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Summary

The STEP-UP Achieve Program provided paid summer internships to youth facing employment barriers.

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.

Populations and employment barriers: Young adults (age 16-24)

Implementation at a glance

Primary service
Program services
Job development, Job placement, Job readiness, Job search assistance, Paid work experience/internships, Post-employment participant follow-up, Soft skills training
Setting(s)
Urban only
Year evaluation began
2016
Implementing organization(s)City of Minneapolis, AchieveMpls, Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Project for Pride in Living

Effectiveness ratings

  • Well- supported
  • Supported
  • Mixed support
  • Not supported
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Cannot assess support

Studies of this program

Study quality rating Study counts per rating
Low Low 1

Program cost

No cost information available.

Implementation details

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