The Minnesota Youth Program (MYP) Offers Work Experience and Income to At-Risk Youth

Minnesota residents ages 14-24 can participate in the Minnesota Youth Program (MYP) during the summer months. Starting in June and running through early August, participants can receive job placements to explore potential career paths while earning money. This program is available in all 19 counties supported by the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP).

“The Minnesota Youth Program benefits both local youth and businesses in our region,” says Chrys Kirschbaum, Regional Coordinator and Career Advising Coordinator, RMCEP. “We pay the employees’ salaries, so participating companies can invest in these workers without worrying about the cost. The businesses get extra employees while the youth residents receive work experience.”  

It’s not too late to enroll in MYP and receive job experience this summer. Learn more about the program and its regional economic impact. 

Many Students Get Career Experience at Local Schools

MYP is designed to provide income and career opportunities for students who need part-time jobs but have barriers to employment. Many of the job placements offered by MYP are in local schools, so students don’t have to find transportation to and from work. They can take an early bus or stay late after school while assisting the kitchen staff or doing janitorial work.

MYP allows students to start building their resumes while developing healthy work habits. They learn to show up on time, communicate, work as part of a team, and solve problems as they arise. Regardless of their long-term career aspirations, participants can use these skills and step into new roles with confidence. 

Most MYP Participants Start With a Career Interest Meeting

Youth interested in MYP meet with an RMCEP career counselor to discuss their interests and goals. RMCEP will try to work with local businesses that operate in the desired industry of participants or hire for specific roles. While some students are looking for any opportunity to work and earn money, others have specific career ambitions they want to follow.

For example, students could work with a doggy daycare or veterinary clinic as animal handlers to experience the work environment and consider whether they wanted to become veterinarians. The business gets extra help while the students receive invaluable work experience.

RMCEP coordinates with local schools to offer mentoring and guidance to participants. The organization works around the summer school schedule and promotes career exploration. This can make students confident in their decisions when they choose their paths after graduation.  

Participants Can See Themselves Climbing Career Ladders

MYP is eye-opening for many program participants. Some students enjoy their work experience and visualize themselves in specific work environments and climbing future career ladders. Others decide that a field they thought they would thrive in actually isn’t for them. This potentially saves the participant years of training and education, and the cost that comes with it.

Participants also walk away with work-ready skills and can feel comfortable navigating professional settings.   

Local Businesses Can Participate in MYP

RMCEP partners with dozens of companies across Northwest Minnesota to place local youth in positions where they can grow their work experience. The organization is always looking for new businesses to work with that can support local youth as they develop their professional skills.

“We pay the salary so the company doesn’t have to while the youth employee gets work experience,” says Kirschbaum. “Our team at RMCEP will check on the business, ask how the employee is doing, and discuss any problems that need to be addressed. We work hard to ensure this is a positive experience for companies.”

If there are any issues, RMCEP will meet with the participant and discuss the problems directly. This way, they can be more successful while companies benefit from the extra support.

“We just want to continue helping the youth and building strong partnerships in the community,” says Kirschbaum.

Participants and Businesses Can Still Apply

Minnesota youth ages 14-24 can apply to MYP and receive a summer job placement. Businesses are also encouraged to contact RMCEP if they are interested in offering placement opportunities to local youth. These programs may continue through the school year, allowing additional work resources for employers and employment opportunities for students.

RMCEP has eight locations across Northwest Minnesota, which means there is a career office right in your backyard. Contact your closest office and ask about the Minnesota Youth Program. One of our youth service coordinators will be happy to help you.