Teen Internship Grant

The Teen Internship Grant is offered as part of the Library Services and Technology Act programs administered by the State Library of Oregon. This program is designed to support libraries across Oregon in providing structured, paid internship opportunities for teens. The State Library, as a state-level agency, uses federal LSTA funding to strengthen library services, foster workforce development, and expand community engagement. This specific grant focuses on youth engagement by enabling libraries to mentor teens through meaningful, project-based learning experiences that align with library services and community needs. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the hiring of a single teen intern at eligible institutions and to facilitate the development of a connected learning or summer reading project. These projects are expected to contribute to library programming, such as youth engagement initiatives, educational workshops, or creative programming that benefits the community. The grant emphasizes mentorship, requiring libraries to designate a staff member who will guide the intern, provide coaching, and ensure the intern gains valuable professional and personal development experience throughout the internship period. Funding for this opportunity is capped at $4,000 per eligible entity, which is intended primarily to cover the wages of the intern, including associated payroll costs such as taxes. A limited portion of the funds, up to 10 percent, may be used for project-related supplies. However, the grant strictly prohibits expenditures on food, prizes, or entertainment, and all costs must comply with established allowable cost guidelines. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to nondiscrimination laws, minor labor regulations, and, where applicable, the Children’s Internet Protection Act for libraries using funds for internet-enabled devices or services. Eligibility for the grant is limited to Oregon-based entities, including officially recognized public libraries, public library systems, academic libraries at nonprofit institutions, federally recognized tribes, special libraries operated by government or nonprofit organizations, and K-12 schools with library facilities and paid library staff. Restrictions apply to prior recipients, as libraries that have already received the grant twice or failed to meet prior requirements are ineligible. The program also encourages diversity in recruitment, specifically recommending that libraries hire interns who reflect the communities they serve and are not current employees or volunteers. The application process is conducted through the State Library’s Grants and Statistics Portal. Applicants are required to create or access an account, complete the application form, and submit it by the specified deadline. Applications are evaluated by State Library staff based on alignment with program goals and the applicant’s understanding of the internship model. The program operates with a cohort structure, with a maximum of 20 awardees per cycle, and prioritizes applicants who have not previously received the grant or who have not previously hosted a teen intern. The timeline for the grant includes a defined application window, followed by a structured sequence of required and optional meetings, reporting deadlines, and project milestones. For the 2026 cycle, applications opened in January and closed in February, with awards announced shortly thereafter. The program requires participation in kickoff and training meetings, submission of a midway report, completion of all spending by the end of August, and submission of a final report by the end of September. Additional meetings throughout the summer support program implementation and peer collaboration. Overall, the Teen Internship Grant represents a targeted investment in youth workforce development and library service innovation. By combining financial support with structured mentorship and accountability requirements, the program aims to create meaningful experiences for teens while enhancing the capacity of libraries to deliver impactful community programming.

Demonstrate clear understanding of internship goals and mentorship capacity; prioritize strong project planning and alignment with community needs