Helping youth realize their full potential

Did you know that across America, millions of young people are shut out of today’s workforce due to lack of relevant skills and work experience? And that at the same time, millions of entry-level jobs go unfilled because companies struggle to find qualified candidates? 

Cargill’s Global IT organization is working with the Twin Cities chapter of Genesys Works – a non-profit social enterprise aimed at changing the trajectory of life for high school students from low-income families – to bridge that gap.

This fall, Cargill Global IT joined other businesses at Genesys Works’ “Draft Day,” where more than 260 high school students were matched with internship opportunities to hone their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills. Each student completed eight weeks of technology and workplace training through Genesys Works to prepare for the yearlong paid internship positions.

“Fostering tomorrow’s STEM leaders is a top priority for Cargill – and we’re delighted to welcome seven new interns through our partnership with Genesys Works,” said Zac Quayle, human resources leader for Cargill Global IT.

According to Quayle, the students have a unique opportunity at Cargill to work on developing technologies that support the company’s diverse global business operations in agriculture, nutrition, energy and financial services. 

“STEM talent is in high demand, and we need the best and brightest as we drive innovation throughout Cargill to advance our mission to nourish the world,” said Quayle. “We’re proud to support Genesys Works in its efforts to open new technology career opportunities for talented high school students.” 

David Kulm, a supervisor in Cargill Global IT, agrees. 

“Manufacturing IT intern Bushra Abdi was tasked with coming up to speed on Microsoft® Visio® in order to translate hand-drawn PC equipment diagrams from our 43 North American animal nutrition plants into digital drawing files,” said Kulm. “She was able to quickly teach herself Visio and successfully completed the task within about four weeks. These drawing files are now being used to support some time-sensitive upgrades whose success will benefit from Bushra’s great work.”