Get Engaged

Support our mission and our students by volunteering, hiring high school or college interns, attending community engagement events or making a financial donation.
 

Volunteer     hire interns
attend events donate

Hire a High School or College Intern

Step Up Youth Employment Program

Step Up connects Minneapolis youth (ages 14-21) with work readiness training, internships and other career opportunities with Twin Cities employers in 15 employment sectors. Since 2003, Step Up has created over 30,000 high-quality internship opportunities, equipping young people to achieve their career goals and building a more skilled and equitable workforce.

By hiring Step Up interns, your organization can nurture young talent, introduce a new generation of students to your industry and make a difference in your community. Summer internships run from June through early August, with employer recruitment and orientation from December to April. 

program details

Adult and student sitting across from each other at an office table

Achieve College Internships

Achieve College Internships connects talented, diverse college juniors with high-quality paid summer internships, professional training, mentors and career networks at local companies and organizations. The program helps young professionals launch their careers in the Twin Cities and provides opportunities for employers to discover and support new talent.

Our interns include Step Up alums, Minneapolis and Saint Paul public schools graduates and Minnesota Private College Fund Black Men's Success Initiative scholars. We've provided professional internships for over 113 students from 20 colleges and universities, linking them with global businesses, local companies and community-based organizations.

Summer internships generally run from June - August, with employer recruitment year-round.

Program details

Four people standing outside in front of an office sign that says Upsher-Smith

Volunteer with Students

Step Up Mock Interviews

Step Up Mock Interviews connect volunteers with Step Up youth participants for one-on-one coaching and support to practice their job interview skills in preparation for internships and other opportunities.

Each volunteer interviews 3-5 young people and provides feedback for strengthening skills and professional presentation. This is a fun and engaging way to support our young people as they prepare for summer internships and future career success. We welcome individuals as well as company teams.

Our 2024 Mock interviews will be held the evenings of March 19-21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

learn more and register

A woman talks with a student at a table

Career Exploration Events

Our career exploration events at Minneapolis and Saint Paul high schools inspire, inform and support students as they plan for life after graduation. They are held during the academic year, from September to May.

Whether you work in the trades, business, healthcare, the arts, STEM, government or another sector, you have valuable experience and perspectives that can help students take the first step toward great careers or discover new fields.

You can share your career journey and insights with students as a career speaker, or represent your company or industry at our career fairs.

volunteer interest formcurrent opportunities 

Photo of man speaking to students in a school

Attend a Community Engagement Event

Achieve community engagement events are are grounded in our mission of rallying broad support to inspire young people for careers, college and life.

Our EDTalks, Principal Partner Day, Lunch Break with Achieve and other community events spark conversations and raise awareness of critical topics impacting young people, public education and our regional economy.

They also connect community members with opportunities for greater engagement and advocacy for our students and public education.

Events Calendar

EDTalks event with participants on stage
Volunteer sitting at table with studnet

Make a financial gift

to support our

career and college readiness programs.