Seattle Parks & Recreation - Community Learning Center College Internship

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Seattle, through Seattle Parks and Recreation, invites student interns to gain hands-on experience in public‑sector collaboration, community engagement, and youth programming. Interns will work directly with students, supporting academic and enrichment activities, and learning professional skills.

Eligibility includes 18–21 years old, enrolled in a 2–/4‑year college, and willingness to complete background checks.

Qualifications

• 18–21 years old and enrolled in an accredited 2‑ or 4‑year college program (proof of enrollment required).
• Experience working with youth.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility when working with youth.
• Ability to adapt to diverse learning and behavioral needs.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering academic enrichment for youth in grades 2–8 and support enrichment clubs.
• Provide program support including record keeping, supply management, and setup/cleanup.
• Engage families and act as a liaison among Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Schools and families.

Skills

Youth engagement

Communication skills

Reliability

Flexibility

Education

Undergraduate student

Job description

Position Description

NOTE: This internship opportunity is for students enrolled in an accredited 2‑year or 4‑year undergraduate college program, ages 18‑21.

• If you are 18 years old and enrolled in high school, you may apply for this internship; if selected you will be paid at the High School Intern rate ($21.51/hr).

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well‑being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Traditionally, we have provided recreation opportunities through our network of community centers, pools, and other facilities. We are building our capacity to bring recreation programs to the people—not just in our facilities, but also in parks, in streets, and through partners, with goals of reducing racial health disparities and empowering historically underserved communities.

SPR commits to the City of Seattle's Workplace Values and Expectations, and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by striving to eliminate barriers to access and provide employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are committed to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.

The Recreation Division inspires all people to reach their full potential through recreation programs and activities. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school‑based learning centers, environmental learning centers, and boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more – including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with immigrant and refugee communities.

Community Learning Centers (CLC) host Out‑of‑School Time (OST) programs coordinated by Seattle Parks and Recreation staff professionals, based out of Seattle Public School sites and offered during after school, lunchtime, and during school breaks (Mid‑Winter, Spring) and Summer. These CLC's are currently active in four middle schools and one elementary school, collectively serving approximately 2,000 students each year. At each site, CLC Coordinators work closely with school administration and staff to ensure that OST programs incorporate both effective academic instructional models and youth development best practices.

The Community Learning Center (CLC) Internship provides an enriching opportunity for college‑age individuals to gain valuable professional experience in public‑sector and school district collaboration. This internship is designed to provide hands‑on exposure to community engagement, academic and enrichment programming, and youth leadership in an educational setting. Interns will work directly with students, assisting in both academic and enrichment activities, supporting youth leadership efforts, and contributing to the development of culturally aware programs. Interns will also participate in family engagement initiatives, gaining insight into community‑based collaboration and social‑emotional learning programs.

Interns will gain valuable experience working with a diverse group of students and families in a community learning center. They will develop essential skills in program planning, youth engagement, leadership, and family outreach. The internship will provide exposure to educational, social‑emotional learning, and community collaboration efforts in a public‑school setting. Interns interested in fields such as education, social work, community development, and public policy will find this internship highly beneficial for their professional growth.

Interns will receive coaching and mentorship from experienced staff members throughout their time in the program. On‑the‑job training will be provided for specific skills and routines related to the internship role.

Job Responsibilities

Examples of professional development opportunities will include:

• Academic and Enrichment Programming – Assist in delivering academic enrichment for youth in grades 2‑8, support the facilitation of academic and enrichment clubs (i.e. art, sports, math/literacy supports, culturally relevant groups) and provide supervision, ensuring student safety and well‑being.
• Program Support – Learning and assisting in record keeping, supply management, materials preparation, and program set‑up and clean‑up as needed.
• School and Family Engagement – Support efforts to engage families in their children’s educational experience. Participate in community building efforts and act as a liaison between Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Schools and participant families.

Qualifications

• Must be 18‑21 years old AND enrolled in an accredited 2‑year or 4‑year college program (Proof of enrollment required).
• Experience working with youth.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated reliability, patience, and flexibility when working with youth.
• Ability to adapt to different learning and behavioral needs.
• Some understanding of diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to pass a background check.

The salary for this internship opportunity is $22.56 - $22.56 per hour.

Interns will work up to 20 hours per week with varying hours. This internship is expected to end in December 2026, with the possibility of an extension.

Who May Apply:

Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3(Download PDF reader). A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

SPR’s Core Competencies:

• Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision‑making and promoting high quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City’s commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.