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Teen Interns

Are you a teen looking to gain valuable work experience while making a positive difference in your community? This is the internship for you!

The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) is seeking Teen Outreach Interns. Interns will assist in implementing the library’s Connected Learning for Teens initiative, fulfilling the mission and vision of the Milwaukee Public Library. Interns will serve as faces and voices for the Library, spearheading teen outreach projects and developing new programs for teens in the Milwaukee community.  They will also consult on space design and redesign, mentor their peers, and host engaging events, all while developing critical career skills in the process.

We are looking for smart, innovative, and dedicated students who want to help others read, learn, and connect. If this is you, submit your application today!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 
LEAD SPECIALTY PROJECTS
  • Develop and implement projects designed to engage teens in all that MPL has to offer, including building citywide programs targeted to teens, spearheading major teen outreach initiatives, hosting events and drop-in programs for teens, and consulting on new models for teen services at the library.
BUILD AND FACILITATE SPACES FOR CONNECTED LEARNING AT THE LIBRARY
  • Help facilitate daily Open Making Time in MPL Makerspaces.  Work closely with patrons to help them engage with equipment, programming, and instruction in the Makerspaces.  Assist with grant writing, tours, and presentations to support the continued growth of MPL Makerspaces. In collaboration with other teens in the community, consult on the design for new teen spaces and services.  Create placemaking art for Makerspaces. Help to engage families and educators in using library resources.
     
SPEARHEAD TEEN PROMOTION
  • Help get the word out about library events and programs for teens. Serve as a liaison to peers, using social media and other effective strategies to engage teens in MPL programs and resources.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Learn how gaining experience as a library intern supports one’s future plans. Help peers to connect the dots between internships and their future plans by hosting college and career readiness programs.
COLLABORATE
  • Work closely with colleagues in the internship program, MPL staff, and community members to achieve the mission and serve the community. Advise on multiple library projects that relate to teens and the target markets outlined in “MPL 2020: Our plan for the Future.”
REFLECT
  • Coached by MPL staff, document activities, measure progress, and report on accomplishments.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • The work schedule is an average of 10 hours a week, which includes regular after school and weekend hours.
  • Teen Outreach Interns will be asked to report to either the Mitchell Street Branch (906 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204) the Good Hope Branch (7717 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53223) or the Washington Park Branch (2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53208) on a regular basis. In the event that a Teen Outreach Intern is asked to report to another location in Milwaukee, a bus pass will be provided if needed. Some flexibility relative to hours and location may be required based on program needs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  1. Must be working towards a high school diploma. NOTE: There is no minimum GPA requirement, but a current high school grade report must be included with your application.
  2. Must be at least 16 years old at time of application; and may not be more than 18 years old on the starting date of the internship.
  3. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Leadership experience in school and other relevant activities.
  • Genuine interest in helping peers to develop 21st-century literacies.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

  • Ability to read work-related documents in English.
  • Ability to express oneself well in writing.
  • Ability to speak clearly and confidently.
  • Ability to develop rapport with peers, parents, and community partners.
  • Ability to work well both independently and in a team.
  • Basic project management skills.
  • Ability to learn technology fundamentals, including the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Ability to learn communications and marketing principles, particularly social media.
  • Planning, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Commitment to representing the Library in a positive manner.

CURRENT SALARY

The current starting salary (Pay Range 9MN) is $15.60 per hour, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $16.07 per hour.

For further information, please call (414) 286-3019.

Teen Intern Application

Before you fill out this form, make sure to see the essential functions, conditions, requirements and salary info.

Please fill out the form below. (*) = required
Applicant Information





You will be contacted via email. Please notify us if your email changes so we can reach you.








Availability During the School Year





Parent or Guardian Information



Please list two professional references. This could be a coach, youth group leader, teacher, or an employer. Please do not list a family member as a reference.


Reference 1:


Reference 2:





(Briefly explain in your cover letter why you would like to intern with the Milwaukee Public Library. What are your personal goals? What do you hope to gain from the experience? What skills and expertise do you have to offer?)


Please answer the following questions in 300 words or less:



To Print, open the browser menu found near/in the top right-hand corner (Macs: click "File" in the top menu) and select "Print" to open the print menu.


To complete the application, select the "Submit" button below. A confirmation will be sent to your email address provided.


For more information, contact Petra Duecker at 414.286.3019 or email to: teens@milwaukee.gov