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Is a Step Up internship right for you?

Step Up helps you take the first steps toward your future with paid internships, career exploration and support from people who want to see you succeed. Whether you’re building your first résumé or exploring career options, Step Up gives you the experience and connections to move forward.

A smiling woman in a pink shirt and gloves holds freshly harvested beets in a garden with lush green foliage in the background.
Food Systems Cohort
Three young people stand on a wooden staircase in the foreground, with a city skyline featuring a clock tower visible through a large window in the background.
City of Minneapolis
A young person holding a blue bin stands between shelves of medicine with a pharmacist in a white coat smiling beside them.
Hennepin Healthcare: Pharmacy
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KBEM Radio
Five young people stand in front of a colorful mural that spells out %22NORTH MINNEAPOLIS%22 and features various artistic elements.
Juxtaposition Arts
Six construction workers in hard hats stand in a workshop with unfinished structures and company logos visible in the background.
Finishing Trades
A young man with a bright smile stands with his arms crossed in front of a colorful mural that reads %22It's not just a business, it's an act of social change.%22
Urban Strategies
Two young people stand in front of a large window with colorful %22SPEAK MPLS%22 lettering, while the background reveals an office space.
SPEAK MPLS
A woman in a blue lab coat and pink mask works with vials in the foreground, while a sterile laboratory counter with cabinets and equipment is visible in the background.
Children's Dental
A young person with glasses and an older man stand in front of a wall with company logos.
Xcel Energy
Two young people stand smiling in front of a US Bank building.
US Bank
A group of seven young people are gathered around a large wooden table in an office with large windows in the background.
Accenture
Four people in neon green shirts stand in front of a white truck with a phone number on it, with houses and trees in the background.
Tree Trust
A diverse group of healthcare professionals stands in a hospital room with medical equipment in the background.
Hennepin Healthcare
A diverse group of people stand in a lush garden, holding freshly harvested vegetables, with apartment buildings visible in the background.
Hope Community
Two men are smiling and looking at a laptop on a wooden table, with a brick wall and shelving in the background.
McKnight Foundation
A man in a bright yellow shirt demonstrates using a miter saw on a piece of wood in the foreground, while a group of students watches attentively in the background.
MN Trades Academy
A group of seven diverse students stand in front of a wall displaying portraits, with the foreground featuring four students in casual attire.
Listen Up Youth Radio
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Open Arms

Why should you apply to 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.

Which level is right for you?

Step Up Foundations

Step Up Foundations is for young adults aged 14-21 who: 

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

Participants 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 young adults aged 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. 

Participants 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 

Have questions about Step Up Pro? 

Contact: stepupinfo@achievetwincities.org 

Hear what Step Up interns have to say!

Learn more.

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

Step Up is a partnership of the City of Minneapolis, Achieve Twin Cities and Project for Pride in Living.