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Committee hears request to partially fund ULEAD program bringing Ukrainian teens to Minnesota
Summary
Senate File 1717 includes a request to offset costs for a Global Synergy Group cultural-exchange program that has hosted Ukrainian teens in Minnesota since 2022; sponsors described educational and civic engagement benefits and requested state support to cover participant costs.
Senator Hoffman presented Senate File 1717 and introduced testimony from the Global Synergy Group and program participants about the ULEAD leadership program that brings Ukrainian teens (ages 15–18) to Minnesota for a six‑week cultural‑exchange and civic‑leadership experience. Sponsors said Minnesota families have hosted some 60 Ukrainian teens since 2022, and the program costs about $4,000 per participant for visas, travel and lodging.
Presenters described civic-education sessions, local-government workshops, arts and cultural exchanges, and how participants have taken leadership skills back to Ukraine. Steve Heckler and Brad Martins described host-family experiences and sessions on local government; participant Alex Zuiev testified about growing up near the eastern Ukraine front and how the program offered training and perspective. Senator Hoffman urged support and asked the committee to consider offsetting about $68,000 for the cohort.
The nut graf: Advocates framed the program as goodwill and leadership training for Ukrainian youth affected by conflict, stressing civic engagement and cultural exchange benefits; sponsors requested modest state funding to offset participant costs and asked the committee to consider support within the upcoming budget cycle.
The committee laid Senate File 1717 over for possible inclusion; members thanked testifiers and asked for follow-up as needed.
