Youth Employment is a program operating in the summer for middle and high school students. We provide job opportunities for up to 35 youth in an environment they can be proud of. The employed youth gain valuable job skills as teacher’s assistants, office assistants, and summer community gardeners, all while earning money. They are role models for the younger children in our programs, and their presence is essential to the continuation of our mission.

There are two ways in which students can work at Kaleidoscope:

1. STEP-UP:  This program, run by the city of Minneapolis, allows students ages 14-21 to work with many companies and organizations throughout Minneapolis. Kaleidoscope is one of the locations that students can work at. Students have the opportunity to be teachers assistants or program assistants during the summer program. This is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in careers in youth work. Students get first hand experience working with youth and understanding many of the responsibilities that come with youth work and education.

To qualify for STEP-UP, students must be at least 14 by June 1st, but no older than 21, of the summer they desire to work. Students must also live in Minneapolis. For more information, and to apply, please visit STEP-UP Summer Job Program.

The deadline for students wishing to work for STEP-UP over the summer of 2012 was February 3rd, 2012.

2. Urban Garden Youth Employment (UGYE):  This program, offered by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Kaleidoscope, gives students the opportunity to gain valuable career skills during the summer while learning about gardening and entrepreneurship. It is an incredible first job opportunity and many students come back to the program year after year, often becoming leaders of youth employment groups as they reach college age.

To qualify for UGYE, a student must be 12 years of age by June 1st, but no older than 16. In March, our annual Youth Employment Fair informational event happens. During the employment fair prospective applicants will be introduced to the program, meet supervisors, and pick up applications. Please know that Kaleidoscope is only able to employ a limited number of students each summer and competition for these positions is very high. When filling out the application, please read through all of the information carefully and follow the directions exactly. Applications will be judged solely on the quality of the application, adherence to deadlines, and the quality of the references. Applications are typically due by the end of March, and students will be notified of their status by the beginning of April. Around the middle-end of February check our Events Calendar for information on these dates. After the employment fair, all application materials will be posted at the bottom of this page.

On March 3rd, 2012, Kaleidoscope will host a Youth Employment Fair for summer jobs, open to the public. This fair is open to all youth ages 12-16 who are interested in summer employment.

Youth Employment Fair
Saturday, March 3, 2012
12:00pm-2:00pm
The Center for Changing Lives
2400 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55404
Check-in at front desk for room location.

 The deadline for public applications is March 24th.
Students will be notified of their status by the beginning of April.

FOR KALEIDOSCOPE STUDENTS AND RETURNING EMPLOYEES
The deadline for early applications is March 2nd. This deadline is only for Kaleidoscope students and returning employees from last summer.  Applications are only available through the Kaleidoscope office.

Application Process

Below you will find the program description, job descriptions, and job application for our Urban Garden Youth Employment program. Please read carefully and make sure all materials are filled out completely before returning them to Kaleidoscope Place.

We will post the job descriptions and application packet in March after the Youth Job Fair.