Last summer, Nina Hale, Inc. partnered with AchieveMpls’s STEP-UP program to provide two high school students with the opportunity of a paid-summer internship that would help prepare them for future careers through beneficial work experience, mentoring, and connections. The experience presented more value to Nina Hale, Inc. than they could have imagined and lead Nina Hale, Inc. to commit to partnering with STEP-UP for another year.
STEP-UP focuses on working with Twin Cities companies to provide internships that create valuable workplace experiences for more than 16,000 Minneapolis youth. STEP-UP recruits, trains, and places low-income youth in a wide range of business, nonprofits, and public agencies. A vital element of the interns training process is their participation in Mock Interviews. STEP-UP works with their business partners to find volunteers to take part in providing candid feedback to help interns strengthen their skills and confidence. For many of STEP-UP’s youth, the mock interview serves as their first professional experience.
Nina Hale, Inc. team members were quick to volunteer for the event. Nina Hale, Inc. Senior Content Manager, Katie Pennell, shared her experience by saying, “STEP-UP mock interviews not only help the step up students, they’re also a great opportunity for professionals to confirm (or find!) faith in this next generation of young professionals. There are some amazing, driven talents coming up the ranks!” Nina Hale, Inc. is proud to be a partner of AchieveMpls’s STEP-UP program and looks forward to continuing their relationship and providing opportunities to youth who face the greatest barriers in finding employment.
