Youth Employment and Service Learning (YESL)

Youth Employment and Service Learning (YESL) team offers job readiness programs, paid internships, and employment pathway support.

Our programs are a great way to explore career interests, build valuable skills, and gain hands-on experience. 

Email PKS_Teen_Employment@seattle.gov to be added to our email list and be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities. 

Job Readiness and Paid Internships 

Career Readiness Workshops  

Workshops at Teen Life Centers and Community Centers to support youth who want to start a career.

Services include:

• Coaching on writing resumes/cover letters,
• Mock interviews,
• Food handler permits,
• Job application support.
• and more 

Find out upcoming Career Readiness Workshops by emailing PKS_Teen_Employment@seattle.gov.

Pre-Employment Training (age 13-18)

Satisfies pre-employment prerequisite for all paid internships with YESL or Career Explorations.

The 7-week, 14-hour after-school YESL Pre-Employment Training (PET) program is offered during the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters at Teen Life Centers or Community Centers. 

Upon completion of PET, youth may earn a $300 stipend or receive Service Learning credit toward high school graduation. Youth may take PET once every 2 years.

Youth practice essential skills including resume writing, time management, and professional communication. 

YESL Paid Internships (age 15-21)

YESL offers a range of internship programs for youth age 15-21. Application requirements, hours, and seasons vary by program. Youth may participate in one paid internship at a time, and may later apply to participate in a different internship.  

• Teen Late Night internship
• Summer Internship
• Community Learning Centers (CLCs) internship

Email PKS_Teen_Employment@seattle.gov for full details about our internship programs and to apply.

See all current City of Seattle Internship job postings

College Tours

YESL staff organizes college tours for Seattle Public Schools students in grades 9-12. Tours offer insight into college life, meeting current college students, shopping for academic programs, and experiencing campus environments.

In most years, we tour University of Washington-Seattle, Western Washington University (Bellingham), University of Puget Sound (Tacoma), Bellevue College, Seattle University, and others.

Transportation and lunch are provided free of charge. We coordinate with Seattle Public Schools to excuse absences on tour dates. E-13 Participant Information Form is required for all participants as this program includes off-site transportation.