Minneapolis Employment and Training is looking for organizations to invest in developing local talent by hiring or hosting youth interns this summer. Right now 1,200 Step Up participants ages 14-21 have completed their training and are ready to work. Current employer partners have committed to 800 jobs, but almost 400 more jobs are needed. This year, internships run from June 24 to August 16.
For more than 20 years, Step Up has trained and prepared Minneapolis youth for paid internships and career experiences. More than 200 community partners and employers have hosted or hired Step Up interns, from small nonprofits to large corporations, spanning 15 industries. Serving historically underrepresented youth in Minneapolis who are ready to navigate the professional world, Step Up helps organizations diversify their workforce and build a base of young, skilled workers for the entire region.
Step Up interns are divided into two levels based on their ages. Interns from both levels participate in work readiness training through the spring, learning about basic work expectations and communication on the job. Additional topics include work documents, payroll taxes, goal-setting and professional branding.
For younger youth placed at nonprofits or public agencies, wages are paid by Step Up. For older youth placed at private sector businesses, wages are paid by the employer. Interns at both levels bring enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the organizations who are investing in them.
Step Up helps internship supervisors too. A half-day training is conducted in May to help those supervising the summer interns to learn about the structure, tips and tools that lead to a successful youth internship. Job coaches and other Step Up staff continue to support both interns and their supervisors all along the way.
This year internships run from June 24 to August 16. To learn more or sign up, visit the Step Up employer page at minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/step-up/.
Step Up is a program of the City of Minneapolis in partnership with Achieve Twin Cities, Project for Pride in Living, and the Minnesota CareerForce Centers (Department of Employment and Economic Development).