
Step Up offers
lots of great paid
career opportunities,
part-time and full-time, in-person and virtual!
What is Step Up?
Step Up is for Minneapolis youth who are 14-21 years old. It helps you explore great careers, find paid summer internships, learn new job skills, and earn real money and academic credit.
Our application for summer 2023 is now closed, so please check back in December for our 2024 application. After you complete the application and are accepted to the program, you'll first complete work readiness training to learn new skills and help us to get to know your interests and strengths. Then you’ll do a paid summer internship (in person or online) or a paid online career exploration program. Throughout the summer you’ll also work with adult professionals for support and to learn what it takes to succeed.
Our Step Up application for summer 2023 is now closed. Please check back in December for our 2024 application.
Why should I do Step Up?
Kickstart your career.
Power your future with career-oriented jobs and exploration opportunities available only to Step Up interns. Meet people who can connect you to future jobs in business, healthcare, the arts and many other fields.
Paid summer internships and online Career Exploration Program
Step Up helps you learn about about great new careers and the training and education you need to pursue them.
Success starts with Step Up.
Get your foot in the door, discover new careers and show people what you’re capable of. You'll learn how to develop your resume and build on your strengths.
Real jobs. Real work. Real money.
Explore careers with a fun, flexible and good-paying summer internships and online Career Exploration Program through Step Up. Each summer, Step Up participants collectively earn $3 million in wages.
Step Up is for you.
Step Up offers a variety of part-time and full-time opportunities, both in-person and remote!
Build your network.
Through Step Up, you'll connect with caring adult professionals who can help you get on the path to a great career.
How does Step Up work?
Apply.
Our application is closed for summer 2023. Please check back in December for our 2024 application.
Get trained.
Participate in Work Readiness Training and mock interviews to learn workplace and professional skills.
Connect with your paid summer experience.
If you are pursuing an internship, you will complete internship eligibility requirements to be matched with an employer.
Launch your Step Up experience.
Step Up internships run nine weeks, beginning June 20 and ending by August 18. The online Career Exploration Program is held in mid-summer.
Find more opportunities.
Participate in additional Step Up career events and opportunities that interest you.
Still have questions?
Contact our team at StepUpInfo@achievetwincities.org . Our summer 2023 application is now closed, so check back in December for our 2024 application.

Who can participate in Step Up?
Step Up is open to Minneapolis residents between the ages of 14 and 21 (by June 1, 2023) who are eligible to work in the US and are not yet enrolled in college (PSEO is ok). You must have a home address in the city of Minneapolis.
ONE of the following must ALSO apply:
- Meet family income guidelines
- You are a student with a disability
- You have an IEP or 504 plan
- You are an English Language Learner
- You are pregnant or parenting
- You are experiencing homelessness or high mobility
- You are involved in the foster care system
- You have been involved in the justice system
Learn more about Step Up eligibility.
Our Step Up application for summer 2023 is now closed. Check back in December for our 2024 application.
"Thank you so much for this Step Up experience. I gained so much knowledge and enjoyed the atmosphere where I worked this summer. My supervisor and co-workers have been so helpful with college and goal-setting tips. I genuinely appreciated the kindness of everyone I worked with."

Find more
career support
at your Minneapolis
or Saint Paul high school
career and college readiness center.