For more than a decade, Genesys Works has helped Twin Cities high school students land internships at major corporations like Target, 3M and Cargill.
On average, the organization says more than 1,000 students apply to participate in its popular summer program each year. Around 700 are interviewed and between 300-400 make the cut.
Those that are accepted receive around two months of training in professional development and technical skills. The official summer program concludes with Draft Day, a celebration similar to the NFL Draft, but with a corporate twist. In front of a crowd of more than 1,500, local companies announce which students they have selected for internships during the school year.
"It's exciting to see the transformation of students during that time," said Genesys Works Marketing Manager Courtney Stoesz. "Some start out super quiet and unsure of themselves. To watch them flourish and transform during these internships is really cool."
During the academic year, students attend school from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. then go to their internships in the afternoon. They are paid up to $14,000 during that time.
"Many are primarily low-income students," Stoesz said. "You see this opportunity transforming not just the individual, but the community at large."
Genesys Works estimates that 72% of its students earn the same or more than at least one parent.
Earlier this year, Genesys Works was one of five Minnesota nonprofits to receive funds as part of the Google Impact Challenge. Each organization received $175,000 to support projects aimed at creating economic opportunities in the Twin Cities.
Genesys Works received an additional $125,000 as the people's choice winner of the competition.
But because of the COVID-19 outbreak, some businesses are cutting or adjusting their internship programs. Some are able to work remotely for their companies, but others aren't so lucky.
For those that are unable to engage in their normal roles, Genesys Works provided paycheck continuity for March and April. The organization is also offering a Learn and Earn curriculum, which includes opportunities for students to gain a competitive advantage through professional development and credentialing courses.
Currently, they can complete Google and Apple IT certifications, and earn stipends for every module completed. They can also take classes through Salesforce, Coursera and ServiceNow.
Stoesz told Minne Inno that many of the Genesys Works students have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. Many risk more than just a gap in their resume – by losing jobs they're also losing much-needed paychecks.
"As we know, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are not felt equally across our communities and our students, 88% of whom are eligible for free or reduced lunch, are disproportionately affected," she said.
In response to the outbreak, Genesys Works has created an Impact Fund that they hope can partially offset the pain, loss or inconvenience of COVID-19.
"At a time when our students are navigating virus-related fears, the challenges of lost wages and suspended internship opportunities, they need or our support more than ever," Genesys Works says.
