TIPS Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is TIPS a good choice for summer employment?
TIPS is a rewarding summer job, where you can put your values into action and take part in meaningful work at a nonprofit organization
TIPS allows you to explore a career in public service and build connections within your community
TIPS internship participation is a valuable item on a resume or college application. Skills developed through one’s TIPS internship will be helpful and applicable to future academic / professional pursuits.
TIPS allows you to give back to your community and earn a paycheck at the same time - up to $3,300 over the course of the summer (based on the City of Seattle’s 2026 minimum wage of $21.30/hr).
What can I expect to get out of a tips internship?
Gain hands-on experience working for a non-profit organization, making an impact in the community
Take part in programs and projects where you are given the opportunity to explore your strengths as a leader
Grow your teamwork, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills that can be applied in future academic environments or professional careers
Develop connections at your nonprofit, along with a deeper understanding of the needs of your community
Take part in professional development and leadership workshops with your fellow interns
TIPS partners with a variety of nonprofit organizations ranging in focus areas such as advocacy, arts, human services, environment, tutoring, childcare, and technology - to name a few. Internships are located around the Puget Sound Region, with the highest density of nonprofit internships located in King County. Applicant location and access to transportation are taken into consideration during the selection process, as well as the non-profit organizations we have available. Please refer the full list of nonprofits TIPS has partnered with over the past 25+ years.
where do interns work?
What do interns do at their nonprofits?
As our nonprofit organizations vary in service areas, so do their internship roles! Nonprofits generally host three main departments - Programs, Operations, and Fundraising/Development. TIPS internships might be in one department, a blend of a couple departments, or might have a hand in all three, depending on the size of the nonprofit and the collaborative nature of the departments.
Applicant interest, skills, and background are taken into consideration when matching an intern to their role. You can preview the sample internship guide provided to our nonprofits, here.
No. TIPS pairs interns at designated, vetted non-profit organizations.
Each intern should be able to succeed at any of our nonprofit placements. Applicants may indicate their “Areas of Interest” on the application, which are not guaranteed for placement should an internship offer be granted to the student.
We pair interns based on recommendations from the intern interview and selection committee. This process takes into account each teens’ skills, interests, qualifications, location, and other application details in conjunction with the nonprofit internships available for the upcoming summer program.
Can the intern select their own placement?
Interns are paid Seattle minimum wage, which will be $21.30 per hour in 2026. With the opportunity to work up to a maximum of 160 hours, TIPS interns may earn up to $3,300 over the course of their internship.
How much do TIPS interns get paid?
TIPS is a great fit for high school students ages 15 – 19 who are:
Passionate about community engagement, public service, and social justice
Interested in the behind-the-scenes of nonprofit organizations carrying out community-centered work
Wanting to grow their leadership capabilities and practical work skills
Hardworking, reliable, and enthusiastic about helping others
Review the TIPS Eligibility Requirements for full details on eligibility, time commitment, and internships.
Who should apply to be a TIPS intern?
As a small, local nonprofit, TIPS’ capacity to host interns is based on our staffing capacity and funding. In 2025, we hosted our largest internship class to date with 86 interns serving at 60+ different nonprofit partners!
The number of interns TIPS can host is a set number each year, so the competitiveness of the TIPS program is dependent on the number of applicants we receive, year to year. For example, a program of 75 spots for ~240 applicants (applications received in 2022) looks very different than a program of 86 spots for ~630 applicants (applications received in 2025). TIPS will continue to be transparent in its communication of number of applications received in a given application cycle, number or internship spots we anticipate having that year, and number of interviews we’re able to provide.
How Competitive is the TIPS PRogram?
How do I apply to become a TIPS Intern?
Want to learn more?
TIPS will host virtual informational sessions for students interested in applying to the Teens In Public Service (TIPS) Summer Internship Program. Session dates are below:
Tuesday, January 20, 4pm - 5pm
Thursday, January 29, 4pm - 5pm
Tuesday, February 17, 4pm - 5pm
Wednesday, February 25, 4pm - 5pm
Register now for one or more of these dates! Reminders and a Zoom link will be sent out the week prior to each session.
Still have questions? Email apply@teensinpublicservice.org for more information