December 17 2025

Step Up Redesigns Youth Program Components for Summer 2026

Step Up logo

Founded in 2003, the nationally-recognized Step Up program connects Minneapolis youth ages 14–21 with paid internships that build career skills, expand professional networks and open doors to future opportunities. Through hands-on work experience, training and mentorship, participants explore career paths, strengthen their résumés and contribute to a more diverse and skilled regional workforce. A partnership of the City of Minneapolis, Achieve Cities, and Project for Pride in Living, Step Up has created over 34,000 high-quality internship opportunities.  

As Step Up looks ahead to its 23rd summer, it has redesigned its two program components to better serve the hundreds of Minneapolis youth who participate each summer. They include:  

  • Step Up Foundations – formerly Step Up Level 1 – will serve youth ages 14–21 who are new to the workforce, have limited experience or are building foundational skills. Participants will gain hands-on experience at community-based organizations while exploring career interests in a supportive environment. The wage for these interns will be paid by Step Up.
  • Step Up Pro – formerly Step Up Level 2 – will be a competitive program for youth ages 16–21 who are ready for advanced, career-specific internships with private sector employers. It will offer meaningful, real-world experience to help prepare young people for future success. The wage for these interns will be paid by the employer partner.

All youth will apply to the general Step Up program, and youth ages 16-21 will be invited to submit an application for Step Up Pro. Youth who choose not to apply for Pro will be served in the Step Up Foundations program.

As part of this redesign, Achieve Twin Cities – a long-standing Step Up partner which has led the Level 2 program for many years – will lead the newly redesigned Step Up Pro, including the training and preparation of youth participating in Pro. Project for Pride in Living (PPL) – a long-time Step Up training provider – will serve as the new manager for Step Up Foundations. 

Learn more about Step Up for summer 2026 and find out how you can hire Minneapolis youth as an employer partner.