Take the Next Step in Training or Work 

We're here to help you get where you want to be. From one-on-one support to dropping into our weekly Job Club to gain new skills, you aren't alone on your path to success. 

Employment and Training Opportunities

WAGES – 10 Week Internship Program

Explore a new career path and get paid to learn! Participants (ages 16-24) will be paid $18.69 per hour for a maximum of 135 hours over a nine week period (first week is unpaid). You’ll learn job and life skills necessary to advance your future and finish feeling more confident in yourself. You’ll also have opportunities for intern to permanent hire positions. The next WAGES cohort will run from May 9 – June 15, 2022. Register and Learn More >

WAGES is funded by the City of Seattle run in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, Thompson Hotels, and Machinists INC. Internships will be at specific Hyatt Hotels, Simply Soulful, Machinists Institute, and YMCA of Greater Seattle.

Paid Job Training Program in Partnership with FareStart

Young Adult Barista & Customer Service: In this hybrid eight-week training program (four weeks virtual and four weeks in person) you'll learn barista & culinary skills, customer service, technology skills, connect to resources, build confidence and finish with references and ready to find a job. Participants will receive an ORCA card, Chrome Book, Food Worker card, and get paid to train. Participants must be able to legally work in the U.S., be age 16-24 and have experienced homelessness.

For more information:

Contact Antwanette King at aking@seattleymca.org or call (206) 393.7147 for more information.

Get Engaged

The Get Engaged program places young adults, ages 18-29, on the City of Seattle’s public boards and commissions. Get Engaged board members serve a one-year term starting September each year. Acting in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council, board members help shape policy decisions, make recommendations, and provide citizen participation in city government. Started in 2001, Get Engaged is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders and advocating for the influence of young voices in city affairs. View all board opportunities.

For more information:

Contact Imani Bender at ibender@seattleymca.org

Level Up August 12, 2022

Level Up is an annual young adult life skills and employment conference. This event offers life skills workshops, employment forums, lunch pickups, swag giveaways, prizes, and more! Hear from local entrepreneurs, athletes, speakers, and artists. Learn more or register for Level Up 2022.

For more information:

• If you're a young adult, contact us at jobclub@seattleymca.org
• If you want to get your business involved in the event ,contact us at youngadultemployment@seattleymca.org 

Young Adult Grant Advisory Committee 

The Young Adult Grant Advisory Committee is a board comprised of 6-10 young adults ages 18-26 who have had some experience with homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lifetime. The committee convenes 1-3 times per month and members are paid $20 per hour. Applications are opened periodically throughout the year. Program is funded by the Raikes Foundation

For more information:

Contact Imani Bender at ibender@seattleymca.org

Internships 

From time-to-time internship placements are made available to young adults at organizations such as Burien C.A.R.E.S. (Animal Shelter), College Nannies, internal placements at the Y, Burien Farmer’s Market, Teen Tix, Foxy Cuts Salon, The Hall Foundation, and more.

For more information:

Email youngadultemployment@seattleymca.org

How Local Businesses Can Help 

Our Employment and Training team at the Y Social Impact Center provides youth and young adults in our programs with internships with local businesses. We partner with these organizations to bring them fresh, new faces ready to start work in a particular industry, and the best part is the employer doesn't need to pay a dime! The Y retains all liabilities and financial responsibility, while you get all of the benefits of having an intern. We work with youth and young adults ages 16-25 that struggle with disadvantages such as poverty, racism, foster care, and more. 

If you own or operate a business and interested in partnering with the Y Social Impact Center please email us to discuss next steps, program specifics, and expectations at youngadultemployment@seattleymca.org