Career Explorations

Career Explorations (CEXP) is a year-round pre-employment Learn and Earn Mentorship and Job Training program for teens age 13-21.

CEXP participants explore career paths, develop new skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience leading into employment with Seattle Parks & Recreation and beyond. Teens are exposed to a range of career fields through workshops, job shadowing, mentorship, and internships.

CEXP also focuses on personal growth and leadership skills. Teens develop communication and collaboration skills as they work together on team-building and community service projects.

Career Explorations Mentorship (ages 13-21)

The CEXP mentorship is the entry point for youth internship employment opportunities for Seattle Parks & Recreation’s summer internship. The 4-week Career Explorations Mentorship is required before applying to the Career Explorations Internship program.

The 4-week, 28-hour program meets 4 Saturdays a month from 10am-5pm. Food and all supplies are provided. Attendance at all 4 Saturdays is required to complete the mentorship and receive the $300 stipend. E-13 form required for participants younger than 18.

The CEXP Mentorship mentorship is offered 5 times per year, starting the 1st Saturday of the month:

• October
• November
• February
• March
• April. 

To provide equitable access across Seattle, CEXP Mentorship program locations change each month, rotating through Seattle (North, Central, Southeast, and Southwest).

Apply for the Career Explorations Mentorship

Applications open in August 2026.

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Career Explorations Internship (age 15.5-21)

The 4-week Career Explorations Mentorship must be completed before applying to the Career Explorations Internship. 

The CEXP internship empowers teens by placing them in real work environments, working under the mentorship of adult colleagues. The CEXP Internship can be extended for up to 3 years, with different work assignments each summer.

Summer assignments are 20 hours per week for 8 weeks, paid at the Seattle minimum wage ($21.30 as of 2026).

Youth must reapply and reinterview for each year of CEXP Internship.

Year 1 

Summer assignment: Summer Meals & Summer Playgrounds, 20 hours/week.

Intern assists in a community food equity initiative, and provides park-based community building recreation for youth age 0-18. 

20 hours per week for 8 weeks.

School Year assignment: CEXP Teen Leads

Year 1 Interns return to the CEXP Mentorship months as Teen Leads. Year 1 Interns support Recreation staff, facilitating recreation activities, lessons, and community engagement for the new Mentorship cohorts. 

Total hours depend on shift availability. 

Year 2 

Summer assignment: Support mobile recreation programming with Rec 'N the Streets.

Intern is assigned to shadow and work alongside a Rec’n the Streets adult team in recreational programming across Seattle. 

20 hours per week for 8 weeks.

School Year assignment: Special Events and Recreation shifts

Year 2 Interns support special events and recreational shifts that occur during the year. 

Total hours depend on shift availability. 

Year 3 

Summer assignment: Intern leads new CEXP projects and assignments. 

Hours to be determined by CEXP leadership.

School Year assignment: Intern leads new CExP projects and assignments. 

Hours to be determined by CEXP leadership.