Participants in the STEP-UP Achieve Program were placed in paid internships at local businesses, nonprofit agencies, and public organizations. Participants also received training on career readiness, personal finance, and skill development in topics such as Excel and Outlook. Individuals had the opportunity to earn professional credentials in information technology and Excel following their training. Youth with an interest in a particular field, such as health care or financial services, could participate in specialized enrichment activities. The supervisors at each placement site received an orientation and training that encouraged the supervisors to support participants through employment coaching, goal setting, and regular feedback. Internships took place over the summer, lasting for about three months total. To participate in the program, individuals had to be between ages 18 to 21, live in the city of Minneapolis, not be enrolled in college, and be able to demonstrate low income or other employment barriers, such as special education services, homelessness, or foster care placement. The STEP-UP Achieve Program took place in Minneapolis, MN.
The STEP-UP Achieve Program provided paid summer internships to youth facing employment barriers.
The STEP-UP Achieve Program provides paid summer internships to youth facing employment barriers.
As of April 2021, Step Up Achieve provides remote career and college exploration services, hosts virtual career panels and forums known as EDTalks, continues to offer paid in-person internships, and offers new remote internship opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.achievempls.org/achievempls-programs-covid19 or https://www.achievempls.org/become-stepup-intern or https://www.achievempls.org/sites/default/files/STEPUP/Documents%20to%20download/Step%20Up%20Remote%20Internships%20Tips-2021.pdf.