Sanneh Foundation seeks expanded workforce funding for youth coaching and internships

Senate File 1,900, presented March 3, would appropriate $2,000,000 in one‑time General Fund dollars for the Sanneh Foundation workforce program, a sponsor told the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee.

Senator Pappas opened the bill overview and then called Tony Sanneh, identified as the foundation’s CEO, who described the organization’s youth employment, coaching and community programming. "We use a dual track model...your funding goes a long way to meeting the needs of the community while building the next generation of leaders," Tony Sanneh told the committee. He described a mix of paid internship jobs, leadership training and community services such as food distribution.

Youth testifier George Medina, identified as a 15‑year‑old freshman at Eagan High School, described starting at the foundation’s Conway Rec Center as a child and later participating in coach‑in‑training and paid, year‑round work. "This helped me learn things like leadership, thinking quickly, and most importantly, gain confidence to speak to many different types of people," Medina said.

Fiscal staff told the committee that the bill proposes a $2,000,000 one‑time appropriation for FY2026 and noted that the committee previously funded the foundation with $1,500,000 in FY2024.

Witnesses and the sponsor emphasized workforce connections, social‑emotional skill development, and the foundation’s use of youth labor to deliver services including free camps and nutrition supports. Committee members asked for metrics and the organization’s 990; the Sanneh Foundation agreed to provide additional documentation. Senate File 1,900 was laid on the table for possible inclusion.