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July 2022
On behalf of the WIB, thank you for your partnership and commitment to ensuring that Ramsey County is a place where all residents and businesses can prosper.
Digital equity is at the foundation of an equitable future and an inclusive economy. With the continued movement of jobs, education, and healthcare online, addressing this issue is critically important. This month's newsletter speaks to this issue and lifts up some initiatives being implemented in Ramsey County to address the digital divide.
Enjoy these beautiful summer days!
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 Digital equity means everyone has the technology they need to be part of our society. It is the foundation of a fair future and an inclusive economy. Connectivity Blueprint is an initiative led by Ramsey County, the City of Saint Paul and a steering committee of experts to create a community-guided roadmap to digital equity.
Through the Connectivity Blueprint initiative the county and city are:
- Talking with residents about their experience living with limited access to technology.
- Focusing on areas with limited access to internet and computers.
- Assessing the broader impact on different communities.
Learn more about the Connectivity Blueprint here.
 Ramsey County believes internet access is a basic need and low-cost internet should be available to all residents. Ramsey Connected is an initiative designed to ensure all Ramsey County residents have access to low-cost internet and computers and the skills to use them. A resource page found on county's website provides a comprehensive list of links to low-cost computer technology, internet, and cellular phone services. The site also includes resources to assist residents with improving their computer and job skills.
Access the tools available through Ramsey Connected here.
Nearly five million persons in America between the ages of 16 and 24 are neither working nor in school, with roughly three million living in poverty, without access to education, employment or training. The reasons are numerous, from housing insecurity or homelessness to being young parents or aging out of school or foster care.
“There is a huge gap for hands-on learning for this group of youth who have become disconnected from schooling or employment,” said Becky Brink Ray, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) Director of Career Training & Education.
The GESMN YouthBuild program, in partnership with the national YouthBuild organization, aims to reduce that gap for young people to rebuild their lives and thereby improve the Ramsey County community. YouthBuild is a free program where disconnected youth can simultaneously receive hands-on construction and leadership skills training while earning a GED or diploma, effectively helping young people break out of their current situation.
Read the full article here.
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The WIB is currently accepting applications for Business and Community Based Organization members. Take your place in joining with other community leaders engaged in supporting a more inclusive Ramsey County economy. As a member of the WIB, you can IMPACT workforce initiatives in our community that ensure businesses have the talent they need and residents have access to opportunity and prosperity.
Learn more about WIB membership here or contact Becky Milbrandt with questions about the application process and eligibility requirements.
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Mary Rick, Director of Business Development, City of Saint Paul Planning and Economic Development
Share about your work at the City of Saint Paul and with Full Stack Saint Paul?
As a member of Saint Paul’s Planning and Economic Development team, I work with public and private sector partners to build community wealth, enhance neighborhood vibrancy, and provide quality local jobs. My work includes amplifying small business resources, advising on real estate opportunities, and securing more investments into the City of Saint Paul.
I’m also proud to staff Full Stack Saint Paul, the city's tech and innovation initiative in partnership with the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce. We are focused on leveraging tech and innovation to drive equitable and sustainable economic development. Through MSP Tech Hire, for example, we helped launch and fund scholarships for a new program called the “UX Academy” with Prime Digital Academy and Right Track, an intensive training and internship opportunity for under-resourced young people.
Read more about Mary here.
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Lunch & Learn Wednesday, July 13 from 12 – 12:45pm
Are you hungry to connect? Join Ramsey County's One-Stop partners on Wednesday, July 13, from noon to 12:45 p.m. for a virtual Lunch and Learn event to get information about partner program services and build your referral network. This month's featured partners include:
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Ramsey County Library
- Digital Literacy Classes and drop-in computer & technology help
- Electronic Resources & Programs for Job Seekers and Small Business
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Ramsey County Digital Equity
- Connectivity Blueprint, Ramsey Connected
Ramsey County One-Stop partners are committed to increasing knowledge of available programs and services, and increasing partner referrals. This event is ideal for service delivery staff and supervisors in workforce, education and community services.
Join the event! No registration is required.
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 Youth Career Exploration Event - July 14, 3-6 p.m.
The East Side xChange invites employers to participate in a Youth Career Exploration Event on July 14 from 3-6 p.m. at 1351 Arcade St. in Saint Paul. They are asking employers to initiate the conversations with the young people and showcase the unique work of each organization through an interactive activity. Find some examples of successful activities led by employers at previous events here and here. Don’t have an interactive activity? No problem! The xChange can help you design one. Just fill out the employer registration form and their team will reach out to brainstorm an interactive and fun experience for your booth.
This event is sponsored in part by the WIB. Learn more about the Youth Career Exploration Event here.
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Metro Region Virtual Job Fairs
Does your organization have positions to fill? Meet, interact with and interview qualified candidates in the metro region during an online career fair. Learn more about participating in CareerForce events by clicking here.
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Racial Equity Dividends Index identifies opportunities for building racially equitable workplaces
By Nathan Arnosti, Director of Analytics, Center for Economic Inclusion
On June 21, the Center for Economic Inclusion published its first annual Racial Equity Dividends Index, which surveys Minnesota businesses on their implementation of 36 of the leading standards for building racially equitable and inclusive workplaces. Forty businesses – including more than a dozen headquartered in Ramsey County – participated in the 2022 Index, demonstrating their commitment to shared accountability for inclusive economic growth. These businesses hold tremendous economic power: they employ more than 200,000 Minnesotans and more than 550,000 workers outside of Minnesota.
The 2022 Index revealed that progress towards racially equitable workplaces is uneven. Some policies are nearly universal among participating businesses: 98% of participants offer financially stabilizing benefits like health insurance and retirement savings to all full-time employees, and 90% of participants survey employees annually about their sense of equity and belonging.
Read the full Promising Practices article here.
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