Skip Navigation LinksHome > Community Involvement > STEP-UP Program

Step-Up Program

Beginning in 2007 TCHRA began a partnership with STEP-UP, which we hope to foster, with your help, throughout the years to come.

  • STEP-UP recruits, trains and places youth, ages 16 - 21, in paid summer jobs with local employers. Last summer, 131 employers hired over 600 Minneapolis youth.

    STEP-UP students are competitively selected and complete a rigorous work readiness training program certified by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.

  • STEP-UP is a summer employment program for diverse, skilled and motivated youth. In its fifth year, STEP-UP is operated by Achieve! Minneapolis, in affiliation with the Minneapolis Mayor and City Council’s youth summer jobs campaign.

2009 STEP-UP Summer Jobs Program

Program Description

  • STEP-UP is a summer jobs program for diverse and motivated young people. The program recruits, trains and places participants, ages 14-21, in paid summer jobs.
  • In 2008, more than 1,230 young people were placed at 179 different local employers.
  • STEP-UP is a City of Minneapolis program operated by AchieveMpls.

How it Works

  • Employers identify job opportunities in their workplace.
  • STEP-UP matches young people with jobs based on their career interests and skills.
  • Employers interview candidates and make the final hiring decision.
  • STEP-UP provides ongoing support to youth and supervisors to ensure success.

Who Benefits

  • Your Business
    Students are reliable and motivated. 94% of supervisors said the STEP-UP program was a success at their company.
  • Local Youth
    A meaningful summer job can inspire youth to pursue their education and career dreams. 98% of participants said their summer job was a valuable learning experience.
  • Our Community
    Employing Minneapolis young people is an investment in the city’s vitality and future workforce.

Who Is Involved

  • Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
  • STEP-UP Co-Chairs
    • Richard Davis, Chairman, President & CEO, U.S. Bancorp
    • Robert J. Jones, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration,University of Minnesota

Employment Details

  • Employers must provide employment for 6-10 weeks, 20-40 hours per week.
  • Positions must pay at least $7.25 per hour.
  • Job sites must be located within Minneapolis or accessible by public transportation.
  • Employment start and end dates must occur between June 15 - August 28.

Need More Information?

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact any member of the TCHRA Community Relations Team.

Back to Top