessment teams and is the lead staff member for family reunification efforts.