(MINNEAPOLIS) – Mayor Jacob Frey and Council Member Jason Chavez joined as the City of Minneapolis celebrated 41 college and graduate students who took part in the 2024 Urban Scholars program. Urban Scholars is a leadership and professional development internship program providing students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds with distinctive professional experience.
“Our Urban Scholars aren’t just great leaders of tomorrow, they are really helpful contributors to our own work right now,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Of course the Urban Scholars program is about preparing these talents for the future, but our City is also benefiting from their skillsets in present roles.”
"When I was 19 years old and in my first year of college, I had the opportunity to join this program and work in the Minneapolis Public School District,” said Minneapolis Council Member Jason Chavez, Ward 9. “As an alumnus of the Urban Scholars program and now a Council Member, I take immense pride in watching this program continue to nurture leaders, visionary thinkers, dedicated advocates, and passionate activists. I am constantly inspired by the incredible individuals who come through this program. They make up a new generation of leaders ready to push boundaries and drive change. Our city will continue to thrive because of their energy, ideas, and dedication.”
Focused on essential leadership skills and creating resume-building career pathways, Urban Scholars is training the next generation of leaders. More than 250 applications were received and more than 100 interviews were conducted before the final 41 were chosen. On June 3rd, the City of Minneapolis inaugurated the thirteenth cohort of Urban Scholars alongside program partners Hennepin County, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, State of Minnesota, and The APi Group. Between all partners, more than 50 project sites were developed for the Urban Scholars to take part in. Every member completed the program, culminating in the ceremony in City Hall on August 16th.
“During our summer with the Urban Scholars, we can see the future leaders of America, learn and grow right in front of us,” said Michelle Phillips, Director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department. “We are not just exposing them to what a potential career could look like, we are helping them carve their path to success. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Urban Scholars is a 12-week paid internship and includes formal leadership and professional development training. Scholars spend four days a week working on meaningful projects and work assignments alongside organizational leaders at various host sites. One day a week, Scholars come together as a cohort to learn and practice skills in leadership, professional development, small groups, and public speaking.
In 2012, the City created the Urban Scholars program to address employment disparity in our City by serving racially diverse students, connecting public and nonprofit organizations with young talent and giving them the tools to build an equitable and inclusive workforce. Since then, approximately 34% of Urban Scholars alum have become employed by the City of Minneapolis, and there have been over 600 Scholars since the program began.