Step Up

Step Up is more than an internship program — it's where youth ambition meets employer opportunity!

Step Up supervisor and intern at Accenture

 

 

 

Step Up is preparing tomorrow's workforce today.

What is Step Up?

Step Up 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. Since 2003, Step Up has created over 34,000 high-quality internship opportunities.  

Youth Interns

We connect young people with high quality paid internships that kickstart their career and college goals:

  • Explore career options and find your ideal fit.
  • Gain practical skills. Develop essential workplace skills through hands-on internships.
  • Earn while you learn. Step Up internships allow you to gain experience and earn money at the same time.
  • Make valuable connections. Build your network and get connected to a workplace mentor who can open doors to new opportunities. 

Begin your career journey with confidence. Apply to Step Up today! 

Youth Info

Employer Partners

We collaborate with employers to build the Twin Cities' next generation workforce:

  • Develop a talent pipeline to introduce tomorrow’s workers to your industry today.
  • Invest in your local community. Strengthen bonds with industry peers and keep the Twin Cities strong and vibrant.   
  • Cultivate fresh ideas. Bring energy, new skills and youthful perspectives to your workplace.
  • Interns get real work done and make valuable contributions to your workplace.  

Begin supporting our future workforce. Become a Step Up employer today!  

Employer Info

See Step Up In Action

Free Geek supervisor and intern standing in tech workspace

Youth Video

Xcel Energy supervisor with Step Up intern sitting at desk

Employer Video

“Thanks to Step Up, by age 18 I had worked in a law firm, an investment bank and an accounting firm. My résumé was beautiful!"

Pa Nhia, Step Up Alum

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

A young woman is using a desktop computer.

 

 

 

 

 

Learn about Achieve Career and College Centers for Minneapolis and Saint Paul students