Additional internship programs the department supports

The programs below are all program the department participates in to host interns. These internships aim to connect DHS with the next generation of talented and diverse workers, and provide critical job training for students and hands-on experience for young people who are interested in pursuing an internship with the agency. Our past interns and fellows have made valuable contributions across different agency departments and were eager to bring their skills, ideas and energy to our workplace and they are always appreciative for the opportunity. 

Below you will find more information about each program we support interns through here at the department.

• Step-Up Achieve is the city of Minneapolis’ summer program that serves youth ages 16 to 21 who are seeking challenging opportunities by training and placing young people in professional positions. The goal is to offer a variety of career-readiness opportunities that help interns connect their interest with post-secondary education and career planning. More information about the Step-Up Achieve program:
  
  View the Step-up Achieve video    Active Twin Cities - Step Up Youth website
  
  
• Right Track is the city of Saint Paul’s summer career development initiative for youth providing motivated, low-income teenagers with work-readiness training and professional internship placements with St. Paul employers. More about the Right Track program:
  
  View the Right Track video     Right Tracks - St. Paul Park and Recreation website
  
  
• Urban Scholars is a 12-week (summer) internship that includes formal leadership and professional development training. Urban Scholars are graduate- and undergraduate-level students. Urban Scholars spend four days a week working on meaningful projects and work assignments alongside organizational leaders. One day a week, scholars come together as a cohort to learn and practice skills in leadership, professional development, small groups and public speaking. More information about the Urban Scholars program:
  
  View Minneapolis Urban Scholars vide     Minneapolis Urban Scholars program website  

If you have questions about these programs, contact Evelyn Witherspoon in the Human Resources Division at the following address:

Executive Pathways Internship Coordinator
Human Resources Division
Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64997
St. Paul, MN 55164-0997
Voice: 651-431-6579

dhs.internships@state.mn.us

Executive Pathways Internship Program

Applications for 2026 accepted now 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers paid internship opportunities for college students to explore a rewarding career in public service. DHS, in collaboration with community and partners including Tribes, counties, non-profit and for-profit providers, supports people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives.

The Executive Pathways Internship Program focuses on a diverse workforce by developing the talents of students as they prepare for professional employment. Graduate and undergraduate students majoring in public policy, statistics, psychology, social work, law, public health, sociology and other human services-related fields are encouraged to apply and have the opportunity to learn how public policy is developed and implemented in a large and complex government organization.

Through this internship program, students have the chance to be part of many well-publicized and highly visible policy decisions that impact Minnesotans' quality of life.

Each placement is designed to provide in-depth learning opportunities in a state government setting. The Executive Pathways Internship Program is a paid internship program and students will work 30 to 40 hours per week between June to August. Due to the pandemic, all internship positions will be remote. 

Learn more about the application process. 

Executive Pathways Internship application process.

Human services jobs

Civic rights

Supporting diversity