Summer 2024 Newsletter

August 29, 2024
teen students in youth career pathways program

Paving the Way for Minneapolis Youth

Awarding the highest number of short-term certificates in the construction field in the Twin Cities (Lightcast, 2024), Summit Academy OIC achieves its results through industry-informed training, employer partnerships, and rigorous internal and external evaluation. But did you know that Summit Academy also offers the Youth Career Pathways program that introduces Minneapolis youth to STEM skills and careers? Read on to learn more about how Summit works with Minneapolis youth to build a diverse, skilled, and confident workforce.

Offering Cutting-Edge Skills & Industry Connections

Summit Academy OIC invites Minneapolis teenagers to explore their future careers through Youth Career Pathways, where they can gain proficiency in technical skills. With technology playing a critical role in most industries, our programs equip students with the most in-demand skills. By connecting them with local businesses, we introduce students to a range of career options they might not have considered. Additionally, exposure to Summit’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) raises early awareness of post-secondary opportunities. From creative projects to business skills, our youth programs prepare teens for career success.

Gaining Real-World Experience

Several Youth Career Pathways students are interning this summer at:

Best Buy Corporate: Social impact team and summer retail interns

Lutunji's Palate: Food prep and customer service

KMOJ Radio: Office management and radio production

Image Studios: Studio assistant

Fresh Films Clapperboard

Investing in Tomorrow's Filmmakers

This spring, 11 youth enrolled in the Fresh Films course that provided hands-on learning to grow their technical skills in the film industry. "Storytelling is an important skill for students to be exposed to," says instructor Josh Cisewski, "because narratives can shape perspectives, and being able to tell a story well is a wonderful skill that goes beyond making film and video projects." The program expanded students' career possibilities while building confidence.

Javon Williams, Youth Career Pathways participant

New Skills to Build a Career

Local high school junior Javon Williams first connected to Youth Career Pathways in fall 2023 by coming to the drop-in center. He went on to the Photography Studio course. "Creativity-wise, being here has opened a lot of doors for me," Javon says. "Photography is something I want to continue with and try to build a career out of eventually."

Fresh Films students

On June 6, Fresh Films students showcased their video projects at Summit's main campus, including a documentary focused on Green Garden Bakery in North Minneapolis.

Derek McCallum, AIA, RSP design principal

Partner Spotlight: RSP Architects

RSP Architechts has generously supported Summit Academy for several years. Besides financial support, Derek McCallum, AIA, RSP design principal, along with his colleagues, created a studio course in design. The course mentors students in design thinking and problem solving.

"I'm just trying to inspire students to consider architecture as an avenue to pursue in the future," McCallum related. A student from the Design Studios' first cohort went on to intern and later received a full scholarship in design at the University of Minnesota. Opportunities like this become possible for students in North Minneapolis when corporate sponsors and donors give their time and talents.

Student rendering of bus shelter for project in Design Studio course

In a recent Design Studio course, students learned how to incorporate design concepts into projects that benefit the community. With the help of RSP Architects and Our Streets, youth researched needs in the local neighborhood and developed plans for upgraded bus shelters to encourage public transit use.

Student Talo Stevens designed this bus shelter rendering in the Design Studio course in summer 2023.

Join Us in Expanding Opportunity

You can help create life-changing opportunities for students and families:

  • Give. Your donation provides tuition-free career training.
  • Hire. Partner with Summit graduates for meaningful careers.
  • Volunteer. Share your experience through mentorship, mock interviews, or classroom visits.

Every act of support helps build a thriving community where everyone has the chance to succeed.