Here's some additional information about STEP-UP for parents and guardians. Click on the blue question to see the answer appear below.
How does the STEP-UP summer jobs program benefit my child?
STEP-UP allows your child to explore career interests, gain valuable work readiness training and on-the-job experience in a professional work environment, earn up to $2,000 over the summer and become better prepared for future careers or college.
Is my child eligible to participate in STEP-UP?
STEP-UP is open to 14-21 year-old residents of Minneapolis (as of June 1, 2012) that meet income guidelines and are not yet enrolled in college. Some work positions require participants to be at least 16. Generally if students qualify for free or reduced lunch, they are eligible for STEP-UP. For other eligibility questions, contact Tammy Dickinson at 612.673.5041.
How does my child apply for STEP-UP?
When will I hear if my child has been accepted to STEP-UP?
Applicants will be notified the week of March 12. If you do not receive information about your child’s application status after that time, call STEP-UP staff at 612.455.1530.
Is work readiness training required? When will it be held?
Work readiness training is required. It is a critical part of the STEP-UP experience that provides interns with the skills they need to be successful at their summer jobs. Our 2012 work readiness training will be held March 26-April 27 during the evenings or on weekends. If you have a conflict with these training dates please let us know as soon as possible. The deadline to make changes is printed in the acceptance letter. If your child fails to show up to training or is late without prior permission, they will be dropped from STEP-UP and will not be eligible for a summer job.
Can my son or daughter participate in summer school or other activities while they are in STEP-UP?
Yes. STEP-UP jobs can be either part-time or full-time. We make every effort to accommodate intern schedules. However, because STEP-UP jobs take place on weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm, your child's ability to get a job will be limited if they have other daytime commitments.
How are students matched with jobs?
Student interns are matched with jobs based on their interests, skills and availability. Students fill out a preference sheet during the last week of work readiness training to let us know the specific careers or industries they are interested in. We do our best to match students with their choices.
Who do I contact with a question about my child’s paycheck?
STEP-UP is designed to be a learning opportunity for your child, so please encourage them to personally address any work-related issues by speaking with their supervisor at work. Please know that for many summer jobs STEP-UP is not the official employer and therefore does not coordinate paychecks. Most interns are hired directly by the company they are working for. Contact your student’s job coach with questions or call the STEP-UP Achieve office at 612.455.1530 and we will direct your inquiry to the person that can best help you.
Will my son or daughter’s paycheck affect my benefits from Hennepin County?
No. Participation in STEP-UP should not affect your family’s benefits. For more information on STEP-UP benefits, contact our staff at 612.455.1530.
For more information, contact our STEP-UP staff at 612.455.1530.
