Bloom in Bloomington

Mission

Bloom in Bloomington strives to support and grow a more diverse, and accessible workplace for our community by matchmaking young people with employers in local government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Vision

Bloom in Bloomington dreams of a world where employment disparities are eliminated, our workforce reflects the diversity of the community and young people of all identities can feel seen by their government and be empowered to reach their full potential.

Core values

• We draw on the insights and opinions of people with different backgrounds and perspectives to inform our work.
• Equity, inclusion and belonging principles are at the forefront of what we do.
• We seek out partnerships with employers who are aligned with our mission and vision.
• The lives and voices of young people matter in the ways we shape Bloom in Bloomington.
• We serve as the catalyst that works to eliminate employment disparities in our community.
• Our work is guided by an urgency to create brilliant results and a better future for our young people.

Bloom in Bloomington internship program

Young adult internship

Young adult internships will begin the week of May 27th and run through August 16th, 2024. Two three-hour job preparedness orientation sessions will be held at Bloomington Civic Plaza prior to the start of the internships the week of May 20th. This is a 12 week internship designed for young people aged 18 – 24 who are not in high school but live and/or attend college in the city of Bloomington.

High school internship

High school student internships will begin June 24th and run through August 16th, 2024. Two three-hour job preparedness orientation sessions will be held at Bloomington Civic Plaza prior to the start of the internships the week of May 20th. This is an 8 week internship for young people age 16+ enrolled in a high school in the city of Bloomington.

High school interns are expected to attend the Leadership Academy every Friday during their internship program. The Leadership Academy provides skill building opportunities such as public speaking, networking, and racial equity training.

Additional considerations are given to applicants who qualify for free or reduced lunch; and will be the first in their family to complete high school or college at the time of application.

Application Process & Timeline

The application for both employers and intern candidates will be open from October 1 through December 29, 2023. Interviews will be held the from January 8 through January 26, 2024. Two three-hour job preparedness orientation sessions will be held the week of May 20, 2024 in the evening at Bloomington Civic Plaza to accommodate school schedules. 

Orientations and Leadership Academy Descriptions

Interns will attend career readiness training prior to the start of their internships. They will learn skills such as professional etiquette, resume building, and how to use basic office software.

High school interns are expected to attend the Leadership Academy every Friday during their internship program. The Leadership Academy provides skill building opportunities such as public speaking, networking, and racial equity training. Employers are expected to pay their interns for participation as this is a professional readiness program.

Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony will be held the evening of the last day of the internship on August 16th. Employers, supervisors, family, friends, and all of the interns are invited to attend. The ceremony will be held at Bloomington Civic Plaza (1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431).

High school cohort

Jazzmyna Alcenat

Alexis Gutierrez Navarro

Weemon Yeakehson

Young adult cohort

Zuhur Abdi

Emmanuel O Ayelomi

Ruby Cibik

Jordon Jackson

Kayla McMayer

Isela Cereso Mendiola

The application portal for both the employers and the intern candidates will be open through December 29, 2023. City of Bloomington staff will review qualified applicants, conduct first round interviews with candidates, facilitate introductory meetings with employers, and coordinate matching the interns with supervisors. Interns will have initial orientations prior to the start of their internships to learn professional etiquette skills such as requesting time off, dress code, appropriate use of cell phones, and basic software skills.

Apply to host an Bloom in Bloomington intern at your company - Employer Application (closes December 29, 2023). 

The intern application will open on October 1.