Press Release:
Tough economic times and a dwindling job market means many teenagers who usually work over the summer could be out of a job. But Seattle-based nonprofit Teens In Public Service, (TIPS) is working to help some of these teens not only find work, but also give back to their community. Many teenagers can not find those summer jobs of making lattes or flipping burger but TIPS is helping teens secure employment at various non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Puget Sound Area.

You will find TIPS interns organizing a talent show for children with special needs, comforting a 75 year-old woman as she struggles with Alzheimer’s and providing a meal and a smile to a homeless man in downtown Seattle.

TIPS is now seeking applicants for its 2011 class. We invite teens ages 15 to 19 who are leaders in their high schools and are committed to becoming a part of their community through service and volunteerism to apply.

TIPS, founded in 1997 by a Seattle mom and her daughter, (Maureen Brotherton and Tia Heim) who wanted to create more rewarding job opportunities for teens, is now in its 15th year of placing teens at local non-profits. TIPS selects teens for internships at charitable organizations by matching their talents and interests with the needs of over 75 local non-profits. Teens serve at no cost to the non-profit, but earn a paycheck through TIPS.

“Our internships give teens the chance to earn money as well as open their eyes to the needs of their community,” says Cathy Michalec, TIPS Executive Director. “Our hope is that these teens will continue to be involved with their communities long after their internships are over.”

Brittany Lukaris an intern from 2010 wrote about her experience at Northwest Harvest, “I learned I can make a big difference in my community and also I found out I did have a lot more confidence and leadership in myself that I never noticed till my internship. My internship gave me more hope about being able to go to college and go into the major that I want into knowing it will be difficult, but I will be able to pull through it.”

How do teens apply to TIPS?
· Visit the TIPS website at www.teensinpublicservice.org to submit an application on line or download a PDF version of our application.
· Call the TIPS office at 206-985-4647.
· Each applicant also must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, adult mentor or others who can attest to the applicant’s character.
· Applicants must be in high school, between the ages of 15-19 and must be 15 by June, 1, 2011.
· Strong attention is given to an applicant’s availability. Each intern will work 20 or 30 hours per week for 8 weeks and five of those weeks must be consecutive.

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 25, 2011