STEP-UP MINNEAPOLIS

 

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As North Minneapolis expands and gentrifies, local residents should feel empowered to choose whether or not to remain in the Harrison Neighborhood. With an ongoing commitment to reduce unemployment and empower local youth, RCFL has responded to this challenge by serving as a host for the STEP-UP internship program, which provides high school-aged participants with leadership and employment skills that can better equip them to be able to make that choice.  

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During the summer of 2019, Redeemer Center for Life hosted 18 STEP-UP interns who worked in Venture North as baristas and mechanics, on property and housing, and as community leaders in our youth programming. Over an eight-week period, interns gained work experience, participated in career development workshops, practiced financial acumen, and practiced new-found leadership skills. Interns were paid for their work, experiencing firsthand what it means to earn and manage a paycheck.  

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When asked to reflect on their perceived personal and professional growth, interns said that their confidence, work-readiness, leadership skills, accountability, and professionalism had improved over the course of the program. This demonstrates how equity offers opportunity in educational and professional programming; further empowering our Northside youth.