Teens can apply for an internship with the Philly Goat Project through Philadelphia Youth Network's WorkReady Summer. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Youth Network

Jobs, Volunteering, and Summer Internships for Philly Teens

WorkReady Summer—Philadelphia

In partnership with the Philadelphia Youth Network, WorkReady offers work experiences for young people ages 12−24, with a mixture of in-person and virtual work. WorkReady is only available for those who are Philadelphia residents and runs July−August. As an exciting bonus, the first 5,000 people who apply and upload paperwork will receive $150. 

Awbury Arboretum—Philadelphia

Awbury Arboretum invites teens 14−18 to participate in the Outdoor & Wilderness Leadership Skills (OWLS) class, running Wednesdays, March 23−May 11 from 4−6 pm, to learn campcraft skills, conflict and classroom management, boundary setting, nutrition basics, child safety, abuse recognition, resumé writing, and job interview skills. Participants also receive American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification. The cost of the course is $250 (discounted to $80 for residents in the immediate zip codes surrounding the arboretum). Upon completion, a select group will be chosen to work at the summer camp (June 20−August 12) as paid counselors-in-training.

Penn Museum Teen Summer Internship Program—Philadelphia

Available to rising high school seniors from Philadelphia public and charter schools, the Bloomberg Arts Internship Program will offer paid internships to a select group. On Mondays through Wednesdays, interns will work onsite with a specific department, and on Thursdays and Fridays, interns will visit widely known sites across the city as well as experience workshops that will hone educational and professional skills. The application deadline is March 30, and the internship runs from June 21−August 12.

RELATED: Awesome Summer Camps for Tweens and Teens

Spend the summer poolside as a lifeguard with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

City of Philadelphia Lifeguarding—Philadelphia

Kids 16 and older who are interested in becoming certified lifeguards can work for the Parks and Recreation department at one of the many Philadelphia public pools over the summer. Screening and skills training is offered at two locations, one in Center City and the other in Northeast Philly. Both certification and recertification are free. Summertime guarding runs June through August and pays $15.25 an hour. 

Elmwood Park Zoo—Norristown

The Education Volunteer Program welcomes volunteers 14 years and up to gain experience in adhering to procedures and customer service standards, engaging with guests about animals, working independently, and more. While this opportunity is strictly volunteer-based, volunteers can enjoy certain perks, such as free guest passes, discounts throughout the zoo, and being part of a community of animal lovers.  

Hire Teen—Various Locations

Hire Teen is a basic job search site specifically geared towards teens. Teens can search by job category, city, or age, and the site even has online job opportunities. Hire Teen also offers job tips along with some other great resources on its site. 

Career Corps—Exton

As part of CareerLink in Chester County, Career Corps provides in- and out-of-school youth ages 16−24 access to academic, career, and post-secondary preparation as well as leadership training. This youth employment program specifically caters to youth who have barriers to employment.

MontcoWorks NOW—Norristown

Serving at-risk youth and young adults (ages 14−24) who reside in Montgomery County, MontcoWorks NOW helps teens and young adults with opportunities to acquire occupational skill training, work readiness instruction, and the development of a career pathway plan.