Applications for STEP-UP deadline is online Feb. 18

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The City of Minneapolis youth employment program STEP-UP has begun accepting applications for 2015 summer internship placements. Eligible youth interested in participating in the 2015 STEP-UP class have until Feb. 18, to complete an application online at www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/metp/cped_stepup.

Created in 2004, STEP-UP is one of the country’s premiere youth employment programs focused on serving Minneapolis youth ages 14-21 who face some of the greatest barriers to employment including: youth from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, youth of color, youth from recent immigrant families, and youth with disabilities. Since the program was launched, it has provided nearly 20,000 internship opportunities. In addition to summer jobs, STEP-UP also provides advanced-level internships and industry-specific trainings that help interns deepen and integrate their career exposure with post-secondary education and career planning.

Prior to being placed in their internships, youth receive work-readiness training certified by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce that enhances their skills and prepares them for a professional work experience. Throughout their internship, youth gain valuable on-the job skills, make strong professional connections, and become exposed to careers they may have not otherwise accessed without STEP-UP.

Last summer, STEP-UP placed nearly 1,650 Minneapolis youth in jobs with over 230 Twin Cities businesses, public agencies, and nonprofits. Youth represented in the 2014 class of STEP-UP were 94% youth of color, 35% youth from recent immigrant families, and 23% youth with disabilities or other significant barriers to employment.

STEP-UP is a City of Min­neapolis program in partnership with AchieveMpls, Depart­ment of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minneapo­lis Park and Recreation Board, and Project for Pride in Living.

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