As program interns, students aged 16-19 will play an exciting role in supporting classrooms within Seattle's vibrant and diverse early learning and school-age programs.

• Paid Internships: Students are compensated to explore a career interest, work hands-on in classrooms, and develop skills that are transferable to other settings.
• Paid Orientation & Internship Training: The internship program will pay for and arrange all training and orientation that will help interns understand and meet pre-service requirements. For example, Department of Children, Youth and Families background check, health checks (immunizations and TB test), CPR/First Aid training, child abuse prevention, and workshops in culturally responsive education are all required training that students will complete.
• Mentorship: The intern cohort will collectively gather at the University of Washington offices on Fridays in the summer to be mentored by UW faculty and staff. This time will be reserved for helping students receive guidance on education justice, skill development, leadership and career exploration.
• Hands-On Experience: While in the classroom, participants will acquire skills that enable them to actively contribute to establishing inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environments. Interns will gain practical expertise in child development and leadership – qualities highly sought after by employers – empowering them to serve as advocates for positive change.
• Service-Learning Hours: Interns will have supervised opportunities to earn service-learning hours while exploring their interests and curiosity to solve problems within the community.
• Pathways to a 2- and 4-year degree: The program will provide academic support to recommend available options for those interested in obtaining entry-level credentials via the Seattle Promise scholarship program open to graduates of Seattle public high schools and the Early Childhood Education Early Learning Equity Scholarship scholarship program at the University of Washington.

After our cohort of ten (10) students has been selected, orientation, job-readiness training, and other requirements must be completed. The program will pay for and arrange for this to be completed as a cohort. 

Pay
$20 per hour will be paid to all accepted student participants, on a regular pay schedule.

Intern Placement 
Students will be assigned placement after required training has been completed at one of our partner programs: 

• Hoa Mai Preschool: 2915 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144. Hoa Mai is a bilingual English-Vietnamese program serving preschool children (1 - 4 years old).
• Dragon's Den School-Age Program: located at Dearborn Park International Elementary School, 2820 S Orcas St, Seattle, WA  98108.  Dragon's Den is an after school program serving children in Kindergarten – 5th grade, (5–12 years old).

• Start/End Dates: For 2024, the internship program will begin on the first day of orientation, April 15. All internships will end by August 16.
• Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from internship sites. (Youth ORCA cards will be provided.)
• Commitment: Interns must be available to commit to the program's duration, including workshops on some Saturdays.  Some flexibility to accommodate students’ extracurricular schedules during the academic year is possible.
• Time Off: Interns may take unpaid time off during their internships, as long as dates of absence are shared at least 3 weeks in advance with site supervisors. Some flexibility to accommodate students’ class schedules and regular academic breaks is possible. Some Saturdays will be required.
• Training Dates: As part of the program, interns must participate in three mandatory program events. The following mandatory training dates for 2024 are:
  • Friday, April 12, 2024 (9:30 am- 3:30pm) Orientation & Pre-Service Training
  • Saturday, April 13, 2024 (9:30 am- 3:30pm) Meet & Greet & Training
  • Date TBD: Internship cohort closing ceremony and celebration.
• Eligibility: Students who apply must be at least 16 years old by April 16, 2024, and attend a Seattle area high school.
  A signed consent form from the parent or legal guardian is required for participation. All participants will be asked to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, professionalism, and ethical behavior during the program.

What will you experience as an Intern?

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic high school students to intern at high-quality, culturally inclusive early childhood and school age programs. As an intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting the learning and development of children aged 3-6 in a nurturing and child-centered learning environment.

Responsibilities can include:

• Classroom Support: Assist teachers in implementing lesson plans that promote bilingual education in Vietnamese and ensure a culturally responsive learning environment. Engage actively with young learners, providing one-on-one or small group support. Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages children's curiosity, creativity, and social development.
• Language Support: Collaborate with teachers to create age appropriate, bilingual learning resources and materials. This position does not require you to speak Vietnamese
• Collaboration: Participate in team meetings and collaborate with teachers to enhance the overall learning experience.
• Classroom Organization: Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe learning environment. Support in the setup and preparation of materials for daily activities and lessons.
• Cultural Inclusivity: Assist in organizing culturally relevant content into activities and lessons. Assist and support cultural events or activities that promote an understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese heritage among students.
• Community Engagement: Assist in organizing and participating in school events. Foster positive relationships with lead teachers, support staff and fellow interns.