An Opportunity Worth Sharing: Tampa’s Rising Explorers Program

When we represent juveniles in trouble it is often the result of frustration or foolishness related to boredom and idleness. Kids want to be active and have a purpose. This City of Tampa program is an excellent chance for our youth to break the bonds of boredom, learn skills, and have an independent income. Let’s pray our community fully avails itself of this wonderful opportunity!

If you have a high schooler between 16 and 19 looking for something to do this summer that goes beyond scrolling and sleeping in, the City of Tampa Rising Explorers program is worth knowing about. We have paid internship spots available across city departments this summer, and the application deadline is April 1. The positions pay $15 an hour, run 32 hours a week from June through August, and are open to any student currently enrolled in a Hillsborough County high school, public or private.

The students who come through this program work on real assignments alongside city staff, get paired with mentors, and participate in career and professional development workshops. Some of them end up discovering that public service is exactly what they want to do with their lives. A few of them will probably end up working for the city one day, which is a good thing for all of us.

Applications are at tampa.gov/internships. We also have a number of other summer jobs, like life guard positions posted at tampa.gov/jobs. I hope you share this with anyone in your life who has a high schooler who could use a productive summer.