What We Do

We partner with Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) to offer a wide range of career and postsecondary planning guidance and resources for 17,000 students each year in 27 high schools.   

Through physical centers embedded in high schools and additional virtual services, we create a supportive landing space for students and families to connect with expert guidance, resources and opportunities in their path to self-discovery.

As the sole universal career and college readiness provider in both school districts, Achieve services are open to all students for discovering, exploring and planning for life after high school.

Step Up connects Minneapolis youth (ages 14-21) with paid internships, career exploration, professional mentors and training that can help build careers and lead to a more skilled workforce. In partnership with over 100 employers in 15 industries, Step Up has created over 34,000 high-quality internship opportunities since 2003.

Step Up helps young people discover new careers, make professional connections and develop their resumes. For employers, Step Up helps strengthen their workforce and build a strong base of young talent that can keep our future regional economy and our communities strong and vibrant. 

Step Up is a program of the City of Minneapolis in partnership of Achieve Twin Cities, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Project for Pride in Living.

Achieve co-presents the annual Principal Partner Day with Minneapolis Public Schools, which matches community leaders with principals for a half-day shadowing opportunity. We also host small gatherings in our school centers to introduce community members to our career and college readiness work, and organize virtual and live events focusing on key issues impacting our young people and public education.