Internships

Ignite your future with Seattle Public Schools' dynamic Internship and Career Path programs. Experience hands-on learning that bridges the gap between education and real-world success. Through regional internships and our Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, students explore diverse industries, develop essential skills, and forge connections with industry leaders.

Internships play a vital role in shaping students' future careers by providing hands-on experience, skill development, and insights into various industries. At Seattle Public Schools (SPS), we recognize the significance of internships in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through our commitment to fostering experiential learning, we offer a range of opportunities that enable students to explore their interests, connect with professionals, and gain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving job market.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

SPS's internship efforts are an offshoot of our Career and Technical Education program, which offers a diverse range of courses blending academic instruction with practical, hands-on learning. These internships provide students with the invaluable opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings, gaining insights, skills, and a deeper understanding of their chosen fields. Our commitment to bridging the gap between education and real-world application ensures that students are well-prepared for success in both post-secondary education and their future careers.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) engages students and prepares them with the skills they need for fulfilling careers in vital, in-demand industries and occupations. To keep up with today’s growing economic demands, students are turning to CTE to help prepare them for the global workforce.

Career Quest: Exploring Real-World Career Opportunities

Career Quest, an initiative by Seattle Public Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department, is designed to provide students with invaluable real-world experience through regional internships. These internships connect classroom learning with hands-on practical application, enabling students to explore potential career paths while gaining essential skills and insights into various industries.

Career Quest collaborates with local businesses and organizations such as Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to offer internship opportunities that align with students' interests and career aspirations. This unique program not only helps students discover their passions and potential career trajectories but also equips them with the tools needed to succeed in their chosen fields. By participating in Career Quest, students can take a significant step toward their future success by building networks, honing their skills, and gaining a deeper understanding of their chosen industries.

Internship Directory

A live list of available internships open to all Seattle Public Schools students (ages vary) can also be found on the Career Quest Page.

If it turns out you missed some of the opportunities you may have been interested in, do not worry! Internships and programs are year-round, so in the meantime, please view the internships and programs and mark your calendar to register next time.

Program Areas & Pathways

Seattle Public Schools offers a comprehensive range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Areas, each of which consists of multiple CTE Career Pathways aligned with the 16 National Career Clusters. These pathways are designed to guide students through a purposeful and engaging educational experience that integrates real-world career preparation.

CTE Career Pathways provide students with various opportunities, including:

Exploration and career preparation: Students can explore diverse career options within each program area and acquire foundational skills that are essential for career success.
Post-secondary programs of study: Many pathways offer dual college credit and industry-related credentials, enabling students to seamlessly transition into higher education or the workforce.
Career-connected learning engagement: Students can engage in activities such as internships, connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences and building valuable skills.

Each program area contains specific pathways that offer focused education and training in various industries. These pathways encompass:

Arts, Design, and Graphics
Business and Marketing
Culinary and Hospitality
Education and Human Services
Health and Medical
Skilled Trades
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

To explore the pathways available at different schools, you can click on the respective tabs below. Additionally, each school offers specific CTE pathways that cater to the unique interests and goals of its students, ensuring a well-rounded and career-focused education. For more details on CTE pathways and the schools that offer them, please visit the SPS CTE Program Areas & Pathways webpage.

Department Contact

If you have any questions about our internship programs, pathways, or how to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team:

Department Contact: CareerConnected@seattleschools.org

We're here to help you navigate the exciting world of internships and career preparation at Seattle Public Schools.

The Thriving Center