Internship at Secretary of State’s office a stepping stone for BHS senior Feven Tesfaye

Feven Tesfaye has always been curious about how government works - not so much the politics, but the behind-the-scenes agencies that keep everything running. This summer, the Burnsville High School senior is getting a firsthand look at that world as a youth intern with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office.

Her work is earning her school credit, something she coordinated with the help of her school counselor. But for Feven, the experience is more than just a class requirement. It’s a chance to explore her passion for public service and see firsthand how government can make a difference.

“I’ve always loved government and the different functions of government,” she said. “Not necessarily the political side, but the agency side. I’ve talked to Secretary Simon about my passion to be part of non-partisan government. This kind of work is something I want to be part of. This internship feels like a great stepping stone.”

Feven’s path to the Secretary of State’s office began last spring when she participated in the Minnesota High School Page Program. The weeklong program gives high school juniors a chance to help at the state Capitol, working directly with the House of Representatives.

While there, Feven connected with the Secretary of State’s youth coordinator, who later reached out about internship opportunities. That connection led to her current role, which she started at the beginning of the summer and will continue through the end of August.

Feven’s days at the office are busy and varied. She’s been reorganizing the voter outreach section of the Secretary of State’s website, attending weekly department and staff meetings, and brainstorming equity-focused voter registration drives and outreach events across Minnesota.

Feven is working to connect with other students who are interested in advancing youth-led initiatives, encouraging them to take an active role in civic engagement. She’s also traveled with Secretary Simon on outreach trips, assisting with logistics and seeing up close how voter education efforts are carried out across the state.

At Burnsville High School, Feven has been active in voter registration drives, partnering with the League of Women Voters to help students at BHS and Burnsville Alternative High School get registered.

“Being part of the Minnesota Youth Council really started my passion for government work,” she said. “I worked closely with legislators and the Minnesota Department of Education, trying to find issues everyday people are facing and trying to resolve them.”

Feven also participates in a variety of groups and activities at BHS, including speech, debate, National Honor Society, the Youth Service Advisory Council, and student council. She serves as a blood drive coordinator, and is part of Burnsville Strong and Link Crew. She was awarded District 191’s Coskran Volunteer Award in the spring of 2025 for her service work.

A former student at Hidden Valley Elementary and Eagle Ridge Middle School, Feven now has her sights set on an ambitious future.

“I’m definitely interested specifically in international studies and hopefully doing international law and tying that to government work,” she said. “I don’t have a concrete plan yet, but that’s the area I’m looking into - finding a program that will give me those opportunities.”