Career Explorations empowers historically excluded youth to challenge how they see themselves. Through mindfulness, recreation, and community building, Career Explorations aides in transforming youth into resilient and prepared members of the work force and beyond.

Welcome to Career Explorations! If you are a teenager (13-21 years old), live in the city of Seattle, and are looking for growth in employment, personal and professional skills we have a path for you! This paid learning experience provides some tools that will train youth and intends to provide a tangible pipeline to working for Seattle Parks & Recreation.

Where to Start:

1. Mentorship

The 4-week mentorship opportunity is aimed at providing pre-employment skills for youth aged 13-21 interested in working with Seattle Parks and Recreation. This is the first step in order to qualify for future Career Explorations Internships. The teen SPR programs that qualify are: Career Explorations Mentorships and YESL/YES.

Career Explorations Mentorships

• 13-21 year old teens

• $300 stipend

• 4-week courses from 10am - 5pm on Saturdays

  Fall Mentorships

  • October Mentorship: 10/5 - 10/26 - Ended

    • Guest Facilitators:

      • Jaminah Shannon (3 Crowns Salon, Plant Deeds Wellness)

      • Toyia Taylor (www.SpeakWithPurpose.org)

      • Melissa Miranda (www.musangseattle.com)

  • November Mentorship: 11/2 - 11/23 - Ended

    • Location: Southwest Teen Life Center,

      2801 SW Thistle St.

      Seattle, WA 98126

  To apply for Mentorship please come back. Applications coming soon.

  Winter and Spring Mentorships

  • January/February (01/25 - 02/15) - Southeast Seattle

  • March (03/1 - 03/22) - North Seattle

  • April (04/05 - 04/26) - Central Seattle

    • Locations To be determined

PLEASE NOTE: The completion of the whole 4 week mentorship is required in order for applicants to apply for the future paid internships with Career Explorations. The paid internship will be open to teens 15.5 years old and older that have completed the Career Explorations mentorship.^^

YESL / YES

Please also consider signing up to participate in YESL's pre-employment programs. For more information or questions about YESL, contact us.
Email: Teen.Programs@seattle.gov

2. Internships

This 9-week internship will provide a more in-depth opportunity in recreation and employment opportunities within SPR for young adults aged 15.5-21.

2025 Internships

• 15+ years old and who have completed, or currently enrolled and projected to complete a Career Explorations Mentorship or other Seattle Parks & Recreation teen pre-employment program (YESL, YES, STEP)

• Application and Interview process will begin in May 2025

• Pay: $20.76/hour

• More details to come

Learn More about Career Explorations

Virtual info sessions regarding our programs for better clarity will be coming soon:

Winter & Spring 2025 Mentorship Applications

• Applications are coming soon.

Internship Applications:

Requirements

1. An application letter which clearly describes:

   • Why you would be a good fit for this internship program.

   • An overview of any special skills and/or interest and achievements you may have.

   2. Completed a Career Explorations mentorship or other SPR mentorship like YESL or YES.