FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 5, 2025 

Contact:  
Clare Cloyd 
clare.cloyd@ci.stpaul.mn.us 
612-760-5074 (c)
 

Right Track youth employment program celebrates exceptional employers and launches 2025 employer engagement 

SAINT PAUL – The City of Saint Paul’s youth employment and training program Right Track has launched its 2025 employer engagement efforts.  

For over a decade, Right Track has provided high quality internship and career exploration opportunities to thousands of youth who live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment. Last year, Right Track engaged more than 1,100 youth to internship experiences with employers across industries. The City of Saint Paul continues to demonstrate leadership in these efforts with each city department, as well as the Mayor’s Office and all the City Council offices, hosting interns in 2024 and providing meaningful exposure to careers in the public sector. 

“Opening doors for our youth to explore different careers is key to shaping our future workforce,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “The public-private partnerships forged as part of Right Track give employers a direct connection to the next generation of leaders. Their investment in our young people today builds a stronger, more innovative community for everyone. I encourage all Saint Paul employers to open the door for a Right Track intern today.” 

Right Track is seeking employer partners to join the City of Saint Paul in providing high quality internship experiences for Saint Paul youth. Employers interested in hosting a 2025 intern are encouraged to contact Nardos Tesfalidet at Nardos.tesfalidet@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Applications to host Right Track interns are due Friday, March 14.

The summer 2025 internship application for Saint Paul residents ages 14-21 is also now open. 

Celebrating exceptional employers 

Right Track is pleased to announce that Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) has been selected as the 2024 Employer of the Year. This award recognizes employer partners who have gone above and beyond to provide meaningful experiences for Right Track interns.

“Capitol Region Watershed District is honored to receive the 2024 Right Track Employer of the Year Award,” said Administrator Anna Aleria. "CRWD was drawn to this program because of our desire to expose youth to careers in the water resources field and our shared commitment to building a diverse workforce.  Over the past two years, our staff has enjoyed introducing young people to local lakes, streams, and wetlands and the work we do each day to protect them.  Their presence in the office has brought new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm.  We are grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to expand the next generation's interest in water resources and environmental science.” 

Each year Right Track interns also nominate Supervisors of the Year; the following individuals have been selected as the 2024 supervisors of the year: 

  • Edmundo Lijo, Attorney, Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office
  • Marney Lofgren, Program Director, Salvation Army Eastside
  • Pam Sarne, Senior Vice President Accounting, Ever-Green Energy 

Learn more about Right Track and view the full list of recent employers. Businesses and organizations are invited to join this esteemed group of employers in providing meaningful experiences for Saint Paul you and diversifying our future workforce.

About Right Track  Right Track’s mission is to build Saint Paul’s workforce by providing career-readiness opportunities and work experience for the young people of Saint Paul. Right Track offers internship opportunities for Saint Paul youth ages 14 to 21. Right Track has two primary summer employment programs, YJ1 and YJ2.  Learn more by visiting www.stpaul.gov/RightTrack.  

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Right Track 2025 Applications

Right Track Summer 2025 Flyer

Right Track provides first time work experiences and higher level internships for young people ages 14-21 in Saint Paul.

Youth Jobs 1 (YJ1)

YJ1 provides youth the opportunity to develop fundamental job skills to build on throughout your life. Learning about time management, teamwork, responsibility, and initiative will help as a teen and as an adult. 

  • $13.50 an hour

  • 15 hours a week

  • 9 week program

Youth Jobs 2 (YJ2)

YJ2 provides youth access to resume-building internships in a variety of professional settings. Interns are placed at for-profit, nonprofit, and public-sector agencies throughout Saint Paul. 

  • Minimum $16.00 an hour 

  • 15 to 40 hours a week 

Right Track is also recruiting employers who are interested in hosting an intern this summer. Interested employers are encouraged to contact Nardos.tesfalidet@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Learn more about Right Track, including the application process and eligibility requirements. 

Download the poster to share with others. 

Last Edited: February 10, 2025