News: March 3, 2005

NEWS Update: March 3, 2005

Mayor Rybak challenges local business leaders to "STEP-UP"

Mayor launches summer job program to secure positions for 300 Minneapolis youth

MINNEAPOLIS, March 3, 2005 -- Mayor R.T. Rybak today launched the 2005 STEP-UP summer jobs initiative with a goal of securing 300 positions for reliable, motivated Minneapolis youth. STEP-UP places the city's youth in jobs and provides them with coaching to ensure their success.

"A first job is an essential part of every young person's success," said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. "This partnership with the business community is critical to providing and supporting these first employment opportunities for youth in Minneapolis."

Today's launch informed local business leaders about the program. The mayor challenged them to identify optimal summer job opportunities within their workplaces for Minneapolis students. STEP-UP then recruits, trains and places youth in positions at corporations, in academia or the trades. The STEP-UP program staff provides students and employers with ongoing support throughout the summer.

"By helping these students find enriching summer jobs, we hope to inspire them to further their education and pursue their career dreams," said Richard Davis, president and COO of U.S. Bancorp and 2005 STEP-UP program co-chair. "Our goal is to give Minneapolis youth the job skills and training they can't get elsewhere."

Businesses wanting to qualify as a STEP-UP employer must employ students for six to ten weeks during the summer and pay at least $6 per hour. Jobs must be within the Minneapolis city limits or accessible by bus.

"A summer job opens up a world of new opportunities for a young person," said David Brant, director of the STEP-UP program. "We want students to realize their potential at a young age so they are confident in their abilities and prepared for successful careers in the future."

STEP-UP was officially launched in 2004 and is operated by Achieve!Minneapolis. Last year, the program secured jobs for more than 200 students in a wide range of positions, from janitorial work to posts at the Minnesota State Supreme Court. Participating employers included Star Tribune, U.S. Bancorp, Target Corp. and American Express, among others. To pledge a job or lend financial support, contact David Brant at (612) 455-1558.

STEP-UP is a nationally recognized workforce development program for pre-qualified, motivated young people. Operated by Achieve!Minneapolis and part of Mayor R.T. Rybak's "Close the Gap" campaign, STEP-UP places Minneapolis youth in empowering summer jobs. Through work-readiness classes and continuous job coaching, students and supervisors receive the support they need to succeed. Participating in STEP-UP is an investment in one's business, in the future of Minneapolis' students and in this city's vitality. Get more information or to pledge a job or lend financial support.