Minnesota Capitol Pathways
Everyone should have access to opportunities in public service and policy, and our government should be representative of our communities.
Since 2016, the Capitol Pathways program from the Citizens League places college students of color in paid internships with government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and law firms where they can gain experience and build relationships in and around the Capitol.
Each year during Minnesota’s legislative session, interns can expect to accomplish several things that will help them in their future careers:
- Build relationships with established policy leaders
- Gain exposure to various kinds of careers in government
- Get real-world experience in career fields they would like to learn more about
- Create a strong professional resume
19%
Percentage of Minnesota’s population who identify as a person of color
21
Current members of the state legislature who are people of color, less than 12% of the total legislature
127
The number of college students of color that have participated in the program since 2016, many of them continuing their careers in policy and government
Capitol Pathways 2019
STUDENTS
The 2019 cohort includes 34 students from 12 schools around the state.
HOST ORGANIZATIONS
Capitol Pathways host organizations include government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and law firms that work in and around Minnesota’s Capitol.
> Click here to learn more about this year’s host organizations
ALUMNI MENTORS
Three alumni mentors provide support, coaching, and advising to the student cohort.
Capitol Pathways Updates
Photo Album: Capitol Pathways Celebration
Our thanks to all who could join us as we wrapped up another year of Capitol Pathways, creating opportunities for college students of color in and around Minnesota’s Capitol. Click here for our photo album of the evening!
Recap: Capitol Pathways 4th Annual Celebration
On June 6, 2019, Capitol Pathways students, hosts, and supporters gathered for an evening recognizing the achievements and bright futures of our cohort as the 4th year of the program came to a close.
Capitol Pathways Mentor Q&A: Jordana Palmer
As this year’s Capitol Pathways program nears its completion, we asked Capitol Pathways mentor Jordana Palmer a few questions about her experience thus far.
Capitol Pathways Video
Twin Cities PBS has covered Capitol Pathways since the beginning of the program in 2016, interviewing participants during their internship and alumni as they continue their careers in policy. Watch below.
CONNECT
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SUPPORT
A gift of any amount is valuable and goes directly to support the program. Donate today to support students of color and their path to becoming civic leaders in Minnesota.
DONATE
This program is made possible in part by major donors:
Bush Foundation
Dick and Joyce H. McFarland Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
F.R. Bigelow Foundation
The Martha Struthers Farley and Donald C. Farley, Jr. Family Foundation
McKnight Foundation
Otto Bremer Trust
Roy G. and Naomi Harmon Johnston Family Family Foundation
The Saint Paul Foundation
Sarah Farley and Betty Tisel