*Career Quest Internships
Career Quest Internships
Career Quest is a Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Internship program. Students can earn high school credit outside of their school day while exploring careers for their futures. These internships and jobs help students gain valuable experience to prepare them for future success. The Career Quest program connects students to credit-earning opportunities in two ways:
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.
Internships for Summer 2024 have ended. Check our website for the Summer 2025 host sign-up link in November 2024.
Internship Directory
Updated: October 7, 2024
Live list of available internships open to Seattle Public Schools students (ages and requirements vary).
Review the tabs below to search for available internships and learning opportunities. Check out the Learning at Work tab above for details on how to earn credit for work or an internship.
Internships & Programs – Open
Quick highlights of Internships and Programs that are currently open.
Have an internship to add? Email careerconnected@seattleschools.org!
What: Young Women Empowered offers programs in horticulture, writing, and art for teens ages 13-19 in the Greater Seattle area. All of our programs are free to attend and center young women, trans, non-binary, and gender expansive youth. We offer a wide range of topics to explore, but the core themes across all our programs are belonging, wellness, and thriving.
Who: For young women, trans, non-binary, and gender expansive youth ages 13-19. We also offer a summer internship and various community events.
When: Program times/days vary based on track
Where: Locations vary based on track
Programs available for youth interested in maritime programs!
Sea Potential’s first high school cohort of our maritime career exploration program begins in October 2024! Join us as we take a deep dive into what career paths are open just after high school. This program includes field trips with hands-on activities every Saturday. Participants have the opportunity to meet and chat with maritime career professionals such as ferry engineers, boat builders, and ship captains. This program is open to youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Based in the Greater Tacoma Area.
Dates: October 16-December 14, every Saturday
foundry10 and The Vera Project are starting a paid Artist Residency opportunity for young visual artists, ages 16-20! This program is a unique chance for youth to dive deeper into their creative practice, build artistic community, and show their work at a culminating show at the Vera Project’s gallery space.
- Opportunity to exhibit art at The Vera Project during the month of May 2025
- Artist in residents paid $25 per hour (up to 20 hours per month)
- Materials stipend of $500 provided
- Opportunity to build out a body of work and learn from guest artists
- A supportive community of practice that encourages collaboration and creativity
Questions? Contact jaeeun@foundry10.org
Teen Reading Coaches provide one-on-one tutoring after school, two days each week. They help their assigned student readers improve their reading skills, while also being positive role models and mentors: they care about their readers’ success and show empathy and understanding in their work.
Preference will be given to applications submitted before Sunday, September 22, 2024
What: Duwamish Valley Youth Core is a paid environmentally based job skills program for teens. Participants spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the South Park and Georgetown communities and natural areas learning about ecology and job skills. The program is equal parts environmental science, job skills training, stewardship and outdoor hands-on work. We seek a diverse group of teens to create a balanced team.
Pay: Up to $600 Stipend
Deadline: Not listed, but apply ASAP to make sure that you can participate!
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
What: Mentorship Program for students interested in Architecture, Structural/Civil Engineering, Construction, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering and more! ACE is an after-school mentor program for high school students. The program offers students the change to work with professionals from leading firms in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Students will complete hands-on activities, office hours, videos, and design projects.
When: In-person meetings from November-May (may be a virtual options), students meet with mentors for 15 two-hour sessions
Contact Information: SeattleWA@acementor.org; 415-750-4522
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
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.
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 Val: vanderson@ywcaworks.org
For more information, please visit their website