Q&A: Hashim Yonis of STEP-UP

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — The Obama administration is launching a venture to improve employment for low-income and disconnected youth. The initiative brings together businesses, non-profits and government to provide opportunities this summer and beyond.

As part of the kickoff event at the White House, the President highlighted the work of the STEP-UP summer jobs program in Minneapolis, and Mayor R.T. Rybak was on hand to speak on the program's success.

Hashim Yonis, a 23-year old Somali-American, sat on a panel of young people from around the country who have benefited from programs like STEP-UP.

Hashim Yonis spoke from Washington with MPR's Tom Crann.