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RightTrack youth internship program seeks $250,000 per year to expand summer internships in St. Paul
Summary
Senate File 26-58 requests $250,000 in FY2026 and $250,000 in FY2027 from the Workforce Development Fund to the City of Saint Paul to expand RightTrack youth internships (14–21) by 100 summer internships and additional job coaching; the committee laid the bill on the table for possible inclusion.
Senate File 26-58, sponsored by Sen. Roz Hur, would appropriate $250,000 in FY2026 and $250,000 in FY2027 from the Workforce Development Fund as one-time funding to the City of Saint Paul to expand the RightTrack youth internship program, which serves youth ages 14–21 who face barriers to employment.
Nardos Tesfaladet (program supervisor for RightTrack) told the committee the program has more than 20 years of experience partnering with more than 100 employer partners and that in 2024 RightTrack supported 1,165 internships. She said the program received a record 2,300 applications for summer positions this February and currently expects to provide a minimum of 900 internships in the upcoming summer; the requested funds would add roughly 100 additional summer internship experiences and increase job-coaching supports.
Upshur Ali, a multi-year RightTrack participant and alumnus now attending Augsburg University and working as senior director of a local nonprofit, described internships with the Saint Paul City Council and mayor’s office that led to leadership opportunities; he urged support so more young people can access transformational experiences.
Committee staff confirmed the fiscal picture and the committee laid Senate File 26-58 on the table for possible inclusion after testimony; the hearing did not enact final funding.
