L+EARN Internship

A paid, 12-week part-time internship at the Project Lemonade Store where youth gain hands-on job experience, career confidence, and develop essential employment skills.

Purpose: Provide youth with "Learn + Earn" opportunity through supportive environment for career development and first-time employment experience.

Award/Compensation:

• Hourly Rate: $16.50 per hour
• Hours: Up to 160 hours of work (approximately 10-12 weeks)
• Work Schedule: 10-20 hours weekly, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (standard shift is 5 hours, 3-4 days per week)
• Attendance Bonus: Up to $200 for good attendance
• Basic Needs Funding: Up to $500 accessible to interns
• Total Potential: Approximately $2,640 - $3,520 plus bonuses
• Pay Schedule: Biweekly on Fridays (check or direct deposit)

Program Components

• Career and personal development workshops
• Social activities with other interns
• Career exploration and networking events
• Weekly team skill-building meetings
• Goal-setting support
• Work and life skills support
• Enrollment in SummerWorks job network for future employment
• Post-internship connection to Intern Alumni group with ongoing activities and resources
• Performance feedback and exit interviews

Job Responsibilities

• Inventory processing
• Customer service and assisting shoppers
• Store stocking, organization, and cleanliness
• Supporting store operations

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: 16-24 years old
• Foster Care Status: Current or recent involvement with child welfare system as a foster youth
• Availability: Available to work 10-20 hours weekly, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
• Transportation: Able to get to/from Project Lemonade at Lloyd Center (Trimet pass assistance available)
• Accommodations: Program can adapt for youth living with disabilities

Skills Gained

• Enhanced communication skills
• Collaboration abilities
• Retail and customer service skills
• Career confidence
• Professional work ethic

Application Process

Step 1: Fill out the Internship Interest Form

Step 2: Participate in in-person interview at Project Lemonade

Step 3: If selected, become a temporary employee of Project Lemonade

Step 4: Complete 12-week paid internship (up to 160 hours)

Step 5: Receive performance feedback and participate in exit interview

Key Details for Success

Requirements for Success:

• Motivation to work and gain skills
• Positive attitude
• Responsibility and work ethic
• Ability to work in a team
• Interest in giving back and helping others

Program Support:

• Weekly team skill-building meetings
• One-on-one goal-setting
• Career exploration opportunities
• Networking events
• Transportation assistance (Trimet pass provided if needed)

Work Schedule Flexibility:

• Internship adapted to meet individual needs and preferences
• Standard shift: 5 hours, 3-4 days per week (up to 20 hours/week)
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
• Can be adjusted for individual circumstances

Post-Internship:

• Connection to Intern Alumni group
• Access to ongoing activities and resources
• Enrollment in SummerWorks job network