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Phoenix Student Worker Program

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A program for high school students

The Phoenix Student Worker Program offers hands-on work experience for high school students in STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) fields. Particpants work with MnDOT professionals on current projects that are shaping Minnesota’s transportation future while building valuable professional skills for their future careers.

The program partners with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) high schools to provide job opportunities for high school students enrolled in advanced STEM courses. Students attending schools with advanced STEM curriculum may also apply if there isn’t a PLTW school in or near their MnDOT district.

The Phoenix program also partners with youth employment organizations, including Achieve Twin Cities: Step Up and Right Track to expand access and opportunitites for students in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Students must be enrolled at a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) high school, or participating in Achieve Twin Cities: Step Up or Right Track youth employment programs. 

    •  If there are no PLTW schools near a MnDOT district, students attending schools with advanced STEM curriculum and are interested in STEM related careers also qualify.

Students must be taking (or have taken) Project Lead the Way or advanced STEM courses

Student must have completed their junior year and are going into their senior year of high school

Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA

  • Student workers are hired each year in cohorts that start at beginning of each summer.
  • The job posting and application supplement are open between February and May each year.
  • Selected students will participate in a formal interview process.
  • Student workers start as a cohort and participate in an orientation prior to their first day in their assigned work location.

Students have two Phoenix Student Worker tracks to choose from:

  • Year-Round Phoenix Student Worker Track – students work full-time (32 to 40 hours per week) during the summer, then up to 15 hours per week during the school year. Students must work minimum four hours per pay period during the school year to participate in the year-round track.
  • Summer Only Phoenix Student Worker Track – requires only summer participation; working full-time (32 to 40 hours per week) from June through August.

Depending on the position, Phoenix students are hired as either a Student Worker Clerical or a Student Worker Custodial/Maintenance As of July 1, 2025:

Student Worker Clerical pay rate is $19.00 - $22.23 per hour

The Phoenix Student Worker Program is no longer taking applications for summer 2025 positions. Summer 2026 positions will be posted in February.