Carlo Franco
Youth Engagement and Training Manager
City of Saint Paul
St. Paul, MN USA
“We have to do something that is going to give us the life that we want to see for ourselves.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationCarlo Franco
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was the first in my family to graduate from college—I earned my bachelor’s degree in child psychology and leadership from the University of Minnesota.
Throughout college, I worked for the City of Saint Paul in the parks and recreation department.
I started at a rec center in my home neighborhood and then transferred to Highland Park, where I opened up a renovated building for teen and youth programming.
I then coordinated the St. Paul Youth Commission, an advocacy organization for young people to impact change within the city.
After that, I spent four years working as a restorative justice coordinator for Humboldt High School, the same high school I had graduated from.
I got the opportunity to work again with the city doing programming work in our rec centers.
I’m now working in youth development for the City of Saint Paul’s Right Track program, where I engage and empower young people and connect them with jobs.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Child Psychology and Leadership
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Child Psychology and Leadership
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Career
Youth Engagement and Training Manager
I empower youth in St. Paul, linking them to meaningful jobs and creating bright futures.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
For a typical day, I spend time on my computer developing programming and curriculum, communicating with community partners, meeting with other team members, and really tracking progress on youth being engaged in the program. Many days we are out at youth serving spaces (schools and programs) to share about the program.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
I recommend pursuing an undergraduate degree in youth development, psychology, business, education, or management. A degree in this field typically elevates your earning potential. I also encourage young people who want to do community work to really know your community. Spend time at your rec center and after school programs. Walk around your neighborhood and say hello to people.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Youth Development
Youth Development
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
