Data collected directly from youth indicated they struggle with consent and boundaries in personal relationships and a general feeling of hopelessness when it comes to the future. This paid internship was designed in collaboration with Family Leadership Training Institute and Communities that Care to target underserved youth, provide job readiness skills and to develop healthy boundaries and communication skills with peers and adults for a more hopeful future.

Going beyond the library walls, this internship responded directly to the issues youth face while leveraging community resources to meet these needs efficiently and effectively. At the end of the internship, teens were tasked with utilizing data to pitch programs, events, or support that filled their observed gaps in library service to their community. Pitches included a Gay-Straight Alliance Advisory Board (GSAAB), a youth led publication, peer to peer tutoring and safe space events to foster community connection.

25 youth were selected and completed the internship with 45 total applicants. Youth interns are working with Teen Advisory boards to implement program proposals including the Gay-Straight Alliance Advisory Board and safe space events. Teen evaluation feedback was overwhelmingly positive, saying that they felt more comfortable with communicating their needs and boundaries in addition to honing presentation skills.