Partner Organizations
The City of Minneapolis is a local government agency that serves and protects the well-being of Minneapolis residents. It consists of various departments working together to make Minneapolis a growing and vibrant world-class city with a flourishing economy and a pristine environment, where all people are safe, healthy and have equitable opportunities for success and happiness.
The mission of Hennepin County is to enhance the health, safety and quality of life of its residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way.
Minneapolis Public Schools exist to ensure that 35,000+ students are college and career ready by the time they graduate from high school.
The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation system consists of 197 park properties, including local and regional parks, playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, picnic areas, biking and walking paths, nature sanctuaries and the 55-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Together, these properties total nearly 6,744 acres of parkland and water. The backbone of the park system is its 47 full-service neighborhood recreation centers. The park system is maintained and developed by the nine-member Board of Commissioners, which is an independently elected, semi-autonomous body created by the Minnesota legislature and ratified by Minneapolis voters in April 1883.
The State of Minnesota is made up of multiple agencies that serves Minnesota. It is the largest employer in the state of Minnesota, employing over 50,000 employees in various state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges, and universities across the state.
The Greater Twin Cities United Way is a non-profit agency that brings people together to help the Twin Cities reach its full potential. United Way partners with local nonprofits, businesses, government and social service agencies to address the Twin Cities most pressing needs.
The Metropolitan Council is the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services for the Twin Cities metropolitan region.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission is a public corporation providing coordinated aviation services throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The MAC operates one of the largest airport systems in the nation, which includes MSP and six general aviation airports.
The Fourth Judicial District Court is Minnesota's largest trial court with 62 judges, 15 referees, and 582 staff who process approximately 40% of all cases filed in the state. (Please note that this partner only places current law students)
The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is an independent city agency committed to promoting and delivering quality, well-managed homes to a diverse low-income population and contributing to the well-being of the individuals and families served.
2020 Position Descriptions
Please note the Urban Scholars program has a fellowship style application. In other words, candidates do not apply to specific positions, but rather first stage of the application is applying to the program.
This is not a comprehensive list of 2020 placements.
City of Minneapolis Graduate Student Opportunities:
- City Clerk's Office - Records and Information Management: Position may be of interest to Library and Information Science students or Public Policy students with an interest in data practices.
- City Coordinator's Office - Intergovernmental Relations: Position may be of interest to Public Policy or Public Administration students.
- Community Planning and Economic Development - Housing Policy and Development: Position may be of interest to Urban Planning, Public Policy, or Public Administration students.
- Community Planning and Economic Development - Development Services: Position may be of interest to Urban Planning or Architecture students.
- Health Department, Administration Division: Position may be of interest to Public Health, Public Policy, or Public Administration students with an interest in the opioid epidemic.
- Health Department, Healthy Living Initiative: Position may be of interest to Public Health students.
- Human Resources, Administration: Position may be of interest to MIS students or students with interest in database design and data visualization.
- Internal Audit: Position may be of interest to Public Policy or Public Administration students with an interest in affordable housing.
- Public Works - Transportation Planning and Programming: Position may be of interest to Urban Planning students with an interest in transportation.
- City Attorney's Office - Civil or Criminal Division: Position open to law students only.
- Finance Department - Capital Budgeting: Position may be of interest to Public Policy students with strong analytical skills or Finance students with an interest in policy.
City of Minneapolis Undergraduate Student Opportunities:
| Topic | Projects |
| Elected Official's Office | 6 |
| Environment and Sustainability | 3 |
| Human Resources | 2 |
| IT/Computer Science | 2 |
| GIS | 1 |
| Liberal Arts | 10 |
| Business/Operations | 2 |
| Supply Chain Operations | 1 |
| Elections | 1 |
State of Minnesota Graduate Opportunities
- Minnesota Management & Budget - Budget and Results Division: Position may be of interest to Public Policy or Public Administration students.
- Minnesota Management & Budget - Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Division Position may be of interest to Public Policy or Public Administration students.
- Minnesota Management & Budget - Labor Relations Division: Position may be of interest to Public Policy or Public Administration students.
- Minnesota Management & Budget - Minnesota's Children's Cabinet: Position may be of interest to Community Practice Social Work, Public Policy, or Public Administration students.
- Minnesota Department of Administration - State Historical Preservation Office: Position may be of interest to Urban Planning, Museum Studies, Architecture, History, or Public Administration students.
Last updated: 2/10/2019 - Please check back for updated projects throughout the application period.
See where Scholars work
Institutions or organizations interested in becoming a partner organization are encouraged to contact the Urban Scholars Administration Team at [email protected] for more information.
Last updated Feb 10, 2020
