Creating Early Pathways Into Tech for Ramsey County’s Young Innovators
By Catrice O’Neal, Ramsey County Director of Workforce Solutions
In my time at the county, I’ve seen firsthand how early exposure to technology and innovation careers can change a young person’s pathway. One of our cornerstone efforts is Youth Works! a countywide collaborative that connects young people ages 14–24 to employment, training, and career pathways—including those in information technology and digital fields. Youth Works! helps align schools, employers, and community partners so youth can explore tech careers through internships, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.
We’ve also invested in targeted, skills-based programming like Tech Squads, which provides IT training, industry-recognized certifications, and paid work experience supporting community members with technology. This model not only builds technical skills early but reinforces them through real-world application—often without requiring a four-year degree. Complementing this, our partnership with the City of Saint Paul’s Right Track Program integrates paid training opportunities in high-growth sectors like information technology, ensuring youth can explore digital careers while earning income and developing job skills.
Finally, we recognize that digital access is foundational. Ramsey Connected provides residents of all ages with computer and internet resources. These resources, alongside library makerspaces and community-based training, ensure that young people are not only introduced to technology early—but are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Catrice O'Neal
Ramsey County Director of Workforce Solutions
Catrice is a proud Minnesotan from Minneapolis and has spent her entire life here. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from St. Catherine University and her Master of Social Work from Augsburg University. She has held a social work license since 2016 and has spent more than 20 years working in both the public and nonprofit sectors, primarily supporting youth and families. Prior to joining Ramsey County as the Director of Workforce Solutions and Executive Director of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County in 2025, Catrice served as the Workforce Development Director for the cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center in partnership with the Hennepin–Carver Workforce Board. She also currently teaches in the School of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas. She is deeply passionate about workforce development and pioneering innovative solutions to advance economic inclusion. She says, “I would not be the professional or person I am today without some of the very programs and services that we provide.”