2026 Summer Internship | Youth Development Intern

ABOUT US

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is the largest agency in Allegheny County, with a $1 billion+ budget supporting over 200,000 residents annually through community partnerships.

The DHS Internship Program offers students practical experience in public service through meaningful projects that strengthen social services. DHS seeks undergraduate and graduate students to apply their skills, collaborate with professionals, and contribute to programs serving vulnerable populations.

Why Intern at DHS

• Contribute to projects that improve lives across Allegheny County


• Gain experience with one of the nation’s leading human services agencies


• Work alongside experienced professionals and community partners


• Build practical skills and explore careers in public service

Program Details

• Dates: June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026


• Schedule: 20–29 hours per week


• Work Type: In-person (Pittsburgh-based roles)

Eligibility

• Enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate)


• Available to work at least 20 hours per week


• Able to work in person at an assigned DHS office


• Must have an Allegheny County address during the internship


• International candidates must meet federal I-9 employment eligibility requirements

Overview | Youth Development Intern (Braddock Youth Program – BYP)

The Braddock Youth Program (BYP) is a community-based initiative focused on youth development, engagement, and opportunity creation.

As a Youth Development Intern, you will support programming that helps young people build skills, explore career pathways, and strengthen connections to their community. This role offers hands-on experience working directly with youth in a structured, supportive environment.

Focus Areas

• Food Literacy and Wellness


• Professional Development and Career Exposure


• Youth Engagement and Enrichment Programming

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities will vary based on focus area.

Garden, Food Literacy & Community Projects

• Support garden-based youth programming, including mentorship and stewardship activities in partnership with other youth garden teams


• Assist with planning and facilitating lessons and hands-on activities in garden settings (e.g., Greater Valley Market Garden)


• Help coordinate and execute a youth-driven mural project, supporting participants in developing ideas and creating a public-facing installation


• Support additional creative projects that integrate art, community, and youth expression


• Assist with planning and leading cooking lessons and discussions related to food, nutrition, and wellness


• Support workshops focused on food literacy topics such as food access, healthy eating, and local food systems


• Help prepare materials and snacks for programming and maintain kitchen or program supply inventory

Professional Development & Career Exposure

• Support design and facilitation of workshops for youth focused on career readiness and professional skills


• Assist with coordinating guest speakers and career exploration opportunities across industries


• Accompany and support youth as they rotate through different BYP program areas to explore interests and skills


• Assist youth with foundational workforce readiness activities, including resume-building


• Track participation and completion of program components to support program organization and progress monitoring

Youth Engagement & Program Operations

• Support and facilitate group-based activities and enrichment programming across BYP teams


• Build positive relationships with youth participants and foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment


• Assist with planning and coordination of creative, educational, or community-based activities


• Support translation of youth ideas into structured activities, projects, or outputs


• Coordinate day-to-day program logistics, including scheduling, materials, setup, and transitions between activities


• Track participation, attendance, and basic program data across program areas


• Provide flexible support across teams to ensure smooth program delivery and operations


• Contribute to a range of program, coordination, and operational needs as they arise

Preferred Core Skills

• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with youth and diverse populations


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through in a fast-paced environment


• Comfort facilitating or supporting group-based activities


• High level of professionalism, reliability, and accountability


• Strong organizational and time management skills


• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in dynamic settings


• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills by Focus Area

Garden, Food Literacy & Community Projects

• Ability to support hands-on, youth-centered activities related to food, gardening, health, and wellness


• Interest in nutrition, wellness, gardening, cooking, or community health


• Strong facilitation and engagement skills in group settings

Professional Development and Career Exposure

• Ability to support workshops, career exploration activities, or professional development sessions


• Interest in workforce development, career readiness, or youth mentoring


• Strong communication and presentation skills

Youth Engagement & Program Operations

• Ability to build rapport with youth and foster an inclusive, supportive environment


• Experience working with youth in educational, community, or mentoring settings preferred


• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort supporting group-based programming

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience working directly with youth in a community-based setting


• Skills in facilitation, communication, and program coordination


• Exposure to youth development and workforce readiness programming


• Understanding of how community-based programs support long-term outcomes for young people