Step Up is a Twin Cities-based partnership of the City of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Project for Pride in Living that creates meaningful workforce and career exploration opportunities for young people across our region. The program connects Minneapolis youth ages 14-21 with paid summer internships that build professional skills, confidence, and pathways to future educational and career opportunities.
Each year, Step Up places more than 1,400 talented young people in paid in-person and virtural internships with approximately 100 top Twin Cities employers. Since its launch in 2003, Step Up has provided more than 34,000 internship opportunities, including more than 600 at the University of Minnesota. These transformative experiences provide tremendous benefits for young people, businesses, the University of Minnesota, and the Twin Cities community.
The University of Minnesota’s participation reflects its commitment to its land-grant mission and to the goals of Elevate Extraordinary 2030, particularly preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and engaged community members. By welcoming Step Up interns to campus, the University helps expand access to professional experiences, strengthens early pathways to higher education and careers, and deepens partnerships that contribute to the vitality of Minnesota’s workforce and communities.
