Imagine if you had been allowed to try out different careers when you were in grade school? It may have saved you a lot of college tuition, as the National Center for Education Statistics says that 80% of students change their major at least once, with the average being three times! That’s a lot of wasted time and money. Grays Harbor Youth Works helps with this – and so much more – by providing internships to Grays Harbor Youth. The brainchild of Dr. Doreen Cato Harden, who saw a need to give Grays Harbor Youth something to do that would strengthen their future.
“We are giving students the opportunity to try out a job or industry before they go through the necessary schooling and certifications,” explains Jessica Eddington, program assistant for Grays Harbor Youth Works. “We are giving businesses the opportunity to train the next generation of employees. Personally, I think the biggest benefit is the self-esteem we see get built up in students.”
Why Youth Internships are Important
While saving money is a big deal, it’s not the only reason why internships are important. Many youth only see the negatives to achieving their dreams: too much schooling, no connections to a certain job, glass ceilings, the list goes on. Having a mentor in the business can make a huge difference to a youth with a dream. “Mentors not only train, but they also give input on how they achieved their own career path, giving the students a perspective they may not have thought of,” shares Jessica. “Some may have held off on a dream because they thought there would be too much schooling or too many hurdles to get to their goal. Then they get to meet someone who is willing to be candid with them and they realize that they can achieve the same thing, or more.”
After 10 years, the Grays Harbor Youth Works has evidence that their program is a success. “I would say 100% of our interns who complete the program are employed after their internship,” shares Jessica. “Not necessarily in their field of internship, but they are far better prepared for any type of job after a Grays Harbor Youth Works internship.”
Grays Harbor Internships with Grays Harbor Youth Works
Grays Harbor Youth Works had 45 students go through their internship program in 2023 from Lake Quinault, Aberdeen High School, Harbor High, Oakville, Wishkah, Elma, North Beach and Ocosta. All schools in Grays Harbor County are eligible to work with the Grays Harbor Youth Works, and they would love to work with them all, though Jessica says some have not responded to invitations to partner.
As far as the types of internships, they have over 100 businesses that have worked with students over 10 years. They have had student interns in schools and landscaping companies, with banks and even with Grays Harbor Youth Works itself. “This past year, it seemed like everyone wanted to become a tattoo artist,” shares Jessica. “Sadly, due to age restrictions, we have not been able to place students in that industrym but we instead have them do graphic design or something as close as we can get them. Social Media Marketing has been very popular for us in the past few years. It works for creative students who have transportation issues, so they can work and meet remotely.”
Students receive a stipend of $200 for completing the 40-hour internship, though Jessica says the kids they speak with value the experience more than the money. “Interning at Rediviva was like stepping into the heart of the culinary world, every dish, every interaction was a lesson in creativity, precision, and passion,” shares Ayden G., a past Grays Harbor Youth Intern.
The process, which Jessica says is the main reason their program is so successful, reads much like a real job interview. The students must fill out an application, as well as the Washington State Career Bridge Quiz, which helps narrow down a career cluster for kids based on their preferences. Then, they are interviewed by a Program Assistant or the Executive Director of Grays Harbor Youth Works. “This interview gives us the opportunity to get to know the student and what interests them,” shares Jessica. “If they have no idea what they want to try, it is during this time we help them figure out a few options.”
“My internship allowed me to experience a field that I wasn’t really interested in. It became my career pathway, as an LPN by age 20, and I have become a traveling nurse,” shares ReNay B.
Then the student is interviewed by the job mentor, just like they would be for a real opening at that company, including background checks and company paperwork. However, unlike most jobs, the intern sets the schedule for the internship. “We are here for the students, and we want them to keep school, family and their sports or social activities at the top of their priority list,” explains Jessica. “They have their whole life to work 40 hours a week, so we ask them to keep their internship time between 2-5 hours. This way, they are not tired out or bored, and they are still there long enough to learn something.”
Students keep track of their own time via a time sheet that is located on the Grays Harbor Youth Works website. Halfway through their internship, Grays Harbor Youth Works facilitates an evaluation, very similar to a job performance evaluation they may have at a real job. At the end of their internship, students have a portfolio of on their experience that they can use to get a job or for a college admission.
Careers in Natural Resources and WAqua Youth
In addition, Grays Harbor Youth Works has two programs, Careers in Natural Resources and WAqua Youth Program. These programs are longer than internships and give students an in-depth look into careers in those areas. The Natural Resources program has a $1,000 scholarship for Grays Harbor College and students get to plant trees, learn about engineering, use their math skills and so much more.
The WAqua Youth Program is an 8-week program that happens in the spring and teaches students how to build an underwater remote operating vehicle (UROV) that has underwater cameras attached to it so students can view the different waterways around Grays Harbor. These students also meet via Zoom with various professionals. “We have met with a graduate student in Idaho creating a vaccine for salmon, a sea turtle scientist and we even had a Zoom with the Galway Atlantaquaria in Ireland about the UROVs they are building,” shares Jessica. “And while there is no stipend given to students who participate, they do get to keep their UROVs.”.
To learn more about internships, visit the Grays Harbor Youth Works website. They are always looking for new businesses and organizations to partner with and of course, happy to hear from students in Grays Harbor looking for internships.
