FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2024
Contact:
Clare Cloyd
clare.cloyd@ci.stpaul.mn.us
612-760-5074
Saint Paul’s Right Track Youth Employment Program Celebrates Exceptional Employers and Seeks New Partnerships for 2024
SAINT PAUL – Today, the City of Saint Paul’s youth employment and training program Right Track announced the launch of its 2024 employer engagement efforts.
Since 2013, Right Track has provided professional development opportunities to thousands of motivated youth who live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment. Last year, Right Track connected 803 interns to local employers, with 80% of employers reporting they would hire their intern full-time if they had an opening.
Applications for 2024 internships are now open and Right Track is seeking additional employers to join the elite list of eligible internship providers.
“Through public-private partnerships, our Right Track program channels the innovation and energy of Saint Paul's youth into all kinds of professional organizations," said Mayor Carter. "Interns gain vital career exposure and strengthen essential workforce skills, while employers make a direct investment in our future workforce. I encourage Saint Paul employers to pledge to host Right Track interns today!”
Right Track is also pleased to announce that the 2023 Right Track Employer of the Year is Children’s Minnesota. As a highly valued partner, Children’s Minnesota has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating equitable exposure to careers in STEM and is a leader in workforce development.
"Children's Minnesota is honored to receive this award from the City of Saint Paul,” said James Burroughs, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations, and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children’s Minnesota. “Right Track has allowed us to cultivate and develop students at the internship level with the plan of continuing to grow this amazing source of top talent in the future. We're proud to partner with schools and community organizations to increase the presence of Black, Indigenous, Asian and Latino people in STEM careers."
In addition to the Employer of the Year, the following individuals were announced as 2023 Supervisors of the Year after being nominated by Right Track interns:
- Jennifer Lor, Legislative Aide to Saint Paul City Councilmember Nelsie Yang – Ward 6
- Laura Gosewisch, Executive Director, West Side Farmers Market
- Mats Dale, Civil Analyst, Kimley-Horn
Businesses and organizations are invited to join this esteemed group of employers in providing meaningful experiences for Saint Paul youth and diversifying our future workforce. So far, 72 employers have committed to hosting interns in 2024, representing organizations of various sizes and workforce sectors.
Learn more about the two intern programs, YJ1 and YJ2, and view the full list of recent employers. If you’re interested in hosting a 2024 intern, reach out to Moua Xiong at moua.xiong@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Applications to host Right Track interns are due Thursday, February 29.
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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