The PAL Internship program is generally set up in eight-week blocks.  As the weeks progress, interns will receive higher levels of skills and opportunities to assist them in their future career goals. 

Please note that depending on your specific interests and objectives, the program can be altered to meet your specific needs. 

Most internships are based at the PAL Youth Center (424 N.E. 172^nd), however, a few internships are located at the PAL Administration Office (449 N.E. Emerson) or community locations.

Call 503.823.0250 to receive an internship application.  Or you can send a letter of interest or stop by PAL, 449 N.E. Emerson, Portland, OR 97211 or PAL Youth Center, 424 N.E. 172^nd, Portland, OR 97230.  Fax: 503-823-5841.

E-mail: Maura.

Interns may be assigned to any of the following areas: PAL Youth Center, Sports Programs, Clinics, Administration, Community Policing/Justice Based after School Program pilot projects and more.

Specific duties in the administration of justice field may include: participation in civic/community meetings related to criminal justice system issues; providing input, planning, developing, supervising and implementing justice-based after-school programs; assessing the incidence and distribution of juvenile crime and delinquency, and making recommendations for planning for elimination of conditions conducive to crime; shadowing police officers, deputies and agents; and other duties based on intern interest and PAL needs.  

Specific duties in the recreation field may include: recreation and leisure programming in an assigned area of responsibility; assessing community needs and making recommendations for programming decisions; providing input, planning, developing, supervising, implementing, and evaluating a wide range of recreation and leisure service programs. Program responsibility areas include, but are not limited to, sports and physical fitness activities; crafts, visual and performing arts; targeted programs for youth with disabilities and/or special needs; and programs to meet specific needs and desires of diverse communities.

Outside of administration of justice or recreational opportunities, interns may also work and perform tasks in the following career areas: public administration, social work, education, planning, facility management, public information and involvement, and volunteerism.

PAL will work with individual interns to assure that their assignment and job opportunities meet the internship requirements of their college or university.  Interns will receive structured training, advice, and guidance on accomplishing tasks from their direct supervisor in addition to higher level managers. Assignments are based on the needs of the organization after an assessment of the intern’s knowledge, skills and abilities, aptitude, and interests.

Internships and practicums are unpaid positions; however, interns are encouraged to apply for available seasonal positions.  The basic process for applying for a PAL internship is: 1) complete a volunteer application or send in a cover letter & resume; 2) pass a criminal history check; 3) meet with PAL area supervisor to determine if it is a fit; 4) if yes, sign an internship contract provided by your University/College or PAL and create schedule; and 5) fulfill obligations of internship and successfully complete hours.  PAL is pleased to be a reference for all interns that meet the requirements of the internship and maintain a positive attitude.