The City of Saint Paul's Right Track has set its sights on boosting workforce diversity by bridging youth to career opportunities. According to an announcement made on February 7th, the youth employment program is actively seeking new partners to offer internships in 2024. Right Track has been steering skilled youth from cost-burdened households or those facing employment barriers, toward professional growth since 2013, the city reported.
Last year, a notable 803 interns were linked with local employers, with 80% of those employers indicating a desire to bring their interns on board full-time if they could. Applications are now underway for the upcoming year as Right Track amps up its quest for partner organizations to join the ranks of its existing employer network.
"Through public-private partnerships, our Right Track program channels the innovation and energy of Saint Paul's youth into all kinds of professional organizations," Saint Paul Mayor Carter emphasized in a statement. He further appealed to local employers to "pledge to host Right Track interns today!" highlighting the value such a commitment affords to both interns and the businesses involved.
It was also revealed by Right Track that Children's Minnesota stood out as an exemplary partner in 2023, clinching the Right Track Employer of the Year accolade for its dedication to fostering equitable career opportunities in STEM fields. In a statement obtained by the city, James Burroughs of Children's Minnesota expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, "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."
Additionally, three standout individuals were named 2023 Supervisors of the Year based on nominations from Right Track interns, as they were eagerly embarking on their career paths. The mix of employers committed to the 2024 program already includes 72 diverse organizations, showcasing the breadth of industry sectors engaged in this initiative. To become part of this endeavor or to learn more about the intern programs, YJ1 and YJ2, interested businesses and organizations can get full details from the Right Track website or by contacting Moua Xiong directly at [email protected], with applications due by February 29.
