Osiris Organization

Established in 1997, the Osiris Organization collaborated with Hennepin County Corrections in 1998 to set up a computer training center at the Hennepin County Home School, an adolescent treatment facility. This initiative included Osiris' life skills and technology mentoring as part of the curriculum for the youth. Recognizing the program's impact, students advocated for its expansion into Minneapolis communities for after-care. They proposed creating computer centers in Minneapolis parks, enabling them to continue their training post-treatment. Bill Roddy, Osiris' Executive Director, acted on this proposal, partnering with Powderhorn Park's Director, Corky Wiseman. This collaboration resulted in community-wide computer centers, also employing Osiris-trained youth. Osiris then expanded its reach, building 28 labs in Minneapolis parks and, by 2018, 9 in Saint Paul parks. Regrettably, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted the partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, however, collaboration with the Saint Paul Parks & Recreation continued through 2022. During the summer of 2023, Osiris Organization established a partnership with CDF Freedom School to provide technology program offerings for the summer program at Hazel Park, Capitol Hill, and Benjamin E Mays schools through the Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) system. Our partnership developed into a continuing relationship that allowed us to provide after-school programming for the 2023-2024 school year, the summer 2024, and 2024-2025 school year while adding a school, Humboldt, for a total of 4 schools. This initiative aims to provide underserved students with essential technology skills that will prepare them for future educational and employment opportunities.