Job Boards
- Career Force - Youth Employment: Provides job boards, resources for youth seeking employment, and resources to help figure out what type of education is needed for specific jobs. (Minnesota)
- YouthPrise: Works to increase equity with and for Minnesota's Indigenous, low-income, and racially diverse youth and they host a job board. (Minnesota)
- Employment for At-Risk Youth - MN Gov: Providing resources for youth who face barriers to gaining employment as well as youth who come from low-income families. (Minnesota)
- Minnesota Youth Program - MN Gov: Provides resources for short-term employment and training skills for youth ages 14-24 who are low income. (Minnesota)
- Local Listings: Check your city or county website because many have teen job programs posted.
Summer Job Programs
- Step Up Youth Employment Program: Connects youth ages 14-21 with internships in the Twin Cities. (Minnesota)
- Right Track: Internships for youth ages 14-24 who meet income guidelines or face certain socioeconomic barriers. (Minnesota)
- Urban Roots: Internships for youth ages 14-18 who have a desire to work in urban gardens, kitchens, and local parks. (Minnesota)
- Tree Trust: Summer youth employment opportunities for those ages 14-21, with a barrier to employment. (Minnesota)
Writing a Resume and Cover Letter
- Youth-Friendly Resume Builders:
- Canva Resume Templates: Easy drag-and-drop designs.
- Indeed Resume Builder: Fill-in-the-blanks resume builder.
- Tips for First-Time Job Seekers:
- Keep it concise.
- Use action verbs like “organized,” “led,” or “helped.” in your resume when describing your previous experience.
- Include extracurriculars and community service.
- Ask someone you trust to proofread.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering helps you build skills, meet new people, explore career interests, and make your community stronger. Many opportunities also count toward school or program service hours.
Find Local Volunteer Opportunities
Use these sites to search for opportunities near you:
- Volunteer Match: Search by zip code, interests, and age.
- Hands on Connect/Points of Light: Find local HandsOn affiliates and volunteer events.
- United Way: See your local United Way website for ongoing volunteer needs.
- Volunteer.gov: National service opportunities
Leadership & Advisory Opportunities
Youth can help shape programs and policies by joining councils and boards:
- Check your city or county’s Youth Advisory Board or Youth Commission
How? search “[your city] youth advisory board” online. - Look at your state’s service commission for leadership and service programs.
How? Look up: Serve[Your State], e.g., ServeMinnesota - National groups like Do Something run online campaigns and leadership opportunities.
Want to Join Our Youth Advisory Board?
Want to help shape our projects and make a difference in the community? If you’re interested in sharing your ideas, giving feedback, or helping guide our work, we’d love to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected] with a short note about why you’re interested, and we’ll get back to you with more information.
Community & State Events
Want to attend or help with big events? Start here:
- State Legislature Public Events/Days at the Capitol — find youth days or hearings.
- Your city’s event calendar or parks & recreation page — community cleanups, festivals, and volunteer days.
- Local nonprofit coalitions (mental health, environment, youth advocacy) — search “[topic] + advocacy day [your state]” to find events.
Build Skills & Service Hours
Tips for making the most of volunteering:
- Track your hours for resumes, job applications, and college essays.
- Ask for a letter of reference from your supervisor.
- Look for roles that match your career interests (e.g., working with youth, health care, technology).