Several youth development programs are available to low income and ‘at risk’ youth who may face future barriers to employment.

These programs provide youth with job search skills, academic enrichment, and work experience, and are funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Minnesota Youth Program (MYP).

In addition, Minnesota Workforce Centers provide employment related services to any job seeker in Minnesota.

The following information is provided to help connect youth to these resources.

1. Age 14-21

2. Low Income (5% of youth served may qualify for an exemption)

3. One or more of the following:

• deficient in basic literary skills
• school dropout
• homeless, runaway, or a foster child
• pregnant or a parent
• an offender

1. Conduct an objective assessment of academic and skill levels, identifying needs.

2. Develop individualized service strategies for each eligible youth.

3. Prepare students for post-secondary education or employment by providing:

• tutoring and skills training
• appropriate alternative secondary school services
• summer employment opportunities
• paid and unpaid work experiences
• occupational skill training
• leadership development
• supportive services
• adult mentoring and follow up for at least 12 months after exiting the program
• comprehensive guidance and counseling (including substance abuse counseling)

HIRED (For Saint Paul youth)

651.291.1861

Workforce Solutions (East Metro)

651.779.5164

2. Building Lives (Eligibility: Young offenders, ages 16-21)

HIRED (For Saint Paul youth)

651.291.1861

Workforce Solutions (East Metro)

651.779.5164

3. Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center (for MN youth ages 16-24)

Residential employment training program.

Enrollment Info: 651.647.0442

*For a list of all programs in Minnesota, Click Here.

1. Free and available to all
2. People aged 18-21 may enroll as both youth and adults to receive more intensive services.

• Full range of job search resources, skills workshops, computers and internet access.

• Job training services – including youth in transition from school to work (see below)
• Unemployment benefits
• Rehabilitation services
• Educational Opportunity Center

For locations, click here.

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Admission Possible – provides two years of mentoring and support to students in Minneapolis and Saint Paul with the goal of helping them gain admission to four year colleges and universities.

Hubbs Center – provides GED and adult diploma programs, as well as job training and employment services to Saint Paul residents.

Minnesota Conservation Corps – eight-week residential summer program, where youth (15-18 years old), are paid to work on public land in Minnesota.

Saint Paul Youth Job Corps – youth learn job skills while participating in beautification projects in Saint Paul.

Tree Trust – maintains a summer youth employment program, where students are paid to work on community landscaping projects.

TRIO – provides tutoring, counseling, and other assistance to prepare underrepresented students for post-secondary education. Eligibility requirements vary by program.

Youthbuild – a national organization with multiple offices in MN that provide youth ages 16-24 with job training as they work to get a GED or graduate from high school.

Youth Farm and Market Project – 10-week summer program where youth plant, harvest, and sell produce and flowers. Participants may receive a stipend for their work.

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Guide to Youth Serving Agencies in Ramsey County.

Information on youth employment services statewide.

For links and a community resource map, see: Project C3 "Connecting Youth to Communities and Careers"

For legislative information and updates, see the National Youth Employment Coalition

See PACER Center for other links to related laws and regulations.

ISEEK (Minnesota’s career information system)

Workforce Investment Act (WIA), 29 U.S.C.A. §§ 2801-2945

29 U.S.C.A. § 2801 – Definitions (including "targeted youth" and "low income")

29 U.S.C.A. § 2854 – Use of Funds for Youth Activities

Workforce Development: Planning for Youth Employment

MN Stat. §116L.361 – Definitions (Including "targeted youth" and "very low income")

MN Stat. §116L.364 – Program purpose and design.

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Date Created: June 21, 2005
Last Modified: June 22, 2005