#RightTrack100 Employer Challenge encourages local business to host youth interns in fun, accessible way

The City of St. Paul’s youth employment and training program Right Track announced the #RightTrack100 Employer Challenge – its new initiative aimed at encouraging local employers to commit to hosting Right Track interns in 2023. Designed as a fun, accessible way for organizations to connect with Saint Paul’s up-and-coming talent, the #RightTrack100 Employer Challenge also celebrates the program’s 10-year anniversary.  
“For a full decade, Right Track has led the way in building a diverse future workforce by connecting young people to meaningful career opportunities,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “This program showcases how public-private partnerships can invest in our young people and nurture a strong workforce. I encourage all Saint Paul employers to join the city in this important work and take on the #RightTrack100 Employer Challenge today!”  
The #RightTrack100 Employer Challenge is open to employers across all sectors in the Twin Cities metro area, with all participants required to commit to hosting one or more Right Track interns in 2023. Once employers commit to hosting their interns, Right Track staff will work with them to navigate any specialized internship programming logistics. The first 100 employers who participate in the #RightTrack100 Employer Challenge will have the opportunity to attend a Right Track partner networking event with Mayor Carter, as well as enter to win a round of golf for four of their employees at the Highland National Golf Course, a rental of a Saint Paul picnic pavilion for an outing with their team or a behind-the-scenes tour of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
 As of February, 65 employers representing organizations and companies of all sizes across all sectors have already committed to the #RightTrack100 Employer Challenge by pledging to host 2023 interns. Learn more about the program and see a full list of employers who have committed to the challenge at bit.ly/3IlKLMU.
Since 2013, Right Track has provided beneficial exposure and professional development opportunities to thousands of motivated youth who live in a cost-burdened household or have a barrier to employment. In 2022, Right Track connected 704 interns to local employers, with 80% of employers reporting they would hire their intern full-time if they had an opening. If you’re interested in participating and hosting a 2023 intern, reach out to Nardos Tesfalidet at nardos.tesfalidet@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Applications to host a St. Paul intern are due March 15.