West Broadway Business coalition seeks funds for North Minneapolis youth internship program; bill laid over

Senate File 16‑73, sponsored by Sen. Scott Champion, would provide support to the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition to establish a youth internship program in North Minneapolis linking students to local businesses, schools and training partners. The Jobs and Economic Development Committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion.

Crystal Porter, executive director of the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, described the program as a workforce pipeline that offers entry‑level jobs, on‑the‑job training, soft‑skills development and employer networking. Porter told the committee that early work experiences promote teamwork, time management and job readiness, and cited research showing reduced youth crime and increased earnings associated with summer jobs programs.

Youth participants testified in support. Sahara (last name not provided) described how an early work opportunity would have changed her high school experience by providing professional references and time‑management skills; Edwin Huff, a youth engagement coach with Emerge Community Development, said local internships reduce crime, strengthen community resilience and create pathways to stable employment. Proponents listed partners including local schools, North Memorial Health and Emerge Career and Technology Center.

The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion; no appropriation amount was recorded in the committee transcript.