Step Up program continues to train Minnesota's future workforce despite new challenges
The Step Up program, a long-standing initiative in Minneapolis, has been instrumental in empowering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their career aspirations. This program, established in 2003 by then-Mayor R.T. Rybak and former U.S. Bancorp CEO Richard Davis, has provided invaluable opportunities for lower-income teens, particularly those of color, who may lack career connections or come from single-parent households. Since its inception, 36,000 teenagers have participated in summer online career-exploration courses, interviews, mentoring, and internships, with the program offering training and summer jobs that can pay up to $16.50 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.
One standout graduate of the program is Jordan Dotson, an environmental compliance manager at Best Buy. Dotson, who grew up in a working-class household on the North Side of Minneapolis, took two buses daily to attend Minneapolis South High School, where she excelled in theater. Her parents' high expectations and the support of her mentor, Mary Thomas, a Best Buy attorney, played a pivotal role in her success. Dotson's experience at Best Buy, which she joined full-time in 2023 after graduating from the University of Minnesota, has been transformative, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging her professional growth.
However, the Step Up program faces challenges, including declining employer participation, which has led to a decrease in the number of internships available. The onset of remote and hybrid work, workforce shifts, and economic uncertainties have contributed to this decline. Additionally, the political climate, particularly the Trump administration's pressure on employers to avoid diversity initiatives, has made employers wary of engaging with the program. Despite these obstacles, the program's value is evident through success stories like Mike Archer, a Black individual who credits Step Up with helping him avoid negative influences and pursue a successful career as a journeyman electrician.
The program's impact extends beyond individual success stories. It addresses a significant workforce development issue in Minnesota: the need to provide more opportunities for people of color, including immigrants. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the incremental growth in Minnesota's population and workforce since the early 2000s has been driven by people of color, including immigrants. Employers require high school graduates prepared for on-the-job training or post-high school studies, and the Step Up program plays a crucial role in bridging this gap.
Despite the challenges, the Step Up program continues to adapt and evolve. The program's leadership, along with labor market analysts, is working to overcome obstacles and ensure its long-term success. The program's budget, supported by government funding and wage-paying employers, remains dedicated to providing opportunities for teens, particularly those facing economic hardships. As the program navigates these challenges, it remains a vital resource for Minnesota's future workforce, fostering a more inclusive and diverse professional landscape.
