Q: How do I know if I am eligible for Right Track?
A. Right Track YJ1 and YJ2 Summer internships serve youth who are Saint Paul residents, ages 14 to 21 who live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment. There are other internship opportunities throughout the year that only require that you live within Ramsey County. The online application process helps you to know which internship you qualify for.
Q: How do I know if I live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment?
A. Youth who receive free or reduced-price lunch, food stamps, or section 8 housing are eligible. Barriers to employment include youth who: have a disability (both physical and learning), limited English proficiency, are a potential or actual school dropout, have been juvenile offenders or are in a diversion program, are pregnant or parenting, are homeless, have run away from home, are chemically dependent or their parents/guardians are, are behind one or more grade levels, or are a part of the foster system. Click here to view the Right Track's income guidelines and list of barriers to employment.
Q: How old do I have to be to apply?
A. For summer YJ1, applicants must be at least 14 years old by June 1 and no older than 19 by August 25.
B. For summer YJ2, youth must be at least 16 years old by June 1 and no older than 21 on June 1.
Q: What if I just go to school in Saint Paul but don’t live in Saint Paul? Am I still eligible for Right Track?
A. No. Right Track is for young people who live in the city limits of Saint Paul. Youth who live outside of Saint Paul are encouraged to check out Ramsey County’s youth workforce programs.
Q: How do I apply for Right Track?
A. To apply for the summer program please complete the youth application between February 1st - February 28th. Before you start the application, make sure you know the following information: Your social security number, your annual household income, a phone number, and email address for an emergency contact. If you are applying for a YJ2 internship make sure to upload your resume. YJ1 applicants are also encouraged to submit a resume, but it is only required for YJ2. Youth must apply online between February 1st - 28th to be eligible for summer employment.
Q: What kind of work might I do?
A. Right Track offers two primary programs, YJ1 & YJ2. When completing the online application we will help you decide which is the best fit for you.
YJ1 offers a variety of internships for youth at recreation and community centers, pools, libraries, gardening, construction, video production, and more. YJ1 jobs may be with organizations like Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, the Saint Paul Libraries, YWCA, Arts-Us, Conservation Corps, Urban Roots, and more.
YJ2 offers internships in many career fields including business, education, finance, healthcare, law, management, trades, youth development, and more. YJ2 internships are offered across industries including non-profit, government, small business, and corporate opportunities.
Q: I submitted my application for Right Track. Did I get a job?
A. Not yet. You will receive more information about next steps for your application after March 1. Right Track YJ1 and YJ2 have different training and placement procedures. To be placed in an internship you will need to actively participate in each step along the way. Remember to check your email regularly for updates and next steps.
Q: When do summer jobs and paid internships start?
A. Most Right Track summer jobs and internships will begin in June, and will last 6 to 9 weeks depending on the position.
Q: How much will I get paid and how many hours will I work?
A. It depends on the position.
Right Track YJ1 internships will pay a minimum of $13.50 / hour and are an average of 15 hours per week.
Right Track YJ2 internships will pay a minimum of $15.00 per hour, but some pay more. YJ2 interns will be offered anywhere from 15 to 40 hours per week depending on the position.
Q: When will I know if I have been hired for a Right Track YJ1 job or YJ2 internship?
A. Right Track begins placing youth in internships in late April and works until the program begins in mid-June.
Contact Right Track at (651) 266-6363 or RightTrack@ci.stpaul.mn.us
