Step Up Youth Information

Step Up is your launch pad to a bright future! 

Our 2026 summer application will go live on January 5

Step Up intern at worksite

Step Up offers
paid summer internships
with over 100 
Twin Cities 
employers!

Why should I do Step Up?

Paid summer internships.

Step Up helps you learn about great new careers and the training and education you need to pursue them.

Kickstart your career.

Power your future with career-oriented jobs and exploration opportunities available only to Step Up interns. 

Develop essential skills.

Fill your toolbox with valuable on-the-job skills that build on your strengths and develop your resume. 

Build your network.

Through Step Up, you'll connect with working professionals who can help you get on the path to a great career in business, healthcare, the arts and other fields.

Check out these great Step Up internships!

Step Up intern at Baby's Space working with toddler

Watch our Step Up video!

One intern is using a drill on a wooden artifact, while another intern watches. They are both in a tool shop and wearing blue hardhats.

MN Trades Academy

An intern is wearing blue scrubs and wearing a hairnet. She is standing in a medical room.

M Health Fairview

Intern is standing with arms crossed to the left of supervisor. They are smiling and standing next to an Xcel Energy sign.

Xcel Energy

Intern is in a swimming pool wearing a black swim cap, smiling. He is facing a young swim student who is coming toward them.

Minneapolis Public Schools Aquatics

An intern is looking at the camera as he is working with cables, a laptop, and other technology.

Free Geek Twin Cities

Intern is sitting at a preschool table. She is smiling and engaging with a toddler during a meal, while another toddler is also at the table.

Baby Space

Step Up interns and supervisor at Accenture sitting at table

Accenture

An intern is standing in a lab to the right of their supervisor. They are both wearing white lab coats.

University of Minnesota

Step Up interns sitting at table at Target headquarters

Target

Step Up interns and supervisor standing outside in large garden

Hope Community 

An intern is sitting at a table in an office setting, wearing a button shirt. He is facing his adult mentor, who is wearing a blazer.

Minneapolis Regional Chamber

Step Up interns in skyway hallway in front of U.S. Bank sign

U.S. Bank

An intern is wearing a pink apron, and is working with colorful tiles at a workshop.

Mercury Mosaics

An intern is smiling at the camera. They are wearing headphones, and are standing next to a microphone, soundboard and computer.

KBEM

Step Up interns working outside

Tree Trust

Step Up interns standing together holding a giant plastic tooth

Children's Dental Services 

An intern standing at a park, smiling at the camera, pointing to a sign that says Stewart Park.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

An intern is sitting on a chair in front of a white screen in a video recording studio.

MIGIZI

Step Up interns with supervisor

Urban Strategies

An intern is wearing a sweater and sitting with an open laptop in a lobby chair.

Minneapolis Foundation

Step Up Program Levels

Step Up Foundations

Step Up Foundations is for students age 14-21 who: 

  • Are new to the workforce 
  • Have limited experience 
  • Want to build their job skills. 

Students are placed in internships that give them: 

  • Foundational work experience 
  • Career exploration and mentorship 

Internship placements are with: 

  • Parks 
  • Community organizations 
  • Public agencies 
  • Nonprofits 

Have questions about Step Up Foundations? 

Contact: stepupinfo@minneapolismn.gov 

Step Up Pro

Step Up Pro is for students age 16-21 who: 

  • Have previous work experience 
  • Are ready for an advanced, career-focused internship 
  • Want to take on new challenges and grow their skills. 

Students are placed in internships that give them: 

  • Professional, real-world experience 
  • Career acceleration and networking opportunities 

Internship placements are with:  

  • Private sector businesses 
  • Public agencies 
  • Nonprofits 

...across 16 different industries! [Step Up Employers Web List 2022 Dec .pdf] 

Have questions about Step Up Pro? 

Contact: stepupinfo@achievetwincities.org 

Group of interns

Who can participate in Step Up?

Step Up is open to Minneapolis residents between the ages of 14 and 21 (by June 1, 2026) who are eligible to work in the US and are not yet enrolled in college (PSEO is ok). You must live in the City of Minneapolis.

ONE or more 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

How does Step Up work?

1

Apply here.

Check back here in January for our summer 2026 application. Our deadline is Sunday, March 1. 

2

Check your email.

Check your email and log into your Step Up portal. You'll find information on your next steps here.

3

Complete your program level requirements.

For example, attend Step Up Foundations orientation or interview for a Step Up Pro internship.

4

Get matched.

Step Up will match you with an internship based on your interests, skills and availability. If you are eligible and not matched to an internship, you'll be invited to participate in the paid online Career Exploration Program.

5

Start your Step Up paid summer experience.

You'll begin your Step Up internship or online Career Exploration Program. 

6

Still have questions?

Contact our team at StepUpInfo@minneapolismn.gov.

"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."

Lauryn, Step Up intern at Fairview Health Services
Three students sitting together at a classroom table and laughing.

 

 

 

 

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