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Welcome to the City of Portland’s student outreach page! Whether you're a high school student exploring your first work experience, a college student preparing for your future career, or a young adult looking to gain career readiness skills, this hub connects you to opportunities in Public Service!
Overview
The Student Outreach Program, led by the City of Portland's Bureau of Human Resources, is your gateway to explore all the internships, job shadowing, employment, and volunteer opportunities available throughout the City's many bureaus and departments.
This site serves as the official landing page for all student and youth-related programs across the City — including roles in areas like:
- Environmental services
- Public safety and emergency response
- Urban planning and transportation
- Parks and community engagement
- Technology & Finance
- Arts, culture, equity initiatives & much more!
Every City bureau & department has a unique mission and offers pathways where students can learn, contribute, and grow. We're here to support you at every step!
Navigate our different pages to find what you need
- Want to learn about how the city operates?
Explore our Student's Guide to City of Portland Government Structure section on the sidebar to browse through different City bureaus and find the one that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Looking for specific opportunities?
Visit the Student Career Pathways to learn about the different career pathways, student jobs & internships at the City of Portland.
- Interested in knowing where the next student outreach event the City will be at?
Find a list at our Student Outreach Events page for a calendar of upcoming career fairs, job events, workshops, student-focused outreach events that are sponsored or hosted by the City of Portland recruiters & staff.
- Need resume help or interview prep?
Check out the Student Job Resources section for templates, tips, and job application videos designed just for job seekers!
- Have questions?
Fill out a interest intake form to be connected to opportunities at the city that fit your career goals! You can also reach out to our team directly — our contact info is available on the right sidebar.
Student & Youth Interest Intake form
Let's get to know you!
Please fill out our intake Form here to help our team better connect you with opportunities. The form allows you to pick what opportunities you are interested in, enabling us to better inform and assist you.
Filling out the form is required to participate in job shadows, mentorships, mock/informational interviews, and receive application assistance. We will keep your form and contact you if a new internship or job opportunity arises.
City Employee & External Partners Interest Intake form
Let's help connect you!
Please fill out our intake Form here to help our team better connect you with our Student Outreach team for outreach and engagement opportunities. The form allows you to select what opportunities you are interested in, enabling us to better inform and assist you.
Internship and Employment Opportunities
There are 4 ways to explore and apply for opportunities with the City of Portland:
1. City of Portland Government Jobs Page
The City of Portland's Government Jobs website has all our regular job openings, including internships, seasonal jobs, part-time positions that are flexible with student schedules. Explore all open positions, including internships and part-time roles. Many students apply for roles such as Community Service Aide I, Recreation Leader, as great entry points into City careers.
To help you better navigate the City of Portland's governmentjobs website, visit our "How to Apply with the City of Portland" page or Resources page, which is located on the right sidebar.
2. SummerWorks Internship Program
In partnership with Worksystems, Inc., SummerWorks provides paid internships for youth aged 16–24. No prior experience needed. Just your curiosity and willingness to learn. SummerWorks also partners with non-profits, businesses, other cities, and State agencies.
You can find the different types of internships SummerWorks offers and apply for City work experiences through their program at this link here> PDXYouthWork.
An internship lasts 160 hours and starting pay is $16/hr.
3. University and Trade School Partnerships
Below are links to partnerships the city has with specific schools. If you're affiliated with PSU, PCC, OSU, OHSU, Mt. Hood, Reed College, or local trade programs, additional opportunities may be available through established partnerships. Let us know your school in the intake form so we can connect you with the right contact.
You can learn more about each student opportunities with out local partners at the below links:
Hatfield Resident Fellowship - Portland State University
Future Connect - Portland Community College
Internships - Oregon Health & Sciences University
Fellowships & Awards - Reed College
MECOP · Student Focused Internships - PSU, OSU, University of Portland, and Oregon Tech
Get Involved / Landing Page - Portland Public Schools
4. Volunteer with Us!
In 2025, the City of Portland had a new form of government, and several changes have occurred. Among them is the creation of new oversight committees to add to existing ones. Some but not all volunteer opportunities have skill or experience requirements, but not all of them.
You can find a list of volunteer opportunities with the city at governmentjobs.com and local environmental groups looking for volunteers at Volunteer for Portland's Environment. Once you submit your intake form, we will also inform you of additional volunteer opportunities if they arise.