Promoting Civic Engagement and Leadership through Youth Internships

In summer 2023, high schoolers in the city of Boulder have a unique opportunity to get involved with local government. After a two-year hiatus, the city is reactivating the Youth Opportunities Internship Program.

Internships will be available in four city departments:

• City Manager’s Office

• Housing and Human Services

• Innovation and Technology

• Parks and Recreation

“Not only does this internship program help youth develop professional skills and find their voices, but it also elevates youth perspective on public issues and city operations. Program participants bring diverse viewpoints that help strengthen city government,” shared Mario Martinez-Varelas, Youth Opportunities Program Manager.

The internships are part of the city’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) which promotes youth civic engagement and leadership development, organizes community events and provides youth perspective and recommendations on city and community projects, issues and initiatives.

During this six-week paid summer internship, interns will be matched with a city department to gain experience in city government. In addition to supporting their assigned department, interns will take part in career readiness sessions hosted by YOP staff where they will develop and enhance professional skills that will help them succeed in their post and in future endeavors.

Internship opportunities are open to students attending high school in the City of Boulder who will be entering their junior year in fall 2023. Interns must commit to working 20 hours each week from June 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023. Specific schedules will depend on intern’s departmental placement and off-site group activities.

Applications open January 2023. Be the first to know when applications are available by signing up for the Housing and Human Services newsletter. Visit https://bldr.fyi/HHS-Newsletter to subscribe.