MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn., —Genesys Works Twin Cities, a nonprofit that creates pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities, today announced that 155 rising high school seniors will soon begin year-long paid internships with some of the region’s leading employers, including Ecolab, Land O’ Lakes and 3M. Nationwide, fewer than 5 percent of high school students have access to internships or apprenticeships, making opportunities like these critical for building a stronger workforce.
“Our interns bring curiosity, energy, and a real commitment to learning,” said Allison Barmann, Executive Director of Genesys Works Twin Cities. “It’s inspiring to see them grow into confident young professionals ready to make meaningful contributions in the workplace.”
Internships will be revealed at Draft Day 2025, Genesys Works’ high-energy celebration taking place on August 21 at 10 am at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Modeled after the excitement of the NFL Draft, the event brings together hundreds of community members, including corporate leaders, families, educators, and elected officials, as students take the stage to find out where they’ll spend their senior year as interns.
“Our team looks forward to Draft Day every year,” said Teddy Bekele, SVP & Chief Technology Officer, Land O’Lakes. “It’s rewarding to be a part of a program that not only strengthens our talent pipeline but also gives young people a meaningful start in their careers.”
These students have completed an intensive eight-week summer training program focused on professional and technical skills. They will step into real-world roles in IT, business operations, finance, marketing, and more, bringing fresh perspectives and a drive to learn into the Twin Cities workforce. Through their internships, students can earn up to $16,500 during their senior year, income that can be put toward college expenses, family needs, or other important goals, while building skills and networks that will serve them for years to come.
“Before starting summer training, I was both nervous and excited,” said Halie Kaufman, a Genesys Works Class of 2026 intern. “I wasn’t sure what to expect or what would be expected of me, but I knew that doing well in the program would be extremely important. Not only would my performance determine if I would be placed in an internship, but it would also determine what I would gain from the opportunities at summer training. The ability to commit to the program allowed for me to gain a strong support system along with skills such as Microsoft Office, public speaking, and networking. With my support system and these skills gained from summer training, I will be able to succeed with my internship in a variety of ways. However, I feel like summer training has most definitely improved the efficiency in which I can complete projects, communicate with others, and network.”
Since its founding in 2008, Genesys Works Twin Cities has placed more than 4,250 interns and built a consistent track record of life-changing outcomes:
- 90% of program graduates enroll in college
- Alumni earn a median income of $70,000 seven-plus years post-program
- Two-thirds of alumni outearn at least one parent
- 100% of the Genesys Works Twin Cities participants say they would recommend the program
To explore partnership opportunities or learn how to support Genesys Works, please contact Missi Arens at marens@genesysworks.org or 612-961-5086.
About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program includes eight weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Houston, Chicago, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington’s National Capital Region, New York City, and Tulsa. To learn more, visit www.genesysworks.org.
