Meet Steve Sneed, Internship Coordinator at ATS

Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas at Langston Hughes Center

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas is a nonprofit organization solely dedicated to presenting emerging Black arts, artists, and ideas in the Seattle area. We believe in the value of community, creativity, identity and passion. These values serve as our strategic frame and guide day-to-day operations and program decisions.

We work out of the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, an ADA-compliant facility rich with culture and history. 

CD Forum for Arts & Ideas website

About Converge

Converge Media is a leading producer of culturally relevant content in Seattle and across the Pacific Northwest. We create videos, editorial and creative writing, podcasts, and local news coverage curated specifically for an urban audience. We believe that the Black community deserve authentic representation, a focus on our community’s issues, and equitable access to elected officials, leadership, and governmental information.

Founded by Seattle Central District natives Omari Salisbury and Erik Kalligraphy, from day one, Converge Media has been a platform to amplify not only our own original content but also the content of independent African-American creators throughout the region, providing them with access to our engaged audience that is interested in their voices and perspectives. 

Converge website

TraeAnna Holiday

TraeAnna Holiday, a true Seattleite, has watched her city change in many ways. From the age of nine, her deepest passion was in the creative field, which flourished at Garfield High. She took that passion to Howard University, where she studied Theater Management in her first year of college.

After going through studying abroad multiple times with the University of Washington Tacoma, earning her degree in Communications and Urban Studies, and being displaced by gentrification, she’s now fueled to tell her neighborhood’s stories through film and education.

She found ways to work on the solutions as an Ambassador with Africatown Community Land Trust, TV show hosting and producing with Converge Media, and Media Director for King County Equity Now.

Ground Zero Radio at Vera at Seattle Center

Ground Zero Radio is a youth-led platform, in the form of radio, that cultivates and connects with the community by amplifying the youth voice through music, sports, activism, the arts, and culture. Throughout the pandemic the youth of GZ Radio have been hard at work building community relationships and executing career connected learning programs with partner organizations that empower youth to take ownership of their futures.

GZ Radio’s efforts are centered to serve youth who have an interest in pursuing careers related to multimedia and the entertainment industry with focuses on radio, broadcasting, podcasting, journalism, audio/video production, marketing, social media, event planning, and civic engagement.

Ground Zero Radio Instagram

KEXP Radio at Seattle Center

KEXP X Alan T Sugiyama’s Internship: In this 90-hour internship, the intern from Alan T Sugiyama High School will learn about a variety of careers under KEXP’s programming umbrella. By the end of the internship, the intern will understand how the work of on-air, online and in-person programming teams intersect with and rely on one another. The intern will meet and work with staff across many teams, including Community Engagement, Radio Production, Music Direction, Advancement and Digital Content. 

About KEXP

KEXP is a nonprofit arts organization serving music lovers through in-person, broadcast and online programming. KEXP operates one of the most influential listener-supported radio stations in the world, 90.3 KEXP-FM Seattle, with online and on-air service reaching over 200,000 global listeners each week.

On KEXP’s YouTube channel videos of exclusive live performances garner millions of views per week. In our home at Seattle Center, KEXP hosts community events and produces hundreds of live performances each year, many of which are open to the public at no charge.

Learn more about KEXP Radio internships

KEXP YouTube channel

The Residency

The Residency seeks to build a powerful community of young hip-hop artists equipped with the artistic and leadership skills, business acumen, and mentorship necessary to become professional artists and cultural change makers. Through their participation in The Residency, young artists from low-income families acquire tangible artistic and professional skills while also gaining confidence, teamwork, and a deepened understanding of their own identity and power.

The Residency website

Seattle Rep Theatre at Seattle Center

Seattle Rep is partnering with ATS to offer an internship in Costuming. The Costume Intern will learn all the elements of costuming from a world-class theater costume department. Their internship will include learning about costume design and construction. They will shadow productions throughout our season to see how a play gets costumed from the first design costume to opening night.

Their showcase project will be Costume Designing for the inaugural Youth Works Festival in June 2022. From solo shows to songwriting and beyond, this two-day festival will showcase the original work of some of the most talented youth in the Pacific Northwest, including a brand-new play created with the community right here in Seattle.

About the Seattle Rep

Seattle Rep puts theater at the heart of public life. Founded in 1963 and winner of the 1990 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, Seattle Rep is currently led by Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Managing Director Jeffrey Herrmann.

Over a season and throughout the year, Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle Rep’s nationally recognized programs include the New Play Program, Seattle Rep’s Public Works, the Next Narrative Monologue Competition, Pay What You Choose, and numerous audience enrichment and engagement opportunities including post-play panels, discussions, and community events.

Seattle Rep website

Do you have a job or internship or will have one soon? Great news! You can earn up to 1.0 CTE credits for work and internship experiences. To participate, students must meet the following criteria:

• Students must be at least 16 years old
• Students must have a job or internship

To enroll in this program, students must complete the following:

• Complete the Learning at Work interest form below
• Complete the enrollment packet and return to your CCLC

To complete this program, students must complete at least 180 hours in one school year for 0.5 CTE credits or 360 for 1.0 CTE credits. Hours will not count until your enrollment has been approved.

Career Connected Learning Coordinators by High School

Alan T. Sugiyama High School
Crystal Welander, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
cpwelander@seattleschools.org

Ballard High School
Brent Martin, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
brmartin@seattleschools.org

Bridges XIP Program
North Region: Siphia Mann, siung@seattleschools.org
South Region: Katherine Meyer, kemeyer@seattlschools.org
Central Region: Lilna Givan-Williams, lagivanwilliam@seattleschools.org
XIP Website

Cascade K-12 Virtual Option
Karina Luboff, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
kjluboff@seattleschools.org

The Center School
Alfred Sidman, Teacher and Worksite Learning Supervisor
acsidman@seattleschools.org
The Center School Career Center

Chief Sealth International High School
Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinators:
Linda Filley Bentler, lifilleybent@seattleschools.org
Daron Camacho, djcamacho@seattleschools.org
Chief Sealth Career Center

Cleveland High School
Joseph Mingo, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
jemingo@seattleschools.org
Cleveland High School

Franklin High School
Daniel Ruiz, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
dpruiz@seattleschools.org
Franklin website

Garfield High School
Jharman Lightner, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
jmlightner@seattleschools.org
Garfield College and Career Center

Ingraham High School
Genet Simone, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
gesimone@seattleschools.org
Ingraham Career Connected Learning

Interagency
Danso Gyamerah, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
dkgyamerah@seattleschools.org
Interagency Experiential Learning Opportunities

Lincoln High School
Wyn Pottinger-Levy, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
wypottingerlev@seattleschools.org

Middle College High School
Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinators:
Lura Ercolano, ltercolano@seattleschools.org
Yvonne Dunn, ymdunn@seattleschools.org
Rebecca Goldberg, rjgoldberg@seattleschools.org

Nathan Hale High School
Brian Babinec, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
bebabinec@seattleschools.org

NOVA High School
Jennifer Spigner, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
jaspigner@seattleschools.org

Rainier Beach High School
Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinators:
Geoff Bolan, gmbolan@seattleschools.org
Joseph Murphy, jmmurphy1@seattleschools.org

Roosevelt High School
Edward Rho, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
ewrho@seattleschools.org

Seattle Skills Center/ District Office
Karina Luboff, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
kjluboff@seattleschools.org
Skills Center website

Seattle World School
Bill Butler, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
whbutler@seattleschools.org

West Seattle High School
Brian Fitzgerald, Teacher and Worksite Learning Coordinator
bjfitzgerald@seattleschools.org

Not all learning takes place in a classroom! Interested students can sign up for a Career Quest course during the summer. Apply to join one of our amazing internship programs this summer! Once applications are open, links will appear next to each bullet point below.

Summer Career Quest applications are currently closed. Please see the list of community internships below for additional opportunities.

Summer Career Quest Internships provide students with career exploration and development opportunities.  Student-interns will work closely with their internship host to discuss solutions and ideas while developing problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, presentation and networking skills.  Students participate in a wide range of workplace activities to gain skills and knowledge for specific occupations, while being supported by weekly career development class time with a Seattle Public Schools Career Quest teacher. 

Program Details:

• Internships for Summer 2024 have ended. Check our website for the Summer 2025 sign-up link.
• Interns work 5.5 hours per day (1/2 hour unpaid lunch), Tuesday-Thursday at 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the workplace.
• SPS Career Quest will find and place your intern(s) through our application process based on career pathway and personal interests.
• Interns attend weekly Career Quest classes to build their career portfolio and receive internship coaching and support.

Employer Details:

• Host pays intern at least $18.69/hour (SPS student hourly rate)
• Host collaborates with SPS staff to design an internship position
• Hosts attend program internship
• Hosts provide ongoing support to student interns
• Hosts provide opportunities for students to reflect on their work and grow

MYA is a powerful way to help guide the museum in what teens want and need. Youth advisors make the museum more welcoming for their peers by finding fun and creative ways to connect teens with MOHAI, and providing input on the development of museum programming and exhibits. MYA is teen-driven; youth advisors work together to choose and build their own projects and activities. MYA also interact with MOHAI staff to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work of a museum and dive deeper into local history. This team of twelve high school students meet regularly from September-June and are offered a monthly stipend.

MYA is also the creative force behind Rainy Day History, an award-winning podcast that explores Seattle’s past as it is mirrored in our city today. This year’s cohort is currently working on Season 3! 

We are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year! Apply online by June 30, 2024.

Who: Female-identifying youth of color, ages 16-25, who live in a 10 mile radius of zip code 98144 who are currently or formerly connected to service systems (e.g. foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, etc.).

What:  Learn professional and therapeutic skills on how to be a youth peer mentor to younger youth who are struggling through middle school and relationships. Earning $20 per hour. There are 12 spots available

What are the criteria for a successful application? At least 16 years old, female-identifying history of system-involvement. We are looking for individuals who have natural leadership skills but may not always use them in the right way. Individuals who care about their community members love sharing their life experiences of navigating life and overcoming adversity. Applicants will apply online. They don’t need a resume; if being referred by the school who will give credit for this program, they should list a school representative.

What is the timeframe of the internship? Internships are offered year-round, with a cohort starting in the Fall, Winter, Summer and Spring, email info@yougrowgirl.org for more information

Geeking out kids of color! Students can earn a $300 stipend for successfully attending classes from July 16-August 22nd on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1:30PM-3:30PM. This opportunity is available to all current and rising high school students. Students will:

• Build community
• Learn about AI in pop culture
• Discuss social issues related to AI
• Explore how AI can be used for activism

What: Be a Dance Buddy to a neurodiverse or disabled student in an adaptive movement camp. Volunteers will dance, move, ad play with students facilitated by a teacher. They will provide unique support to students to make sure that everyone is safe and engaged

When: Shifts are available Monday- Thursday the following weeks/times:

• June 24-27, 12:15-3:45PM
• July 8-11 9:45-1:15PM
• July 22-25 12:15-3:45PM
• July 29-August 1 12:15-3:45PM
• August 5-8 9:45AM-1:!5PM
• August 12-15 12:15-3:45PM

Where: All That Dance, 3012 NE Blakeley St, Seattle, WA 98105

Paid internships are available as well as volunteer opportunities.

What: Teen Tix offers opportunities for teens interested in writing, podcasting, advocacy, and a summer program specifically for teen artists of color to receive mentorship on their craft. All programs are paid positions and we offer a wellness/transportation stipend for participants.

• M-TAC Program Application
• New Guard Program Application
• Teen Tix Arts Podcast Applicatioon
• Teen Tix Newsroom Application

Deadline: Varies by program, link to learn more!

What: Two pathways to jumpstart a career in biotech. Students gain hands-on training in a biomanufacturing lab, network with industry experts, increase their job opportunities upon completion and earn 9 college credits with free tuition through Running Start. This program can be taken in conjunction with a full-time high school schedule.

• Pathway 1: Basics of Biomanufacturing Certificate (9 months) – HS students learn basic lab techniques in biomanufacturing, explore careers, and interact with industry mentors – for 11th and 12th graders
• Pathway 2: Fred Hutch Lab Technician Certificate (2 years) – Expand upon the basics of the biomanufacturing certificate (pathway 1) by collaborating with scientists at Fred Hutch and expanding hands-on training with cutting edge technologies at Shoreline Community College – for rising seniors

The Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program is designed for high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work in one of many aviation operations management fields, such as unmanned aerial systems (drones), air traffic control, airport management, or airline dispatch. Six college-level courses will be embedded within each yearlong course, all which are core to earning an Associate and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Aeronautical Science at Green River College.

Dates: Mondays to Thursday

Time: 3:45 to 6:00 PM (plus an additional 3.5 hours per week of online learning)– Follows Highline District Schedules

Who: Rising juniors and seniors (grades 11 and 12)

Location: The Museum of Flight

Program fee: Free

What: The 2024 SCA Seattle Summer Urban Green Crew will work with local partners to do invasive species maintenance, erosion control, trail maintenance, and mulching.

The majority of the crew’s work will be in parks and green spaces in the Seattle area. The crew will also spend three days and two nights working with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, camping at Denny Creek Campground. SCA will provide all food, transportation, and gear for this trip.

The crew will take part in environmental education and green job readiness activities throughout the week. This includes field trips to a number of sites in the region every Friday. Students sare paid $20/hour, 33-35 hours per week for 7 weeks

Who: The crew will be comprised of 12 students, ages 14-19, and 2 adult crew leaders. Housing is not provided, except during the camping trip. 

•    Applicants must be 14-19 years of age during the program dates
•    Must be currently in high school or a recent high school graduate
•    Must be located in the greater Seattle area (housing not provided)

Dates/Times:

•    Must be available for camping trip (August 7-9)
•    Must be available for the ENTIRE program to be considered!! (7/8/24-8/23/24)

Who: Youth must be 14-18 years old and have interest in learning about urban farming and/or wetlands restoration

What: RBYS is a youth employment program of Tilth Alliance for youth, ages 14-18, to gain job experience through wetland restoration and farm education. Participants will work at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands and support with field maintenance, food distribution, and wetland restoration.

When: Spring, Fall, and Summer (see website for exact seasonal date ranges)

Where: The farm is located Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands 5513 S Cloverdale Street, Seattle, WA 98118

Pay: Participants are paid $19.97 per hour and receive checks bi-weekly.

Deadline: For Spring 2024 (1/31/24), for Summer (5/17/2024), for Fall (8/3/2024)

Who: 18 to 24 year old students (graduating seniors welcome to apply!)

What: A paid internship that connects young adults to permanent employment opportunities in the maritime industry. Participants get paid an hourly stipend, enjoy case management and employment support as well as resume building and networking opportunities.

When: Rolling Admissions

Questions?: Contact Grace Dollente, Youth Engagement Coordinator, at Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle gdollente@urbanleague.org

Who: Students must live within Seattle City limits or attend schools in Seattle, open to students ages 14-24 with IEP/504 plan and meet income requirements. Students are paid a quarterly stipend and can earn up to $250 in incentives.

When: 9/11-12/20 (current quarter, upcoming quarters TBA) on Mondays from 5-6:30PM on Zoom and Wednesdays from 4PM-6:30PM on Zoom.

Contact: Eugene Choi eugenec@opendoorswa.org or Rachel Lewis rachell@opendoorswa.org.

What: A year-round pre-employment Earn and Learn Mentorship and Job Training Program. Career Explorations is a dynamic initiative designed to empower and inspire the youth of the city. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and workshops, including job shadowing, internships, and mentorship opportunities They will also be exposed to various career fields with-in Parks and Recreation, allowing them to discover their passions and interests. Pay is $18.69 per hour.

Who: The program is aimed at teenagers between the ages of 15 to 21 who are looking to explore different career paths, develop new skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience leading into employment with the parks and recreation department and beyond. The summer program is open to students from ages 13-15 1/2.

When: October 17-December 21, 2023!

Who: Students from Rainier Beach, Franklin, or Chief Sealth HS who are passionate about social change and leading the charge on a mental health campaign in Seattle Public Schools.

What: FEEST trains youth of color and working-class youth to build collective power and organize for transformative and systemic change in their schools. Our power comes from building a strong base, developing youth leaders, and running dynamic, radically joyful campaigns for systemic material change. Our work is both youth-led and multigenerational. Duties will include:

• Building Campaigns
• Community Outreach
• Public Speaking

When: August 2023-June 2024, weekly meetings, presentations, and more

Compensation: $25/hour

Who: Urban Native Education Alliance was founded in 2008 to engage generations of Native youth through education, culture, and tradition. This opportunity is open to High School age Native Youth. Tribal enrollment is not required.

What: Youth Interns receive a $500 monthly stipend from UNEA for 6 hours of work per week.

When: Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:30-8PM (okay to attend one of two days), with mandatory virtual meetings on Sundays from 7-8PM

Where: North Seattle College

To Apply: send resume, letter of interest and biography of yourself (including goals, interests, strengths, and favorite quote) to Sarah Sense-Wilson uneachair@gmail.com. An agreement form as well as a one-page PDF form must be completed and will be sent out upon request.

Deadline: Rolling applications

Who: The Youth Exploration Program is designed to introduce career exploration to in-school youth ages 14-21 with an IEP or 504 Plan to apprentice-able pathways in the trades.

What:

• Work-Readiness Classroom Workshops: Held virtually or in-person during the school year
• Summer Boot Camps: work-based learning, 40-hour paid training
• Exploring trades careers through job site tours, informational interviews, and job shadowing, when available.
• Strength building and how to support ones needs while practicing self-advocacy, workplace communication, and team building

Learn More: To learn more and apply, contact Director of Programs, Dee Jackson at dee@anewcareer.org or call 206-710-1004

The Seattle Police Law Enforcement Exploring program aims to bridge the gap between youth and police by educating and involving them in police operations and to interest them in Law Enforcement.

Who: Exploring is for young men and women 14 to 21 years of age with a grade point average of 2.5 or above

When: must attend 2 – 4 monthly meetings in succession.

Cost: Free

Deadline: N/A

Application: If you’re interested, please reach out to Officer Tre Smith, tre.smith@seattle.gov.

Young adults seeking a career as a Seattle firefighter can apply to participate in our department’s cadet programs.

Applications are accepted year round. Applications received February 1-July 31 will be notified of selection decisions in August. Applications received August 1-January 31 will be notified of selection decisions in February.

Who:
To qualify for the program, you must:

• 16 to 20 year old students
• Be in good physical condition (must complete Cadet Program Physical Ability Test)
• Meet required attendance expectations
• Have a strong desire to be a Seattle Firefighter

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m

Where: Joint Training Facility (9401 Myers Way South)

Cost: Initial cost of $95.00 and $10.00 per month in membership dues. There are additional fees for special trips and events. Financial assistance is available

What: A variety of opportunities including media arts club, youth advisory council, and a social media internship (paid). Gay City promotes protective factors that support the development and self-determination of LBGBTQ youth.

What: Femme2STEM is a FREE program geared toward serving female-identified BIPOC youth ages 17 – 24 who are furthest from opportunity by assisting them to overcome institutional barriers and racial & social inequities to explore, plan, and ultimately launch careers in STEM

Who: Female-identified BIPOC youth ages 17 – 24 who are furthest from opportunity and interested in STEM

When: Rolling application

Services offer:

• Career exploration
• STEM college & career readiness
• College & career navigation support
• Academic & social-emotional support
• Internships
• Mentorship and peer support
• Site visits
• Informational interviews

Contact Carina cforsell@ywcaworks.or

For more information, please visit their website