The application deadline for the 2012 STEP-UP Summer Jobs Program has passed, and we are no longer accepting applications for this year. If you applied to the 2012 program, you will receive a postcard the week of March 12 informing you whether you were accepted to the program for this summer. Applications for the 2013 program  will be posted on our web site in November. We hope you will check back and apply!

STEP-UP is the City of Minneapolis Summer Jobs Program. We equip thousands of young people with the skills they need to succeed in a professional work environment by placing them in meaningful paid summer jobs at hundreds of the area’s best companies, nonprofits and government agencies. We also provide work readiness training that teaches the skills young people need to successfully interview and succeed on the job.  

STEP-UP can help you 

• Explore a career that interests you. We work with over 150 companies in many industries, and can match you with a job based on your skills and career interests
• Earn up to $2,000 over the summer. STEP-UP interns earn at least $7.25 an hour and up to $10 an hour depending on the company.
• Gain great on-the-job experience, confidence and professional skills for your future. You will build important workplace skills in customer service, communication, computers and more that will set you apart from other candidates for college acceptance and future jobs.  
• Meet professionals who can help support your career and college goals. STEP-UP supervisors and co-workers are great contacts for future job references and college recommendations.

Who can apply to STEP-UP?

To apply for STEP-UP you must be a Minneapolis resident between the ages of 14 and 21 (by June 1, 2012) and not yet enrolled in college. You must also meet certain income guidelines. You do not need any previous work experience.

How does the STEP-UP program work?

• Applicants complete a STEP-UP application by February 3
• Applicants who are chosen as interns will be notified in early March
• Interns participate in work-readiness training in March and April
• Interns are matched with jobs based on their interests and skills and the needs of the employer
• Interns are interviewed and hired by their employer 
• Interns work at their summer job from mid-June to mid-August and earn at least $7.25 per hour
• Some interns participate in additional career opportunities during the summer that are scheduled around their work hours

What is work readiness training?

STEP-UP interns who are chosen for the program participate in work readiness training in the spring. This training teaches the skills interns will need to be successful in their summer jobs and future job searches, including:

• How to create a strong resume
• How to dress properly for any job opportunity
• How to communicate professionally with supervisors and co-workers
• Responsible use of technology
• The essentials of building a professional network
• How to prepare for a successful interview (participants will do a mock interview with a business professional)
• And much more!

Once you’ve completed training you’ll also be eligible for a Work Readiness Credential from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and signed by Minneapolis Mayor Rybak.  Your Credential will look impressive on your resume and give you something great to talk about in a job interview.

How do I apply?

Download our application form and fill it out completely. Each application is evaluated for completeness, thoughtfulness and quality of writing.  Take your time and answer each question carefully. If your application is late or incomplete, it will not be considered.  The STEP-UP application deadline is February 3, no exceptions.

Drop off one copy of your application to one of these locations:

• AchieveMpls Career & College Center in any Minneapolis Public High School
• South Workforce Center, 777 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
• North Workforce Center, 1200 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
• Franklin Library, 1314 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Minneapolis Central Library, Teen Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
• You can also mail a copy of your application to City of Minneapolis METP, 105 5th Avenue South,
• You will be notified in early March if you are accepted to the program.

For more information, call our STEP-UP staff at 612.455.1530.