Hire a High School Intern
Step Up Youth Employment Program
Step Up connects Minneapolis youth (ages 14-21) with work readiness training, internships and other career opportunities with Twin Cities employers in 15 employment sectors. Since 2003, Step Up has created over 30,000 high-quality internship opportunities, equipping young people to achieve their career goals and building a more skilled and equitable workforce.
By hiring Step Up interns, your organization can nurture young talent, introduce a new generation of students to your industry and make a difference in your community. Summer internships run from June through early August, with employer recruitment and orientation from December to April.
Volunteer with Students
Step Up Mock Interviews
Step Up Mock Interviews connect volunteers with Step Up youth participants for one-on-one coaching and support to practice their job interview skills in preparation for internships and other opportunities.
Each volunteer interviews 3-5 young people and provides feedback for strengthening skills and professional presentation. This is a fun and engaging way to support our young people as they prepare for summer internships and future career success. We welcome individuals as well as company teams.
Registration for our 2025 mock interviews is now closed. We hope you will join us in 2026!
Career Exploration Events
Our career exploration events at Minneapolis and Saint Paul high schools inspire, inform and support students as they plan for life after graduation. They are held during the academic year, from September to May.
Whether you work in the trades, business, healthcare, the arts, STEM, government or another sector, you have valuable experience and perspectives that can help students take the first step toward great careers or discover new fields.
You can share your career journey and insights with students as a career speaker, or represent your company or industry at our career fairs.
Attend a Community Engagement Event
Achieve community engagement events are are grounded in our mission of rallying broad support to inspire young people for careers, college and life.
Our Principal Partner Day, Lunch Break with Achieve and other community events spark conversations and raise awareness of critical topics impacting young people, public education and our regional economy.
They also connect community members with opportunities for greater engagement and advocacy for our students and public education.
