Education Resources for Students

In 2006 Mayor R.T. Rybak made a commitment to Minneapolis students – the Minneapolis Promise – which says to our young people that if they stay in school and focus on where they want to go, we will get them there. That includes:

  • access to counseling so young people can plan a vision for their future;
  • help finding a summer job;
  • assistance getting the funds needed to go to college.

The Minneapolis Promise – tools and resources to succeed

Education and Career Counseling

  • AchieveMpls Career and College Centers are open in all seven comprehensive high schools, the alternative high schools at Lehman Center, and the Metropolitan Federation of Alternative Schools. The centers are the core of the Achieve! Career and College Initiative, which builds on existing school, community, and government programs to create a comprehensive system that ensures all students have a plan to move from high school to higher education and work. Career and College Center staff work closely with Minneapolis Public Schools to implement My Life Plan to guide students through the creation of a life plan using technology, counseling, mentoring, and motivation to succeed.

Summer Jobs

  • STEP-UP is a summer job program for Minneapolis youth ages 14-21. Youth must complete a competitive application process and work readiness training to be considered for a position with the STEP-UP program. Youth ages 14 and 15 are offered a first job experience and matched with positions at non-profits. Youth ages 16-21 are matched with jobs in private businesses, government and schools. STEP-UP youth also participate in educational workshops on finances, careers and leadership. Click here for a STEP-UP application. The application deadline is January 30, 2009. For questions about STEP-UP contact Tammy Dickinson at 612-673-5041, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (pdf).

Financial Assistance for College

  • The Power of YOU covers the cost of tuition and fees for two years or up to 72 credits at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), Saint Paul College or Metropolitan State University. Applicants must be Spring 2007 graduates of a Minneapolis or Saint Paul public high school and must reside in either Minneapolis or Saint Paul. They must meet criteria to apply for federal financial aid and must meet the college’s admission requirements.
  • University of Minnesota offers several scholarship programs for incoming students.